Got Questions? We've Got You Covered.
From product specs to delivery logistics, our team is here to help with fast answers and real support.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a division of Lane Enterprises, LLC. which operates 10 facilities in the Northeastern U.S. We started applying fusion-bonded epoxy powder to reinforcing bars in 1979. As our experience grew we expanded into powder coating of varied products. We specialize in powder coating large parts and large volumes of smaller parts.
Powder coating is an alternative to liquid painting which utilizes powdered resins and heat to coat products.
Liquid paint typically consists of a binder and filler held together by a solvent, which evaporates to dry the paint and protect surfaces like light poles or fire trucks. However, solvents pose environmental risks, especially at industrial scales. In contrast, powder coating uses dry ingredients, applied electrostatically and cured with heat to create a durable, solvent-free finish that withstands environmental elements.
While “powder coating” is often called a single process, one key feature of this technique is its versatility. Consumers enjoy a wide range of options for the final finish. These options depend on the type of surface being coated and the desired final look. Some common powder coating options include:
Epoxy Piling Coating: often used in industrial piping to prevent corrosion, offering increased durability and improved metal performance at temperatures from -100° to 230°F.
Polyester Powder: more of the standard, practical powder coating known for quick finishing, making it ideal for high-volume jobs, where access to rail and shipping lines allows us to handle large quantities.
Color: many clients want a specific shade. Lane can usually meet most color demands, often matching standards like RAL and Federal Color.
Finish: clients may also have a particular look in mind—whether glossy, flat, or somewhere in between. Powder coating offers a wide variety of options that can be easily incorporated into the final product. Various textured finishes are also available.
At Lane, we typically apply epoxies, hybrids, TGIC polyesters, zinc-rich powder coating primers and liquid, organic zinc-rich primer coatings at our facility.
The time to coat varies from only seconds to about an hour. Lead times are typically less than one week, often less if needed.
Powder coating is most commonly used for industrial purposes, especially on metals. You might also see powder coating applied to aluminum or galvanized steel. Metals make a popular surface because they interact well with the electrostatic charges used to disperse the powder coating and because they withstand the curing process quite effectively.
There are powders developed for non-metallic substrates, however Lane does not participate in that market.
We offer a range of colors. Thanks to our customized approach to powder coating, we can match your project’s specific color needs. The RAL color system is used by most powder vendors and coaters.
Powder coating begins with measurements to ensure enough material is available, based on the surface area. This helps determine the right amount to order and the curing time. The size of items that can be coated depends on available space, as a closed system is required to complete the process. There are basically three steps: preparation, coating and curing.
With Lane Powder Coating services, we can accommodate parts up to 2 feet wide by 7 feet tall, and 84 feet long for polyester, and 3 feet wide by 9 feet high and 110 feet long for green epoxy. We can also handle a maximum part weight of up to 20 tons. Lane Coatings can also receive shipping deliveries by truck or rail.
Step 1: Preparation
Surfaces must be cleaned and protected, with preparation such as sanding or brushing to ensure adhesion. Shield parts that are not to be coated, similar to painting. Due to static charge in powder coating, proper prep is crucial, sometimes including a primer for desired effects.
Step 2: Coating
The second step is applying the coating, where the surface is grounded—metal objects are common, but not the only choice. An electrostatic (or corona) gun sprays electrically charged dry powder onto the surface. The charge draws the particles in place until curing.
Step 3: Curing
During the curing phase, the coating is subjected to high temperatures quickly, which hardens the powder coat in place. Sometimes, during an advanced powder coating process, a surface can be “pre-heated” to enhance the curing. Once the powder melts during curing, the surface is then rapidly cooled, setting the materials in place. As noted earlier, this curing process makes powder coating especially durable and resistant to chipping.
Industrial powder coatings are very durable. They offer better impact resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance. They do not use airborne solvents and are environmentally friendly. Parts are ready for shipment when removed from the coating line. They are available in almost any color.
The benefits of powder coating generally fall into two categories: environmental and practical.
Because it is dry, powder coating does not require solvents like those used in liquid paints. As a result, the powder coating process is much more environmentally friendly than other protective coatings. For many, this will be the most important factor.
For others, the environmental advantages might seem more abstract. However, even these benefits lead to savings for consumers, since powder coaters don’t have to deal with stricter government regulations and the associated costs.
Powder coating processes emit zero or nearly zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
From a practical perspective, powder coating also offers other advantages over liquid options. It provides better edge protection, rather than reduced protection, as can happen with liquid coatings.
Also, it can be very difficult to distinguish between vertically and horizontally coated surfaces, which can be beneficial in many situations. Most importantly, powder coating typically extends the lifespan and improves the appearance of materials.
Appearance and durability are especially key benefits when choosing materials for powder coating. Whether it’s guide rails, fences, gates, piles, or other metal objects, they can all be coated.
Powder coating offers a number of key advantages over wet paint. First, powder coating is significantly thicker—it’s four to ten times thicker than spray paint. Not only is it thicker, but it is also harder. Thanks to the pretreatment process, powder coat adheres to the substrate better than traditional wet paint options. These advantages result in greater scratch, chip and corrosion resistance.
The long-lasting protection provided by powder coating is a key benefit. Applying a simple powder coating can extend a product’s lifespan by years. Powder-coated items resist chipping, withstand environmental elements, and help maintain a smooth, clean look. Since industrial machinery represents a significant investment, it’s crucial to protect it for as long as possible to maximize benefits and revenue.
Powder coating is more aesthetically-pleasing than galvanizing, thanks to the range of colors and sleek finishing options. Galvanizing also limits the size of the object that can be finished. In certain conditions, the zinc galvanizing can rapidly corrode.
All metal objects can be powder coated. These include steel, titanium, brass, copper, magnesium, bronze and aluminum.
There are different types of powder coating available. These include polyester powders, epoxy powders, hybrid powders, zinc-rich powder coating primer, and organic, liquid zinc-rich primer.
The two coating lines in our modern 65,000-square-foot facility are capable of applying a wide range of custom coatings to parts of virtually all shapes and sizes. Parts up to four feet wide by nine feet high by up to 200 feet long can be powder coated. We can also accommodate parts that weigh up to 18 tons.
If your powder coating is flaking or damaged, the best way to get it repaired is to strip and re-coat it. Not only will this provide an exact color match — touch-up jobs are difficult to get exact matches — it also ensures the entire coat will resist future flaking.
However, field repairs can be made if the object being repaired is not able to be moved. Please contact your Lane representative to discuss your options!
Call us with any questions!
Lane Powder Coating provides reliable powder coating services for projects involving reinforced steel, structural steel, and aluminum. We protect your investments while supporting environmental responsibility. Ideal for large industrial work, our coatings ensure long-term durability and a sharp appearance. Contact us today to learn more.
