Can You Electrocoat That? If It’s Conductive, Giering Can

December 5, 2025

Electrocoating (also known as e-coating) is one of the most versatile and effective finishing processes available today, but not every part or material qualifies. So, what can be electrocoated?


According to George Giering, President and CEO of Giering Metal Finishing: “We can electrocoat aluminum. We can electrocoat steel. We can electrocoat kind of anything that's conductive.”


That’s the key: if your part conducts electricity, we can coat it.

What Materials Can Be Electrocoated?

At Giering, our cathodic epoxy electrocoating process is capable of handling a wide range of metals used across industries like automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.


Here’s a quick list of conductive materials we regularly e-coat:

  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Zinc
  • Titanium
  • Magnesium
  • Brass
  • Copper


This flexibility makes electrocoating ideal for manufacturers producing complex parts in a variety of materials, especially when uniform coverage and corrosion resistance are essential.

Why Conductivity Matters in Electrocoating

Electrocoating works through an electrically charged bath. Here's a quick refresher:


  • The part is submerged in a water-based solution containing paint particles.
  • An electrical current is applied; our system uses cathodic electrocoating, where the part acts as the negative electrode (cathode).
  • Charged paint particles are drawn to the part’s surface, forming a uniform coating.
  • The result: consistent film thickness, even in corners, recesses, and edges.


That’s why conductivity is critical. If a material doesn’t carry an electric charge, the coating won’t bond.

Complex Shapes Are No Problem for E-Coating

Unlike spray or powder coating, electrocoating can easily cover:


  • Tubes and recesses
  • Sharp edges and corners
  • Welded assemblies
  • High-volume parts with tight tolerances


Whether your parts are simple or highly engineered, we provide precision control and consistent coverage—batch after batch.

Real-World Applications for Electrocoating

Because of its corrosion resistance, durability, and eco-friendliness, electrocoating is trusted for parts used in:


  • Military equipment
  • Automotive chassis and components
  • Aerospace subassemblies
  • Medical devices
  • Electronics and electrical enclosures
  • A variety of industries and environments

Environmentally Responsible, Technologically Advanced

At Giering Metal Finishing, we use a powerful cathodic epoxy system, which offers excellent corrosion protection and is fully compliant with:

  • RoHS
  • OSHA
  • EPA standards


The process generates ultra-low VOCs, minimal HAPs, and recycles unused paint, making it not only cost-effective but also eco-conscious.

Want to Know if Your Parts Can Be E-Coated?

If they’re conductive, the answer is almost always yes. Giering Metal Finishing has over 70 years of experience delivering repeatable, high-performance electrocoated finishes on a wide range of substrates.