Powder Coating Workshop
Rent a small unit and powder coat gates, railings, furniture and parts for trade and local customers.
- £12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,263 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25610 “Treatment and coating of metals”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small workshop that cleans, blasts and powder coats metal items in a curing oven, such as gates, railings, garden furniture, wheels and machine parts.
Your first three steps
- Visit a few established powder coaters and get a feel for prices, turnaround times and the kit they use
- Price up a spray booth, oven, gun and blasting equipment, and look at units with three-phase power or gas
- Introduce yourself to local fabricators, garages and builders and ask what work they currently send elsewhere
Who pays
Fabricators, builders, garages, bike and car enthusiasts, landlords, and homeowners with metalwork to refresh.
How it makes money
Price per item or per batch, with extra for blasting, masking and special colours. Regular trade customers give steady work.
Skills that help
- Careful, practical hands-on work
- Attention to detail for a clean finish
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Check planning use class and lease terms for the unit, and talk to your council about any environmental or fire requirements
- Powder dust, fumes and blasting media are health risks, so check COSHH assessments, ventilation and PPE
- Fire and explosion risk from powder dust and ovens, so check fire safety and insurance requirements
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you take someone on
- Check how to dispose of waste powder, solvents and blasting waste legally
🔒 Full research report for UK
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?
Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on your unit, oven, blasting and spraying equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup before committing.
How much can a powder coating workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the volume and type of work you win from trade and local customers. Treat these as estimates and test demand early.
What rules should I check before opening a powder coating workshop?
Check the planning use class and lease terms, plus environmental and fire requirements with your council. Also check COSHH assessments, ventilation and PPE, fire and explosion risks, insurance, and how to dispose of waste powder, solvents and blasting waste.
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