Choosing a powder coat finish: matt, satin, gloss or textured?
How gloss level and texture affect appearance, scratch resistance and outdoor life — and what to specify.
What powder coating is
Powder coating applies a dry, electrostatically charged powder to metal, which is then cured in an oven to form a hard, even film. It is tougher than most wet paints and is available in almost any RAL colour.
Gloss levels and textures
- Matt: hides minor surface marks and gives a modern look, but can show fingerprints on dark colours.
- Satin: a middle ground that suits most enclosures and machinery.
- Gloss: bright and easy to wipe clean, but shows scratches and surface imperfections more clearly.
- Textured: very forgiving of handling marks and small blemishes — popular for control panels and equipment housings.
Outdoor use
For parts that live outdoors, ask for a polyester or exterior-grade powder, and consider galvanised or zinc-primed steel underneath for extra protection.
How we handle it
We prepare parts in-house and manage powder coating through trusted UK partners, so you receive finished parts from a single supplier. Give us the RAL code and gloss level with your order.
