Home powder coating for small parts

Cyclists, motorbike and car hobbyists, restorers, makers and small workshops that need the odd small item coated.

Fixed prices per item or small batch, with extra for stripping old finishes or special colours. Word of mouth in hobby communities brings repeat work.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Learning surface prep and curing times
• Safe handling of equipment and powders
• Basic photography and online posting

• Council approval for home-based business, and limits on noise, dust, fumes or customer visits
• Fire and electrical safety for the oven, and insurance implications for your home policy (check with your insurer)
• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' items
• Powder dust and fumes: use proper ventilation and protective gear, and keep the setup away from living areas
• Oven size limits what you can take on, so be clear with customers about what you can't coat

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your oven, powder gun and safety equipment. Oven size limits what you can coat, so choose equipment that suits the parts you want to take on.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many small jobs you win and how much time you put in. It suits a side hustle, and oven size limits the work you can accept.

Things to check: council approval for a home-based business and any limits on noise, dust, fumes or customer visits. Also check fire and electrical safety for the oven, your home insurance with your insurer, and public liability cover.