Simple (Flat surfaces, easy access)
Standard (Tubing, angles, some masking)
Intricate (Lattice, heavy masking, many recesses)
Estimated Cost: $0.00
function calculatePowderCost() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('partLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('partWidth').value);
var qty = parseInt(document.getElementById('quantity').value);
var complexity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('complexity').value);
var hasSandblasting = document.getElementById('sandblasting').checked;
var hasClearCoat = document.getElementById('clearCoat').checked;
var hasPremium = document.getElementById('premiumColor').checked;
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || isNaN(qty)) {
alert("Please enter valid dimensions and quantity.");
return;
}
// Calculations based on square footage
var sqFt = (length * width) / 144;
// Minimum square footage charge (usually shops have a minimum surface area cost)
if (sqFt < 1) sqFt = 1;
var baseRatePerSqFt = 25.00; // Industry average base rate
var rawCost = sqFt * baseRatePerSqFt * complexity;
// Add-ons
var prepFee = hasSandblasting ? (sqFt * 15.00) : 0;
if (hasSandblasting && prepFee < 25) prepFee = 25; // Minimum blasting fee
var clearFee = hasClearCoat ? (rawCost * 0.50) : 0;
var premiumFee = hasPremium ? (rawCost * 0.35) : 0;
var totalPerPart = rawCost + prepFee + clearFee + premiumFee;
// Minimum shop charge per item logic
if (totalPerPart < 50) totalPerPart = 50;
var grandTotal = totalPerPart * qty;
document.getElementById('totalPrice').innerText = "$" + grandTotal.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('costBreakdown').innerText = "Based on " + sqFt.toFixed(2) + " sq. ft. per unit. Includes base coating, complexity adjustments, and selected treatments.";
document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = "block";
}
How Powder Coating Costs Are Calculated
Calculating the price of powder coating involves more than just looking at the size of the part. Professionals use a combination of surface area, preparation requirements, and material types to determine a fair market price.
Key Factors Influencing Your Quote
Surface Area: The physical size (Length x Width) determines how much powder material is used and how much oven space the item occupies.
Preparation & Blasting: Powder coating requires a surgically clean surface. If your part is rusted, painted, or greasy, it must be sandblasted or chemically stripped. This is often the most labor-intensive part of the process.
Complexity: A flat sheet of metal is easy to coat. A bicycle frame or a complex engine manifold has "Faraday cages" and tight angles that require more time and precision to ensure even coverage.
Coatings: A standard single stage is the most affordable. Adding a clear coat for UV protection or using "Candy" and "Chrome" powders requires a multi-stage bake process, effectively doubling the labor.
Realistic Pricing Examples
While every shop has different overhead, here are typical industry benchmarks used in the calculation logic above:
Item Type
Estimated Range
Small Bracket/Part
$50 – $75
Set of 4 Rims (Standard)
$400 – $650
Bicycle Frame
$150 – $250
Patio Table
$200 – $350
Why use a Powder Coating Price Calculator?
Using an estimator helps DIYers and automotive enthusiasts budget for restoration projects. Remember that most professional shops have a "Minimum Shop Charge" (often between $50 and $150) to cover the cost of cleaning the spray guns and pre-heating the industrial ovens, regardless of how small the part is.
Note: This calculator provides a professional estimate. Physical inspection by a coater may reveal hidden oil contamination or casting outgassing issues that could increase the final price.