Small-Batch Powder Coating Workshop
Coat wheels, frames, gates and fabricated parts for local garages, fabricators and furniture makers.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop with a spray booth and curing oven that cleans metal parts, applies dry powder and bakes it into a hard, even finish. You start with small and medium jobs such as wheels, bike frames, outdoor furniture, gates and brackets.
Your first three steps
- Visit local fabricators and garages to find out what they outsource and what they pay, then price a few common jobs
- Find a small unit or shed zoned for industrial use and get quotes for a booth, oven, spray gun and prep equipment (new or second-hand)
- Do sample pieces, take photos and offer trade customers a discounted trial batch
Who pays
Local mechanics and car enthusiasts, metal fabricators, furniture makers, builders and homeowners with railings or outdoor furniture.
How it makes money
Price per item or per batch, based on size, prep work and colour. Repeat trade work from fabricators and workshops fills the oven, with retail jobs adding higher margins.
Skills that help
- Careful, tidy hands-on work
- Surface preparation and finishing
- Quoting and scheduling jobs
- Basic equipment maintenance
Watch out for
- Council zoning and planning approval for the premises, plus any environmental or EPA rules on dust, fumes and waste (check with your council and state EPA)
- Fire safety and electrical or gas requirements for the oven, plus ventilation and powder dust risks
- Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' goods while in your care
- Protective gear and safe handling of powders and chemical pre-treatments
- Consistent quality: poor prep leads to peeling, which means redoing jobs for free
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a powder coating workshop?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, spray booth, curing oven and safety gear. Your choice of equipment and workshop space will move the figure within that range.
How much can a powder coating business earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the jobs you take and how steady your customers are. Poor preparation can mean redoing jobs for free, which cuts into what you keep.
What rules apply to running a powder coating workshop?
Things to check: council zoning and planning approval, plus environmental or EPA rules on dust, fumes and waste. Also check fire safety and electrical or gas requirements for the oven, and public liability cover for customers' goods.
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