The powder coating process involves three basic steps:
1. Part preparation or the pre-treatment
2. The powder application
3. Curing

Powder application is very simple. A process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is typically used to achieve the application of the powder coating to a metal substrate. This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded part. Compressed air pushes the powder out of the gun, past an electrode which gives the powder a positive charge. The object being coated is grounded so the positive powder particles are attracted to it.

When the object is completely covered, the ground is removed and the object is put into the oven to be baked. While in the oven, the powder goes through a chemical change where it becomes free flowing and forms a “skin” around the object. After cooling, the powder is “set” and forms a hard finish.