Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin". The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.

Basically anything capable of holding a small electrical charge can have powder applied to it. It is usually used for coating metals, such as household appliances, aluminum extrusions, and automobile and bicycle parts. Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard), to be powder coated using different methods.

Powder coating has become extremely popular. More and more companies specify powder coating for a high-quality and durable finish, allowing for maximized production, improved efficiency and simplified environmental compliance. Used as functional and decorative finishes, powder coating is available in an almost limitless range of colors and textures, and technological advancements have resulted in excellent performance properties.