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Bring color and a cured protective layer to selected metal components

Color with a cured finish. Powder coating for selected components

For projects originating in Apple Valley, California, DMC provides powder coating at its Oceanside facility. Share the part details and finish target so suitability, preparation and masking can be reviewed before a written quote. Color selection is considered alongside the component’s construction and the conditions it will face.

Certified, Approved and Verified

What determines a suitable finish for your component?

Powder creates a cured color layer on suitable metal. The right result depends on the component as much as the selected shade. For Apple Valley Projects

For Apple Valley, this service is handled as a project review rather than a local walk-in operation. DMC performs powder coating at its Oceanside, California facility and evaluates eligible metal parts before quoting. For mixed-use components, the requested appearance should be balanced against the metal and the part’s service conditions.

The finish plan considers lamp bodies and fixture parts call for even coverage while keeping sockets, threads and electrical interfaces clear. Options can include gloss, satin, semi-gloss, matte, flat black, fine texture, wrinkle, hammertone, metallic, candy or clear powder, depending on suitability.

Send clear photos, approximate dimensions, quantity, base-metal information and the desired color or sheen. A written quote is provided for approval before parts are shipped or production is scheduled.

Being a plating shop first gives us one more advantage. We can polish or plate a part and then seal it under clear powder, or combine powder coated and plated pieces on the same project so every finish comes from the same place and the colors line up.

What We Do

Powder Coating Services

Powder options are selected after reviewing the component, base metal and intended use. Primer plus UV-stable topcoat systems may be considered for suitable outdoor parts.

Small steel brackets powder coated in gloss and satin colors on a workbench

Gloss and Satin Colors

Solid colors with a smooth, even sheen. Gloss gives a deep, wet look, while satin softens reflections and keeps fingerprints from showing on parts people touch.

Matte black powder coated hardware in soft daylight

Matte and Flat

Low sheen finishes with a modern, understated look. Flat black is our most requested color for architectural hardware, light fixtures and product parts.

Close view of a fine textured black powder coat on an aluminum enclosure

Textured and Wrinkle

A fine sand or wrinkle texture that hides small casting flaws and handling marks. A practical choice for housings, tool parts and anything that gets gripped.

Metallic and translucent candy powder coat finishes on small decorative parts

Metallic and Candy

Powders with suspended metallic flake, or a translucent candy color layered over a silver base for depth. Often finished with a clear topcoat for extra protection.

Polished brass and copper parts sealed under clear powder coat

Clear Over Metal

A clear powder layer over polished aluminum, brass, copper or plated parts. It keeps the natural metal look while protecting it from tarnish and fingerprints.

Steel bracket with a primer coat beside a finished outdoor powder coated part

Primer and Outdoor Systems

Two coat systems with a corrosion resistant primer under a UV stable topcoat. Built for coastal air, patios and parts that spend their life outside.

How It Works

Our Powder Coating Process

Preparation may involve chemical or thermal stripping, media blasting and metal-specific pretreatment. Porous cast iron may require bake-out when needed.

1

Send Photos

Show us the parts, tell us the quantity and the color or sheen you have in mind.

2

Get Your Quote

We confirm the base metal, the prep and any masking, then send a written quote within 24 business hours.

3

Ship or Drop Off

The final review checks the requested appearance and any specified bare areas. Color and sheen should be agreed in advance, and exact matching is not guaranteed without an approved reference and process review.

4

Strip, Blast and Pretreat

Old coatings and rust come off, the metal is blasted to a clean profile and pretreated for adhesion.

5

Coat, Cure and Inspect

Powder is applied, cured to the manufacturer schedule, checked for coverage and sheen, then packed.

Powder Coating Catalog

Finishes, Options and Parts We Coat

A quick reference to the powder finishes we apply, the options that go with them and the kinds of parts that come through the shop most often.

