Comparing commercial powder coating quotations can be difficult if every supplier is pricing against different assumptions. Missing information, unclear specifications or incomplete project details often result in estimates that appear competitive at first glance but lead to additional costs later.

At Tomburn, we’ve spent many years working with manufacturers, fabricators, construction companies and commercial clients throughout Hampshire and beyond. Our experience has shown that asking the right questions before requesting a quotation makes all the difference. It allows suppliers to accurately assess the work involved and gives you confidence that you’re comparing like-for-like quotations.

With this in mind our checklist below covers the information experienced powder coating specialists will typically need before providing an accurate quote, helping you save time, reduce delays and make a more informed purchasing decision.

Here are the key questions to ask, split out by project stage:

Surface preparation and pre-treatment (probably the most important)

• What is your process for preparing the surface? (e.g. sandblasting, chemical washing).
• Do you offer phosphate coating for rust inhibition?
• What pre-treatment do you recommend for my material? (For example aluminium requires etching and surface conversion while steel requires different treatment).
• Will you strip existing coatings and is that included in the price?
• If the material is Mild Steel, is primer included in your quote? (zinc primer is necessary for high-durability exterior projects).

Materials, colours and application

• What kind of powder materials do you use? (Check if they use high-quality brands like Interpon, Syntha Pulvin, Alesta, Tiger or IGP)
• Do you offer epoxy, polyester or hybrid coatings? (Polyester is better for UV resistance/outdoor use, while epoxies are better for interior corrosion resistance).
• Can you match specific colours (e.g. RAL numbers) and textures?
• How do you ensure consistent colour matching across different batches?

Project specifications and quality control

• What are your oven dimensions? (Ensures your part fits!).
• Do you perform in-house quality assurance, such as film thickness testing, crosshatch adhesion testing or solvent rubs?
• Do you hold any quality control accreditations from external organisations?
• What is your policy on masking threads, holes or bearing surfaces? (Crucial for functional parts).
• How do you ensure proper grounding on complex parts?

Turnaround, pricing and logistics

• What is your estimated turnaround time?
• Does the price include pick-up/delivery or do I need to arrange this?
• Is there a minimum order charge? (Important for small projects).
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee against flaking/defects?
• Can I see samples of your work or tour your facility?

Tips for getting accurate quotes

• Provide pictures/drawings and where possible include PDFs with part dimensions and mark areas that need masking.
• State the end-use of the item needing coating, clearly specifying if the part is for interior, exterior or high-temperature use.
• Specify volume – is the project a single item, a high-volume production run or something in between.

Need a commercial powder coating quote?

Requesting a commercial powder coating quotation shouldn’t be about finding the lowest price – it should be about finding the right supplier, asking the right questions and ensuring you’re comparing quotations on a like-for-like basis.

By considering each stage of your project, from surface preparation and material selection through to quality requirements, logistics and turnaround times, you’ll be in a much stronger position to obtain accurate quotations and avoid costly surprises further down the line.

If you’re ready to discuss your next powder coating project, we’d be delighted to provide a competitive, no-obligation quotation and help you achieve the best possible finish from the outset.

Contact Tomburn today to discuss your project with our experienced team. We’ll help you identify the right specification, answer any technical questions and provide a competitive, no-obligation quotation tailored to your requirements.