What Types of Materials Can Be Powder Coated?

October 30, 2025

At Giering Metal Finishing, we’re often asked: “What materials can you powder coat?” It’s a great question—and the answer might surprise you.



As George Giering, President and CEO, explains in a recent video:

“We can powder coat anything that’s conductive—steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, brass, copper, magnesium, titanium… anything that will hold a charge.”

But our capabilities don’t stop there. Thanks to decades of engineering experience and innovation in surface finishing, we’ve even found ways to coat non-conductive materials, including glass. Let’s take a closer look.

The Basics: Powder Coating Requires Conductivity

In standard powder coating, electrostatic charge is used to attract the powder particles to the surface of the part. That means the material being coated must be electrically conductive.

Here are some of the most common materials we powder coat at Giering:

  • Cold Rolled Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Zinc and Zinc Die Castings
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Titanium


These metals are excellent candidates for powder coating because they conduct electricity well, hold the charge needed for powder adhesion, and withstand the curing temperatures in our ovens.

Engineering Around Challenges: Yes, We Can Powder Coat Glass

While traditional powder coating is limited to conductive materials, Giering Metal Finishing takes it a step further.


We’ve developed specialized techniques to coat non-conductive materials like glass, which typically can’t hold an electrostatic charge. Instead of relying on the standard process, our team preheats the glass, causing the powder to melt and flow onto the surface upon contact.



This heat-based adhesion method allows us to produce smooth, durable finishes—even on substrates that other finishers might turn away.

Why Powder Coat at All?

Powder coating offers a wide range of benefits for all types of parts and industries:

  • Durability – Excellent resistance to chips, corrosion, and wear
  • Uniformity – Smooth, even finishes without drips or runs
  • Environmental Safety – No harmful solvents; VOC-free application
  • Aesthetic Variety – Wide color and texture options for decorative or branded parts


Whether you're looking to enhance the appearance of a consumer product or protect a critical aerospace component, powder coating is a proven solution—and our team is equipped to apply it with precision.

When You Need Experience and Flexibility, Call Giering

With over 70 years in business, Giering Metal Finishing has the equipment, team, and engineering knowledge to handle even the most complex powder coating projects. From standard metals to experimental substrates like glass, we’re here to help you find the right finish for your part.