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Tough, Even Color,
Baked Right Into the Metal

Gloss, satin, matte, textured and metallic powder coat for hardware, brackets, enclosures, lighting and small production runs. Stripped, blasted, coated and cured under one roof by a shop that has finished metal since 1989.

Certified, Approved and Verified

Powder Coating

A Finish That Shrugs Off Daily Wear

Powder coating is a dry finish. Fine particles of pigment and resin are sprayed onto a clean, electrically grounded part, where a static charge holds them evenly across every face and edge. The part then goes into a curing oven, the powder melts and flows out, and it hardens into one continuous skin that is far tougher than a coat of wet paint.

Because nothing has to evaporate, powder goes on thick in a single pass without runs or sags. The cured film resists chips, scratches, chemicals and sunlight, which is why it has become the standard finish for hardware, brackets, light fixtures, equipment housings and the small metal parts that get handled every day.

What makes or breaks a powder coat job is everything that happens before the spray gun. Old paint, rust, oil and mill scale all have to go. We strip and blast every part down to clean metal, pretreat it, and mask threads and mating surfaces so your parts still assemble the way they did before.

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

Six families of powder finishes cover almost every look and job, from a smooth piano black bracket to a rugged textured housing that lives outdoors.

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

One bracket or a few hundred identical parts, the order of operations never changes, because skipping any of it shows up later as chipping or peeling.

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

Send the parts with your quote number, or bring them to our shop in Oceanside.

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
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

Casino resorts, designers, manufacturers and boat owners who need color that lasts on parts that are handled, cleaned and exposed every day.

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.

Know the Price First

See the price before you ship a thing.

Snap a few photos from different angles and tell us the finish you have in mind. You'll get a written quote and a realistic lead time. Standard work takes 3 to 5 weeks, and expedited orders are possible when the schedule allows.

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

    Powder Coat Care

    Keep the Color Looking Like Day One

    A cured powder finish needs very little from you. Most of the time a soft cloth, warm water and a little mild dish soap are all it takes. Rinse, then dry with a clean towel so water spots do not dull the sheen on gloss colors.

    Avoid strong solvents, paint thinners, abrasive pads and scouring powders. They will not remove the coating in one pass, but over time they dull the surface and wear down the protective film, especially on clear and candy finishes.

    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

    Manufacturers, designers and restorers across the country ship us parts for powder coating. This is the simplest way to get them here and back safely.

    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 for all of San Diego County

    Drop off your parts from Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, La Mesa or anywhere in the county, or ship them to us from out of state. Local drop off lets us look at your parts with you and settle on color and masking before work begins.

    Cities We Serve

    Select your city for powder coating turnaround times and drop off options in your area.

    City of San Diego and South Bay

    Powder Coating Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Answers to what customers ask most before sending parts for powder coat. Have a different question? Call the shop or send us a message.

    Most of the cost is in preparation. A clean new bracket can go almost straight to the booth, while a rusty, painted casting needs stripping, blasting and a bake out first. Quantity, part complexity, masking and the number of coats also matter. Send photos and we return a written quote within 24 business hours.

    In most uses, yes. Cured powder forms a thicker, harder film than liquid paint and resists chips, scratches, chemicals and fading much better. Paint is still the better choice for materials that cannot handle the heat of curing, such as wood or plastic.

    It would if we let it, which is why we mask threads, bores, bearing seats and mating surfaces with plugs and high temperature tape. Mark the areas that must stay bare, or send a photo with notes, and we will protect them.

    Most RAL colors and many manufacturer colors are available as powders. Send the color code, a painted sample or the part you need to match, and we will find the closest powder and confirm it with you before coating the full order.

    Yes. A clear powder over polished aluminum, brass, copper or plated parts protects the metal look from tarnish and handling. Since we plate in house, we can plate a part and seal it under clear powder in the same order.

    Yes. Old powder is stripped chemically or thermally and the part is blasted back to clean metal. Coating over an old finish is a common cause of peeling, so we always take parts down to bare metal first.

    Cast aluminum and cast iron coat well once they are baked out to release trapped air and oil. Zinc die cast and pot metal are more sensitive to heat, so we review those parts from photos first and recommend plating when it is the better option.

    Yes. Get a quote first, remove rubber and plastic pieces, wrap each part on its own and insure the box for its full value. Email us the tracking number and we will coat, inspect and ship your parts back insured.