Powder coating is a finishing process that applies a dry, free-flowing powder of pigment and resin to a surface electrostatically, then cures it with heat so it melts and flows into a smooth, hard, durable coloured layer that is far tougher and more even than conventional liquid paint. Because no solvents are involved and the coating is baked into a continuous film, powder coating produces a thick, resilient, high-quality finish in almost any colour and texture, making it a versatile choice for metal awards, bases and structural components.
Fabit uses powder coating to give metal pieces a robust, beautifully even colour finish at our Antwerp workshop. When a design calls for a specific colour with a substantial, durable feel, whether a deep matte black base or a bold branded hue, powder coating delivers, and it pairs well with engraving and other finishing methods.
How powder coating works
Powder coating begins with a finely ground powder made of pigment and polymer resin. The powder is given an electrostatic charge as it is sprayed, while the metal workpiece is electrically grounded. This charge difference makes the powder particles cling evenly to the surface, wrapping around edges and coating the piece uniformly, even in recesses that liquid paint might miss. The coated piece is then moved into an oven and heated. The heat causes the powder to melt, flow together and chemically cure into a continuous, solid film that bonds firmly to the metal.
The result is a coating that is thicker, more uniform and far more durable than sprayed paint. Because it is applied dry and cured by heat, there are no drips, runs or solvent problems, and the finish is consistent across the whole surface. Proper cleaning and preparation of the metal beforehand are essential for good adhesion, just as with any quality coating. Because there are no solvents evaporating during application, powder coating is also a cleaner process environmentally, and any powder that does not adhere on the first pass can often be reclaimed, which appeals to clients who care about the sustainability credentials of the pieces they commission.
Colours, textures and finishes
Powder coating offers enormous flexibility in appearance.
- Colour: virtually any colour is achievable, including precise brand-matched hues.
- Gloss level: from high gloss to satin to dead matte, changing the whole character of a piece.
- Texture: smooth, fine textured, hammered or wrinkle finishes, each with a different tactile quality.
- Special effects: metallic, pearlescent and other decorative powders for distinctive looks.
This range lets us match a powder coat closely to a brand’s identity or a design’s intent. Our materials overview explains which metals we coat and how the finish behaves on each.
Durability and why it suits awards
The defining strength of powder coating is toughness. The cured film resists chipping, scratching, fading and corrosion far better than liquid paint, so a powder-coated award or base stays looking crisp through years of handling and display. This durability makes it ideal for the structural parts of a piece, bases, frames and mounts, that take the most contact, as well as for coloured decorative surfaces. Combined with its clean, even appearance and wide colour range, this resilience is why powder coating is a mainstay of quality metal finishing.
Powder coating and engraving
Powder coating combines effectively with engraving. A powder-coated surface can be laser engraved to cut through the coloured layer and reveal the metal beneath, giving high-contrast text and logos, much like engraving anodised aluminium. Alternatively, a piece can be engraved first and then coated, or masked so that certain areas stay bare metal against the coloured coating. These approaches let us personalise powder-coated awards cleanly and permanently, and we plan the sequence to suit each design.
Powder coating compared with anodising and plating
Each metal finish has its place. Anodising transforms aluminium’s own oxide layer into a hard coloured surface, ideal for a precise, engineered aluminium look, but it only works on aluminium. Electroplating deposits a genuine metal such as gold or chrome for a true metallic finish. Powder coating applies a thick, durable coloured polymer film and works on a wide range of metals, offering the broadest choice of colours, textures and gloss levels. Where you want a specific colour or texture with excellent durability on steel, aluminium or other metals, powder coating is often the best fit. We advise on the right choice for each project, and finished examples appear on our custom trophies service.
Combining powder coating in a design
Powder coating rarely works in isolation on a premium piece. We frequently use a powder-coated metal base or frame to support a crystal, glass or acrylic feature, contrasting a solid matte colour with a luminous transparent element. We combine it with engraving for personalisation and with plated or anodised accents for tonal variety. Thinking about how the coated element sits within the whole design is central to our advisory approach, and it is what turns a coloured part into a considered piece. You can explore how coatings work within complete pieces, including our 3D printed trophy options, where coating finishes a printed form beautifully.
How Fabit handles powder coating
We integrate powder coating into our in-house finishing at the Antwerp workshop, preparing each metal piece carefully, matching colours and textures to the design, and inspecting the cured finish for evenness and quality. We advise on colour, gloss and how the coating combines with engraving and other materials, ship completed awards worldwide, and respond to every enquiry within 24 hours. To begin your design, visit our online design studio.
Frequently asked questions
Is powder coating more durable than paint?
Yes. The cured film is thicker and tougher than liquid paint, resisting chips, scratches, fading and corrosion far better.
What colours and textures are available?
Almost any colour, plus a range of gloss levels and textures from high gloss to dead matte, including metallic and special-effect finishes.
Can powder-coated awards be engraved?
Yes. Laser engraving can cut through the coating to reveal the metal beneath for high-contrast personalisation.
Which metals can be powder coated?
A wide range, including steel and aluminium. Preparation is tailored to each metal for the best adhesion.
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