Living in Scotts Valley means redwood forests, damp mornings, Highway 17 traffic, and plenty of beautiful mountain roads. It also means your metal parts deal with moisture, road grime, and the occasional chunk of Highway 17 debris.
That’s where powder coating earns its keep.
We’re right over the hill on Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz, just an easy drive down Highway 17 from Scotts Valley. Since 2010, Powder Coat It has helped vehicle owners, motorcycle builders, cyclists, boat owners, and homeowners protect their metal parts with durable, custom finishes.
Here’s what powder coating costs, how it works, and what you can expect when you bring us a project.
Powder coating vs. traditional paint
Traditional paint can look great. But on wheels, frames, brackets, and outdoor furniture, it can also chip, peel, fade, and expose the metal underneath.
That’s not ideal when your parts are dealing with:
- Road debris and gravel on Highway 17
- Brake dust and road chemicals
- Damp redwood-forest air
- Coastal moisture and salt exposure
- Scrapes, bumps, and regular everyday use
Powder coating uses a dry mix of resins, pigments, and fillers. We apply it electrostatically, then cure it in an oven. The powder melts and fuses into a tough, continuous finish that helps resist chipping, corrosion, and everyday wear.
It’s not just a color change. It’s a protective layer with style built in.
Want the technical version? Check out our guide to what powder coating is and how it works.
What we powder coat
If it’s metal and it fits our process, there’s a good chance we can coat it.
At Powder Coat It, we regularly work on:
- Car and truck wheels and rims
- Brake calipers
- Car and truck frames
- Motorcycle frames
- Bicycle and e-bike frames
- Suspension parts and brackets
- Boats and marine hardware
- Patio furniture
- Household fixtures
- Farm and agricultural equipment parts
- Custom automotive components
We also offer ceramic exhaust coating for parts that live in the hot zone, including headers and exhaust pipes.
Standard powder coating is not designed for extreme exhaust temperatures. Our ceramic exhaust coating service is made for high-heat parts and can handle applications where ordinary powder would break down.
What does powder coating cost in Scotts Valley?
Every project gets quoted based on size, condition, prep work, masking, material, and finish. A rusty, heavily pitted part needs more attention than a clean, disassembled part. Fancy finishes can also change the price.
Here are the common starting ranges we use for many projects:
- Small parts and brackets: $75-$200 each
- Single automotive wheel: $100-$200
- Set of four wheels: $400-$800+
- Brake calipers: $100-$250 each
- Patio chairs: $200-$300 each
- Patio tables: $400-$600
- Patio furniture sets: $1,500-$2,200
- Bicycle or e-bike frames: $150-$300
- Motorcycle frames: $350 and up
- Boat parts and marine hardware: $100-$500+
Those numbers are a starting point, not a surprise invoice waiting in the bushes. Send us photos and details, and we can give you a more accurate quote before you make the drive.
Color and finish also matter. A basic single-stage color is usually the simplest option. Metallics, candy colors, two-tone designs, special textures, and clear coats may require additional prep or application steps.
You can browse available options through our powder coating colors page.
How our powder coating process works
We keep the process straightforward and thorough.
1. Project review
First, we look at the part, its material, its condition, and what you want the finished project to look like.
We’ll talk through color, finish, masking, disassembly, and any concerns about rust, old paint, grease, or damage.
2. Surface prep and media blasting
Prep is where the finish really starts.
We remove grease, dirt, old paint, corrosion, and other contaminants. Media blasting gives us a clean surface so the powder can properly bond to the metal.
If your part arrives with heavy rust or several layers of old paint, it may need additional prep. That can affect the final quote, but it also helps prevent a beautiful new finish from failing over a dirty or unstable surface.
3. Masking critical areas
Not every part should receive powder.
We mask threads, bearing seats, machined surfaces, mounting points, and other areas that need to remain precise. Proper masking helps your part go back together without turning reassembly into a wrestling match.
4. Electrostatic powder application
We spray the dry powder onto the prepared metal using an electrostatic process. The charged powder clings to the grounded part, creating even coverage across the surface.
This is where the color starts to look seriously cool.
5. Oven curing
Next, the coated part goes into the oven. Heat melts and fuses the powder into a smooth, durable finish.
The curing schedule depends on the material, part, and powder system. Aluminum, steel, cast parts, and complex components may each need specific handling.
6. Final inspection
After the part cools, we inspect coverage, edges, masking, finish quality, and overall appearance.
Then it’s ready for pickup, shipping, or reassembly.
Why Scotts Valley customers choose Powder Coat It
We’re close by
We’re based at 7000 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. From Scotts Valley, it’s a convenient trip down Highway 17 and over to our shop.
No need to hunt for a specialty coater hours away.
We’ve been doing this since 2010
Powder Coat It started in 2010. We’ve built our experience around automotive parts, custom projects, outdoor metal, motorcycle components, bicycles, and high-heat ceramic coatings.
You get style and protection together
Want satin black wheels? A bright custom motorcycle frame? A durable finish for weathered patio furniture? Powder coating lets you personalize the project while helping protect the metal underneath.
We serve customers beyond Santa Cruz County
If you’re in San Francisco or Los Angeles, we also offer shipping options. That means you can work with us even if you’re not close enough for a quick Highway 17 drive.
For local customers, our photo gallery shows examples of wheels, bikes, motorcycles, calipers, and other finished parts.
Scotts Valley powder coating FAQ
How much does powder coating cost?
Prices depend on the part, condition, size, prep, masking, and finish. Typical examples include a single automotive wheel at $100-$200, a set of four wheels at $400-$800+, bicycle or e-bike frames at $150-$300, and motorcycle frames at $350 and up.
How long does powder coating last?
A properly prepared and cured powder-coated finish can last for many years. Its lifespan depends on the part, environment, use, impact, chemicals, and maintenance. Outdoor and automotive parts still benefit from regular cleaning and care.
Can you powder coat aluminum?
Yes. Aluminum wheels, bicycle frames, brackets, and other parts can often be powder coated. Aluminum needs appropriate preparation and handling to help prevent defects and ensure proper adhesion.
Can you coat something with rust or old paint?
Usually, yes, as long as the underlying metal is sound. We remove rust, old paint, grease, and other contaminants during surface preparation. Deep pitting, cracks, or structural damage may require repair before coating.
Do tires and bearings need to come off?
Tires, bearings, rubber components, plastic parts, and hardware may need to come off before coating. We’ll let you know what needs to be removed based on the part and the areas being coated. Keeping critical components out of the oven protects them from heat and helps us mask accurately.
Can you match an existing color?
We can help you find a close match or choose a new color from available powder systems. Exact matches are not always possible because gloss, texture, lighting, age, and the original material can affect how colors appear.
Can you ceramic coat exhaust parts?
Yes. We offer ceramic coating for high-heat parts such as headers, exhaust pipes, turbo housings, downpipes, mufflers, hangers, and heat shields. Ceramic exhaust coatings are made for temperatures that standard powder coating cannot handle.
Ready to coat your project?
Send us a few clear photos, tell us what the part is, and let us know what finish you have in mind. We’ll review the project and help you figure out the next step.
Call (831) 435-9558 or visit our contact page to request a quote.
From Scotts Valley, it’s just a quick drive down Highway 17 to Powder Coat It in Santa Cruz. Your wheels, frame, patio furniture, or exhaust parts will be glad you made the trip.
Powder Coat It
7000 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 435-9558
Website: www.powdercoatitsc.com
Email: powdercoatitsantacruz@nullgmail.com
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