Small-batch powder coating from a shed
Refinish wheels, bike frames, furniture and gates in small batches from a shed or workshop at your property.
- A$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A compact setup with a small curing oven, spray gun and basic blasting kit for items that fit inside. You focus on small, high-care jobs rather than big industrial runs.
Your first three steps
- Check with your local council whether a home-based business like this is allowed on your property
- Learn the basics through a short course or by working alongside an established powder coater, then practise on scrap metal
- Post before-and-after photos in local car, bike and renovation groups and take your first jobs at an introductory price
Who pays
Car and motorbike enthusiasts, cyclists, home renovators, cafes and owners of outdoor furniture or gates.
How it makes money
A fixed price per item, such as a set of wheels or a bike frame, with extras for custom colours, blasting and repairs.
Skills that help
- Patience and attention to detail
- Basic metal prep and finishing
- Photographing before-and-after work for social media
Watch out for
- Council approval, zoning and neighbour issues such as noise, dust and fumes, which vary by council and state
- Fire and electrical safety for the oven and spray area, so check insurance covers a home workshop
- Public liability insurance, especially for customers' valuable items such as wheels
- Protective gear and ventilation when handling powder and blasting media
- Limited oven size, which caps the jobs you can take
🔒 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 small-batch powder coating?
Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of your curing oven, your spray gun and your blasting kit. Check that your insurance covers a home workshop and the safety of your electrical setup.
How much can I earn powder coating from a shed?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your oven size, which caps the items you can coat. These are revenue estimates, before materials, power and insurance.
What rules should I check before powder coating at home?
Check council approval, zoning and neighbour issues such as noise, dust and fumes, which vary by council and state. Also check fire and electrical safety for the oven, and that your insurance covers a home workshop and public liability.
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Photo: D_V_Rensburg on Pixabay