Powder Coating vs. Wet Paint: Choosing the Right Industrial Finish for Your Products

Choosing between powder coating and wet paint for your production part finishes typically comes down to several main factors – most notably, the end product’s durability requirements, largely determined by its expected use and operational environment. The environmental impact of the process is also an increasingly important consideration, as it significantly affects the overall sustainability and carbon footprint of your project.

Below, we’ve put together a quick comparison of powder coating vs. wet paint options. As one of the leading powder coating companies in the Midwest region, Winona aims to help you decide which is the best metal finish for your products.

Why Choose Powder Coating for Your Products?

As powder coating technology and powder formulations have advanced, the process has become increasingly advantageous. Today, it’s often the go-to choice for metal finishes in industrial applications of all sorts.

Powder coating is highly durable and offers superior protection against corrosion, scratches, impacts and harsh weather. The electrostatic coating process ensures a consistent, even layer that resists chipping, fading, and wear over time.

All of those benefits are crucial for industrial equipment that sees heavy use, weathering, and contact with various chemicals. Essentially, powder coating protects surfaces longer than typical wet paints, maintains a premium appearance, and offers extended rust prevention, maximizing the ROI of every finished part.

Powder Coating: The More Sustainable Industrial Metal Finish

If sustainability is important, choosing powder coating is a no brainer. The process is much more environmentally friendly than sprayed liquid paints since powders contain no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, oversprayed powder can often be collected and reused, which means less waste than the liquid painting process.

Liquid Paints Compared to Powder Coating 

Wet paints can provide strong protection but are almost always less durable than powder coatings. Paint is typically much more prone to chipping and scratching, especially in areas with heavy handling or exposure to the elements. Furthermore, achieving an even, durable finish often requires multiple paint coats and careful processing, which increases labor costs and drying time between applications. While paint can provide a smooth finish, it is more prone to runs, sags, and inconsistencies in thickness than powder coating. 

Quality American Powder Coating Services Since 1974

Winona Powder Coating has evolved into one of the Midwest’s leading industrial powder coaters largely due to the quality and flexibility of our services – backed by superior customer service. With two locations based out of Etna Green and Elkhart, Indiana, our company has served the American industrial space for more than half a century.