Powder Finishes

  • Gloss Colors
  • Satin and Semi Gloss
  • Matte and Flat Black
  • Fine Texture
  • Wrinkle Finish
  • Hammertone
  • Metallic and Candy
  • Clear Gloss and Clear Matte

Coating Options

  • Chemical and Thermal Stripping
  • Media Blasting
  • Pretreatment for Adhesion
  • Primer Plus Topcoat Systems
  • Masking and Plugging
  • Clear Coat Over Plating
  • Color Matching to a Sample

Parts We Coat Most

  • Door and Cabinet Hardware
  • Brackets and Mounts
  • Light Fixtures and Lamp Parts
  • Electronic Enclosures and Panels
  • Small Furniture Components
  • Marine Fittings
  • Tool and Equipment Parts
  • Prototypes and Short Runs
Real Results

Before and After

Slide the handle across each photo to compare the part as we received it with the same part after powder coating.

Cast aluminum wall lantern after textured black powder coat
Faded and chalky wall lantern before powder coating Before
After

Outdoor Wall Lantern

Years of sun had turned the original paint chalky and gray. Stripped, blasted and recoated in a fine textured black that will hold its color on a sunny wall.

FINE TEXTURE CAST ALUMINUM UV STABLE
Steel door pulls restored with a durable matte black finish, featuring rectangular bar handles and tubular grab handles mounted on a workshop table.
Steel door pulls with heavy surface rust, peeling paint, corrosion and worn metal finishes before restoration. Before
After

Steel Door Pulls

Years of rust, peeling paint and surface corrosion. Stripped down to bare metal, prepared and refinished with a durable matte black coating for a clean, long-lasting finish.

MATTE BLACK STEEL METAL RESTORATION
Restored pink door knobs with a smooth satin finish, including round knobs with keyholes and decorative circular backplates arranged on a wooden workshop table.
Old pink door knobs with heavily chipped paint, rust, corrosion, worn metal surfaces and a dented knob before restoration. Before
After

Door Knob Restoration

Years of chipped paint, rust and worn finishes. Stripped, repaired and refinished in a soft pink coating to restore the original charm and give each door knob a fresh, durable finish.

PINK FINISH DOOR HARDWARE RESTORATION
One Piece or a Thousand

Big order or a single knob, same care.

Homeowners send us one faucet. Companies in and out of state send production runs of hundreds or thousands of parts. Both get a written quote and the same inspection before anything ships back.

Tap to add photos (up to 5). JPG, PNG, WEBP or iPhone HEIC.
    What We Can Coat

    Metals We Powder Coat

    Powder only bonds to metal that can carry a static charge and survive the cure, and each metal asks for its own cleaning and pretreatment.

    All finishes

    Steel

    The most common metal we coat. Rust and scale are blasted away, then the surface is pretreated so the powder grips and resists creeping corrosion at edges and holes.

    All finishes

    Aluminum

    Light and naturally corrosion resistant, but it needs a dedicated pretreatment to hold powder long term. Castings are preheated first so trapped gases do not blister the finish.

    Ask us first

    Cast Iron

    Porous metal that holds oil and air. We bake it out before coating to drive out what is trapped inside, which is the step that keeps pinholes out of the final color.

    All finishes

    Stainless Steel

    Coated when you want color on a part that already resists rust. The smooth surface gets a light blast for profile so the powder has something to grab.

    Ask us first

    Galvanized Steel

    Can be powder coated with the right prep. The zinc layer is cleaned, lightly profiled and preheated to limit outgassing, giving two layers of protection in one part.

    Our specialty

    Brass, Copper and Plated Parts

    Polished or freshly plated parts can be sealed under clear powder. It is where our plating and powder work meet, and few powder shops can offer both.

    Choosing the Right Finish

    Powder, Paint or Plating?

    We run all three kinds of work, so we have no reason to push one over the others. Here is how they compare when you are deciding on a finish.

    Powder coat

    Powder Coating

    • Thick, even film in one coat
    • High chip and scratch resistance
    • Huge range of colors and textures
    • No solvents or drips
    • Best for color on metal parts
    Wet paint

    Liquid Paint

    • Thin film, several coats
    • Easy to touch up in place
    • Works on wood and plastic
    • Softer, chips more easily
    • Best for parts that cannot be baked
    Plating

    Metal Plating

    • A real metal layer, not color
    • Mirror chrome, nickel, brass, copper
    • Keeps tight tolerances
    • Can be sealed under clear powder
    • Best for a true metal look
    Freshly powder coated parts hanging on a rack in the shop
    Plating line at Decorative Metal Coatings
    35+ Years of Expertise
    Take a Moment to Learn More

    About Decorative Metal Coatings

    We started as a plating shop in 1989 and added powder coating so our clients could get color and metal finishes from one place. The same attention to prep that our plating work is known for goes into every powder coated part.

