If you have been around cars and trucks for longer than 5 minutes, you have surely come across the term “powder coat”. It is the preferred method of paint for heavy wear applications such as wheels and aftermarket truck bumpers.

But what are the differences between regular paint and its more durable brother? What are the pro and cons of each? These are just some of the common questions you should be asking yourself when choosing between the two.

What is Powder Coating?

Simply put, powder coating is similar to paint but much stronger. Unlike paint, however, it is not wet. This means that it is applied without solvents. The coating comes out as a dry powder to an electrostatically charged surface such as these Silverado Front Bumpers.

Once applied, the powder coat must go through a curing process. In the case of aftermarket bumpers, it is done by putting the parts in an oven. This effectively bakes the powder coat on for a much more durable and impact-resistant finish.

Pros and Cons of Paint

Traditional paint or “wet” paint is by far the most popular choice in the automotive industry. That’s thanks in part to the relatively low cost when compared to powder coating. However, the aftermarket industry has realized that, for bumpers, it is not the best option. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better.

Simple rock chips, which are almost guaranteed to occur when you go off-roading can cause havoc to a traditional finish. Once the paint has chipped off, the bare metal is much more susceptible to rust and corrosion.

Here is a quick recap of paint pros and cons:

Pros

• Low Cost
• Available In Several Finishes
• Unlimited Colors

Cons

• Easy To Damage
• Higher Maintenace
• Messy Application

Pros and Cons of Powder Coat

A powder-coated bumper is a universal calling card of a high-quality bumper. And yes, it will cost more than a regular paint finish. But the result is a product that, if taken care of properly, will last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a new Chevy Colorado Bumper, be sure to check out the extensive lineup of powder-coated options on BumperStock. All of the bumpers are finished with a multiple-stage finish to make sure they can stand up to pretty much anything.

As a result, the bumpers come out with a surface that is several times harder and more durable than ones with traditional paint. This process may cost and take a little more time, but it is what helps set the men apart from the boys.

Powder coat finishes pros and cons overview:

Pros

• Extremely Durable Finish
• Much Thicker Than Paint
• Increases Bumper Durability

Cons

• Initial Cost Is Higher
• Available In Limited Colors
• Finish Is Not As Smooth As Paint

Final Words

No matter what you plan to do with your truck, a powder-coated aftermarket bumper is a necessity. They offer unbelievable protection over stock and will help protect your investment. Check out the entire lineup of custom options on BumperStock.com today!