What Is Powder Coat? A Guide to This Durable, Stylish Finish

What Is Powder Coat? A Guide to This Durable, Stylish Finish

At Soil & Oak, we're all about combining form and function—making pieces that not only look great but also stand the test of time. One of the key ways we do this is through powder coating, a high-quality finish used on our custom shelving units. If you’ve ever wondered “What is powder coat?” or “Why is it important?”, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry coating process where a finely ground, dry powder is applied to a surface—typically metal—and then cured with heat. This process creates a tough, protective finish that’s not only durable but also visually striking.

Unlike traditional paint, powder coating doesn’t rely on solvents. Instead, it's an electrostatic process where an electric charge bonds the powder to the surface. Once heated in a curing oven, the powder melts and fuses into a smooth, hard layer that’s resistant to scratches, corrosion, and wear.

In short, it’s a finish that performs just as beautifully as it looks.

Why Choose Powder Coat?

At Soil & Oak, we’re big believers in craftsmanship that lasts. Powder coating offers several major benefits:

  • Highly durable finish: While not indestructible, powder coating holds up extremely well under daily use—resisting chipping, peeling, and fading better than most traditional finishes.

  • Wide color selection: Powder coating opens up a broad spectrum of hues and finishes like Matte Black. Many of our clients love the metallic-inspired shades, such as Champagne Gold and Spanish Gold, which can either blend seamlessly with your existing decor or add a subtle pop of contrast.

Soil & Oak's powder coated finishes swatch
  • Versatility: This finish allows us to expand our shelving collections to match a wide variety of home styles—from modern and minimal to warm and industrial.

Whether you're matching your matte black fixtures or want something bold and custom, powdercoat lets us tailor each piece to your space.

Powder Coating at Soil & Oak: Crafted in Chicago

We’re proud to say that all of our shelving units are powder coated right here in Chicago, by a trusted local partner we’ve worked with extensively to perfect the process. Together, we’ve fine-tuned a finish that’s not only beautiful, but also complements the craftsmanship of our woodwork and design.

Every order is custom finished to ensure it meets our exacting standards—and yours.

Powder coating is more than just a pretty finish. It’s a smart, sustainable choice that adds lasting beauty and protection to every piece we make. If you're considering a shelving system that blends durability with design flexibility, powder-coated metal is a top-tier option—and at Soil & Oak, we’ve perfected the art of making it your own.

Have questions about powdercoat finishes or custom color options? Contact us or check out our portfolio for inspiration.

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