| Industry | Recommended Method | Key Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Fabrication | 90% Powder Coating | Corrosion protection, durability | ISO 12944 |
| Automotive OEM | Powder + Wet (hybrid) | Premium finish, color depth | OEM specs |
| Automotive Aftermarket | Powder Coating | Wheel/chassis durability | ASTM B117 |
| Furniture | Powder (metal) + Wet (wood) | Aesthetics, scratch resistance | BIFMA, EN 15372 |
| Appliances | 95% Powder Coating | Gloss, hygiene, chemical resist | IEC, UL |
| Construction/Architecture | Powder Coating | UV/weather resistance | Qualicoat, AAMA |
| Defense/Aerospace | Wet Paint (CARC) + Powder | MIL-SPEC compliance | MIL-DTL-53039 |
| Electronics | Powder Coating | EMI shielding, insulation | IPC, UL |
| Agriculture/Heavy Equipment | Powder Coating | Extreme durability | ISO 12944 C4-C5 |
| Marine | Wet Paint (epoxy/polyurethane) | Salt spray, immersion resist | ISO 12944 CX |
Metal fabrication shops — producing everything from shelving to machine guards to structural steel — benefit most from powder coating. The single-coat application, high durability, and virtually zero waste make it the standard choice. Epoxy-polyester hybrid powders handle most indoor applications, while polyester powders provide UV resistance for outdoor parts.
The automotive industry uses a hybrid approach. Powder coating dominates for wheels, chassis components, brake calipers, engine parts, and underbody protection. Wet painting remains preferred for body panels where "Class A" finish quality, color depth, and metallic/pearl effects are critical. The trend is increasingly toward powder — newer formulations can now achieve finishes comparable to liquid clearcoats.
Aluminum window profiles, curtain wall systems, railings, and facades require coatings that withstand decades of UV exposure and weather. Polyester and super-durable polyester powder coatings dominate this sector. Look for Qualicoat (Europe) or AAMA 2604/2605 (North America) certified powders for architectural applications.
Metal furniture frames are almost exclusively powder coated — the consistent finish, zero drips, and fast throughput make it ideal. For wood and MDF surfaces, the technology is evolving with MDF powder coating gaining ground against traditional lacquers and foils.