Powder Coating
Durable, custom finishes for wheels & parts. At our shop in Washington, NJ.
Powder Coating in Washington, NJ
Powder coating is a dry finish that is sprayed onto bare metal with an electrostatic charge, then baked so the powder flows out and cures into a hard, even shell. It resists chips, road salt and brake dust far better than a rattle can or brush-on paint, which is why it is the go-to finish for wheels, suspension parts and anything that lives close to the road.
At Appearance Plus in Washington, NJ, we powder coat car, truck and motorcycle parts in our own shop. Our recent work includes coil springs, candy red roll bar kits and skid plates, Harley primary covers, a white radiator, Honda valve covers, full sets of wheels, and the parts for a custom motorcycle build. Each part is stripped, cleaned, masked and coated by hand.
Because we also do detailing and body repair, powder coating fits easily into other work. Your wheels can be coated while the car is in for a detail, or suspension and engine parts can be refinished during a larger project so everything comes back looking finished.
- Wheels, calipers & metal parts
- Chip-resistant durable finish
- Huge range of colors
- Tougher than traditional paint
What's Included
Wheels
Wheels are fully stripped, repaired where needed, and coated in the color and finish you choose. Tires come off first so the whole wheel can be prepped and coated evenly.
Brake calipers
Calipers are a popular way to add color behind the wheels. We clean them thoroughly and mask seals, bores and threaded areas before coating.
Springs, suspension and roll bars
Coil springs, control arms, sway bars, roll bar kits and brackets take a beating from salt and debris. A powder coated finish protects the metal and cleans up the look under the vehicle.
Skid plates and off-road armor
Skid plates, bumpers, sliders and other trail parts get scraped constantly. Powder coating gives them a tough finish that holds up better than paint.
Valve covers, radiators and engine parts
Valve covers, intake pieces, brackets and radiators can be coated to clean up an engine bay. Gasket surfaces and openings are masked so parts go back together properly.
Motorcycle parts
Frames, primary covers, engine covers, wheels and small brackets for Harleys, customs and other bikes. We have coated parts ranging from single covers to a full custom build.
Other metal items
Have patio furniture, railings or another metal project in mind? Ask us. Whether we can take it on depends on the size and condition of the piece.
Our Process
- 1
Quote and color choice
Tell us what you have and what you want it to look like. We go over colors and finishes and give you a quote. Price and timing depend on the parts, their condition and the finish, and we confirm both up front.
- 2
Media blasting and stripping
Old paint, powder, rust and corrosion are removed by media blasting down to clean, bare metal. Powder will not bond properly over an old finish or rust, so this step matters most.
- 3
Cleaning and outgassing
Parts are cleaned to remove oil and residue. Cast metal like wheels and some engine parts can trap oil and air in the pores, so those parts are preheated to outgas before coating. That helps prevent pinholes and bubbles in the final finish.
- 4
Masking
Threads, bolt holes, bearing surfaces, mating surfaces and anything that needs to stay bare are masked with high-temperature tape and plugs so parts fit and function correctly afterward.
- 5
Coating and curing
Powder is applied with an electrostatic gun so it clings evenly to the grounded part, then the part is cured in an oven. Multi-stage finishes like candy colors get a base coat and a tinted top coat, with curing between coats.
- 6
Inspection and pickup
Once cooled, masking is removed and each part is checked for coverage and finish before it is ready to go.
Options & Related Services
Gloss, satin and matte finishes
Choose a high-gloss shine, a softer satin look or a flat matte finish. The same color can look very different depending on the sheen.
Textured finishes
Wrinkle and textured finishes hide small surface imperfections and suit valve covers, brackets and utility parts.
Candy and metallic colors
Candy colors layered over a metallic or chrome-look base give a deep, glowing finish like the candy red roll bar kit and skid plate in our gallery.
Media blasting only
Need a part stripped to bare metal for your own project? Ask us about blasting on its own.
Wheel coating during a detail
Book a detail and have your wheels powder coated during the same visit, so the car comes back clean and finished.
Ceramic coating for coated parts
A ceramic coating on freshly powder coated wheels makes brake dust and grime easier to wash off.
Why Appearance Plus
Many areas have a detailer or a powder coater, but rarely both in one shop. In Washington, NJ, we handle the stripping, prep and coating ourselves and can tie that work into a detail or body repair on the same vehicle. You deal with one shop, one conversation and one pickup.
We work with car owners, off-road builders and motorcycle riders from Washington and nearby towns across Warren, Hunterdon and Morris County. Call (908) 894-8147 or use the contact form to describe your parts, and we will talk through colors, finish options and what the job involves.
Recent Powder Coating Work
Powder Coating FAQ
Is powder coating better than paint?
For parts that take abuse, usually yes. Powder coating cures into a thicker, harder layer than typical spray paint, so it handles chips, heat and road salt better. It is not a fit for everything, such as body panels, and we are happy to explain where it makes sense.
Do the tires need to come off my wheels?
Yes. Tires, valve stems, weights and sensors need to come off before stripping and curing. Ask us about this when you get your quote.
Can you coat parts that already have paint or powder on them?
We strip old finishes by media blasting first. Coating over an old finish leads to poor adhesion and a rough result, so every part starts from bare metal.
Will the coating affect threads or how parts fit?
We mask threads, bolt holes and mating surfaces so parts fit back together as they should. If a part has specific areas that must stay bare, let us know when you drop it off.
What colors can I choose?
There is a wide range, including solid colors, metallics, candies and textured finishes in gloss, satin or matte. Bring a reference photo and we will help you find a close match.
How long does powder coating take?
It depends on the number of parts, their condition and the finish you choose. Multi-coat finishes take longer. We confirm timing when we quote the job.