    Free Estimates Available

    Send a photo of your parts and receive a no obligation quote within 24 hours.

    Quality Guaranteed

    Every part leaves our shop backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. If you are not satisfied, we make it right.

    Ship From Anywhere in the US

    A single bracket or a box of production parts, shipped to us from any state and returned insured.

    Fast Turnaround Times

    Most projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited Orders: 5 to 7 business days. Contact us for availability.

    Who We Serve

    Who Trusts Us With Powder Coat

    Projects are not limited to a single industry. Part geometry, metal type, finish expectations and cure requirements determine whether the work is suitable.

    Powder coated cup holders, sign brackets and gaming accessories on a table

    Casinos and Gaming

    Cup holders, slot cabinet trim, sign brackets, stanchion tops and chair hardware in colors matched to the property. Trusted by casino resorts across North County San Diego to stand up to constant handling and cleaning.

    Matte black powder coated pendant shades, sconces and door hardware

    Lighting and Architectural Hardware

    Sconces, pendant shades, lantern bodies, door pulls and hinges coated to match across an entire project.

    Powder coated electronic enclosures and panels with masked ground points

    Electronics and Enclosures

    Housings, chassis panels and control boxes with ground points, threads and gasket channels masked.

    Powder coated marine fittings and brackets near a sunny dock

    Marine and Coastal

    Brackets, mounts and fittings coated over a primer for salt air, harbor spray and constant sun.

    Powder coated table bases and chair hardware in a bright restaurant

    Hospitality and Furniture

    Table bases, chair components, menu holders and shelving hardware for restaurants, hotels and bars.

    Small batch of powder coated product parts laid out on a bench

    Product Makers and Prototypes

    Short runs and prototype parts for designers and small brands that need a production quality finish.

    What Our Clients Say

    Trusted by Professionals

    From custom builders to industrial manufacturers, our clients trust us to deliver the same result every time.

    Our Commitment

    Powder Coat Done Right

    Powder coating looks simple from the outside. The difference between a finish that lasts for years and one that flakes in a season comes down to the steps nobody sees.

    Down to Bare Metal

    Old paint, powder and rust are removed completely, never coated over, so the new finish bonds to the metal itself.

    Pretreated for Adhesion

    Every part is cleaned and pretreated after blasting, the step that keeps rust from creeping under the coating later.

    Cured and Checked

    Parts are cured to the powder maker schedule and checked for full coverage, even sheen and correct color.

    Packed to Protect

    Finished pieces are wrapped individually so they arrive without rub marks or scuffs from shipping.

    What We Do Differently

    • We strip and blast before every coat
    • Threads and mating surfaces are masked
    • Cast parts are baked out before coating
    • We send photos when a part needs a decision from you
    • Every order is inspected before it is packed

    What You May Experience Elsewhere

    • Powder sprayed over old paint and rust
    • Skipped pretreatment that leads to peeling
    • Threads filled with powder and parts that will not assemble
    • Pinholes and bubbles on cast metal
    • Little communication once parts are in the shop

    Before You Send Parts

    Small Steps That Make a Better Finish

    Powder is cured with heat, so anything on the part that is not metal has to come off first. Rubber bumpers, plastic caps, gaskets, glass, bearings, seals and electrical parts will not survive the cure. Taking them off before you ship saves labor on our end and keeps those pieces safe.

    Think about where the part touches other parts. Threads, bores, bearing seats, ground points and sliding surfaces usually need to stay bare, because even a thin layer of powder can stop a bolt from turning or a lid from closing. Mark those areas with tape or a quick photo note and we will mask or plug them.

    Tell us about any repairs. Body filler, epoxy and glue break down in the cure and leave bubbles behind, while welded and brazed areas often need extra blasting. Old parts that lived in oil, such as tool and machine parts, may need an extra bake out before coating.

