If you’re living the dream in Monterey, you know the vibes: coastal cruises, stunning views of the Bay, and that crisp, salty air. But while that salt air is great for your soul, it is absolutely brutal on your gear. Whether you’re showing off a classic at Car Week or just trying to keep your patio furniture from turning into a pile of rust, you’ve probably thought about getting some powder coating done.
But before you just hand your prized possessions over to the first shop you find on Google, there are a few things you need to know. Powder coating isn't just "fancy paint." It’s a whole different animal.
I’m Jeremy, and at Powder Coat It, we’ve been handling custom coatings since 2010. We see a lot of folks making the short trek up from Monterey to our Santa Cruz shop, and for good reason. Here are the five big things you should keep in mind before you pull the trigger on your next project.
1. Paint is a Quitter (Especially in Monterey)
Look, I’m not here to bash paint. Paint is great for your living room walls or a canvas landscape. But for your car wheels, bike frames, or outdoor gear? In a coastal town like Monterey, traditional liquid paint is basically a quitter.
Liquid paint sits on top of the metal. It’s thin, it’s brittle, and the second a rock chips it or the salt air finds a microscopic crack, the party's over. Moisture gets underneath, rust starts bubbling, and before you know it, your expensive rims look like they spent a decade at the bottom of the ocean.
Powder coating is a different beast. We use an electrostatic process to apply a dry powder that’s then cured in a massive oven. This creates a "skin" that is thick, flexible, and incredibly tough. It’s way more resistant to chips, scratches, and: most importantly for us locals: corrosion. If you want it to last, you powder coat it. Simple as that.
2. The Prep is Actually the Most Important Part
A lot of people think the "magic" happens when the color goes on. Don't get me wrong, the color is the fun part, but the real work happens before we even touch a spray gun.
If you don't prep the metal right, the powder won't stick. It’s like trying to tape a wet box: it’s just not going to work. At our shop, we take prep seriously. This usually involves sandblasting or chemical stripping to get the metal back to its raw, "white" state. We remove every bit of old paint, grease, and rust.
Without professional-grade sandblasting, you're just coating over problems. We see "DIY" jobs all the time where the coating is peeling off in sheets because the surface wasn't prepped correctly. When we do it, we make sure that bond is permanent.
3. If It’s Metal, We Can Probably Coat It
One of the coolest things about our job is the variety. People often think powder coating is just for car parts. While we do a ton of customizing Porsche wheels and calipers, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
If it’s made of metal and can handle the heat of our oven (usually around 400 degrees), we can coat it. We're talking:
- Automotive: Wheels, frames, valve covers, suspension parts, and bumpers. Check out this guide for your TRD Pro.
- Bikes & E-Bikes: From vintage Schwinns to high-end Sur-Rons and Rad Power bikes.
- Home & Garden: Those rusty wrought-iron patio chairs you’re about to throw away? We can make them look better than new.
- Marine Hardware: Monterey boaters, listen up. Saltwater vs. metal is a losing battle unless you have the right protection for your railings and hardware.
- Industrial: Signage, brackets, and gates.
4. The "Santa Cruz Quality" is Worth the Short Drive
I know, I know: there are shops closer to Monterey. But here’s the thing: we’ve been doing this since 2010. We’ve seen every type of metal and every type of fail. We have the specialized equipment, the massive ovens, and the "obsessive-compulsive" attention to detail that your project deserves.
A lot of our Monterey and Watsonville clients tell us they prefer the trip up to Santa Cruz because they know they’re getting a premium finish. We’re located right off the highway, making it super convenient to drop off your parts and then go grab lunch or hit the beach.
If you can't make the drive, don't sweat it. We offer shipping options! You can box up your parts, ship them to us, and we’ll send them back looking like a million bucks. We’ve made the process as painless as possible because we know your time is valuable.
5. You Can Get Way More Than Just "Black"
Don’t get me wrong, a high-gloss black or a sleek matte finish looks killer on almost anything. But if you want to stand out at the next local meet or just want something unique for your home, the options are endless.
We have thousands of colors in stock. We’re talking metallics, neons, candies, textures (like "wrinkle" or "sand"), and even clears. Want your brake calipers to pop in a metallic gold? We got you. Want a graphite finish for your motorcycle wheels? Done.
We also offer specialized coatings like Cerakote for high-heat applications. If you’ve got an exhaust system that’s turning an ugly brown, ceramic coating is the way to beat the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
Usually, we’re looking at a 1-2 week turnaround depending on the project and the current shop load. We don't rush perfection, but we also know you want your gear back.
Is powder coating expensive?
It’s surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider how long it lasts compared to paint. Since you won't have to redo it every two years, it actually saves you money in the long run.
Can you powder coat plastic or wood?
Nope. The part has to be able to hold an electrostatic charge and survive a 400-degree oven. Plastic would just turn into a very expensive puddle.
Do I need to clean my parts before bringing them in?
It helps if they aren't caked in six inches of mud, but you don't need to get them "clean-room" ready. We handle the heavy stripping and degreasing as part of our process.
Ready to Upgrade Your Gear?
If you’re in Monterey, Seaside, or Carmel and you’re ready to give your metal parts the protection and style they deserve, let’s talk. Stop settling for "good enough" when you can have "Santa Cruz Quality."
Click here to request a quote today!
We can't wait to see what you've got for us.
Powder Coat It
7000 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 435-9558
Website: www.powdercoatitsc.com
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