Can you powder coat a car? from Yangcrystal's blog

By replacing outdated painting techniques, powder coating has improved the durability of automobile parts and increased the productivity of the auto industry.

Why Should You Powder Coat a Car?

For automobiles, powder coating can serve as both an aesthetic and protective finish. It is a cost-effective method for polishing metal, and it provides both strength and a nice appearance.

Initially, liquid paint was the industry standard for automobiles, but powder coatings have gained widespread acceptance as a more sophisticated and effective alternative:

Powder coatings contain no solvents, and therefore are largely free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful pollutants

Powder coating is also more efficient to apply, and you don’t waste any oversprayed powder, since you can collect and reuse it

Unlike liquid paint, powder coating will not run or drip, and it is easier to apply to hard-to-reach spots, providing even coverage on sharp edges and corners

What Parts of a Car Are Usually Powder Coated?

Automotive powder coatings are used on a variety of automotive parts including exterior and interior trim.

To prevent corrosion, a single layer of paint can be used on a car's interior structural components. Additionally, a variety of finishes are available to enhance a vehicle's design and aesthetic impact.

Under the Bonnet

Under the hood engine parts can be given a uniform color scheme and added protection by having powder coating applied.

This could entail covering the entire chassis structure or different engine parts like the cylinder heads.

The Chassis

The frame and suspension of a car are the parts that are most susceptible to road damage. Powder coating can provide protection from everyday wear and tear.

Powder coating is chemical resistant too, which helps preserve the vehicle’s metal against substances such as brake fluid.

Plus, with powder coating, you can achieve an excellent, uniform finish.

Wheel Rims

Wheel rims are among the most frequently powder-coated auto parts. Wheel rims that have been powder coated keep their finish far longer, despite the harsh circumstances they frequently meet on the road.

Wheel rims are given a rich-appearing, durable polish by powder coating.

Additionally, this technique improves their aesthetic impact, and you may color-match your coating to match the rest of the car.

Other Vehicle Features

Some car door handles are zinc die-cast, and require a specific type of powder coating to add a protective layer to them. Window trims also benefit from powder coating treatments. 

Then there are various trims, grills and other exterior components, which benefit from the UV and general protection that powder coatings can provide.

Where you have custom accessories, these will benefit from having a finish that will make them as durable as the rest of the car.

What Types of Powder Coating Apply to Cars?

Powder coatings became first established as primers in automotive applications, but since then they have evolved considerably.

There are various types of powder coating, and typically, a car may require different types depending on which parts you are coating.

For example, polyester-urethane coatings can offer high-performance, but may lose their high-gloss finish over time.

Acrylic powders, on the other hand, have better weathering properties.

As the technology of powder coatings continues to progress, so their potential applications in the automotive industry increase.

Already, powder clearcoats are replacing traditional liquid clearcoats, offering vehicle exteriors protection from weather damage, debris and other wear and tear.

Heat-resistant powder coating has a potential as a coating for exhaust systems, extending their lifespan by offering improved resistance to corrosion and abrasion.