    Finally, send everything that needs to match in the same order. Powder colors vary slightly from batch to batch, so a full set coated together will always line up better than pieces done months apart.

    Keep cleaning gentle and consistent

    Avoid harsh products that can damage the finish

    Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild dish soap, then dry the part. Avoid abrasive pads, solvents and paint thinners that may affect the coating. For components with textured surfaces, use a soft cloth that will not leave residue in the profile.

    For coastal applications, rinse salt residue with fresh water. If the coating is deeply chipped, address the damaged area promptly rather than allowing exposure to continue.

    Near the coast, salt is the main enemy. Rinse outdoor and marine parts with fresh water every few weeks and after storms. A light coat of non abrasive spray wax a couple of times a year adds another layer that sheds water and salt.

    If a part takes a deep hit and the coating is broken down to metal, seal the spot quickly with touch up paint so moisture cannot spread underneath. For a full repair, we can strip the part and coat it again to match the rest of the set.

    Nationwide Service

    Ship Us Your Parts From Anywhere in the US

    Before shipping from Apple Valley, remove rubber, plastic, glass, gaskets, bearings, seals and electrical components. Mark all surfaces that must remain bare, wait for the approved quote number, wrap parts individually, insure the shipment and send tracking details. Separate dissimilar metal types and identify each group in the packing list.

    01

    Get a quote first

    Send photos, quantities and the color you want. We reply with a written quote, prep notes and lead time. Please wait for your quote number before shipping.

    02

    Strip off the extras

    Remove rubber, plastic, glass and bearings, then bag any small hardware you want returned. Wrap each part on its own with at least three inches of padding.

    03

    Insure it and send tracking

    Declare the full value with the carrier and email us the tracking number so your parts are logged the day they arrive.

    04

    Approved, then returned

    We photograph the finished parts for your approval, wrap each one in fresh packing and ship them back insured.

    Visit Us

    Our Location

    Every powder coat job is stripped, blasted, coated and cured in our own facility in North County San Diego.

    Decorative Metal Coatings

    Powder coating, plating and metal finishing in San Diego County since 1989.

    Business Hours

    • Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
    • Sunday Closed

    Powder coating is performed in Oceanside, California

    DMC does not operate a powder-coating shop in Apple Valley. Eligible projects can be shipped to the Oceanside facility from anywhere in the United States after a written quote is approved.

    Nearby Cities We Serve

    Other California communities represented in the service-area content include Arcadia, Azusa, Bakersfield. All powder coating is performed at the Oceanside facility.

    Arcadia; Azusa; Bakersfield

    Questions to review before sending metal parts

    Frequently Asked Questions

    These answers cover common preparation, compatibility, shipping and care considerations. Final suitability is determined by reviewing the actual component and project requirements.

    No. Steel, aluminum, cast iron, stainless, galvanized steel, brass and copper may be considered, but preparation differs by substrate. Each part must be reviewed. A written masking plan is useful when several openings have different requirements.

    Yes. Identify threads, bores, bearing seats, ground points and mating surfaces before quoting so masking or plugging can be planned. The preparation sequence is determined by the actual substrate and condition.

    Eligible projects may be shipped from any US state after a written quote is approved. The facility is in Oceanside, California. The facility address and quote reference should be confirmed before the carrier pickup.

    Remove rubber, plastic, glass, gaskets, bearings, seals and electrical parts. Mark areas that must remain bare, wait for the quote number, wrap parts individually, insure the shipment and provide tracking. Remove heat-sensitive and nonmetal attachments before shipment.

    Clean with a soft cloth, warm water and mild dish soap, then dry. Avoid solvents, thinners and abrasives. Rinse coastal parts with fresh water and address deep chips promptly. Coastal parts benefit from periodic fresh-water rinsing.

    Send us a few photos of the part from different angles, along with what it is and the finish you want. We look them over and send a written quote, usually within 24 business hours. It's free, and you're under no obligation to go ahead.

    Standard orders take 3 to 5 weeks from the day your parts arrive. If you're on a deadline, ask about expedited service. When the schedule allows, we can finish in 5 to 7 business days.

    Yes. Our workmanship is covered for 12 months. If something isn't right with the finish we put on, call us and we'll make it right.