Powder Coating vs Stove Enamelling
Powder coating and stove enamelling are two trusted finishing methods used across signage, façades and architectural cladding. Both elevate raw metal into a durable, design-ready surface, however they differ in behaviour, performance and creative flexibility. At NES, we work extensively with both techniques at our Excelsior House paint shop, helping designers specify the right finish for each application.
Versatile Finishes for Modern Architecture
Each process delivers a protective coating that enhances longevity, colour depth and weather resistance. Powder coating excels in scale, efficiency and uniformity, making it ideal for large façade or metalwork packages whilst stove enamelling offers a more refined, lacquer-like appearance with enhanced colour accuracy and lower batch requirements, perfect for feature elements and bespoke specifications.
Long-Lasting Performance Across Environments
Both finishes deliver excellent durability, resisting chalking, peeling and corrosion when correctly specified. High-performance architectural polyester powders offer excellent gloss retention for external use, while stove enamelling provides a dense, cured surface ideal for precision components and signage. Our finishes are engineered for commercial, retail, transport and architectural environments where performance and reliability are essential.
Powder Coating: Consistent, Efficient, Architectural-Grade
Powder coating uses an electrostatically applied powder that is oven-cured into a uniform, resilient coating. Key strengths include:- A wide palette of stock colours and textures
- Excellent coverage on complex shapes, folded details and extrusions
- Cost-effective finishing for medium-to-large production runs
- Robust resistance to UV, weathering and abrasion
- Consistent, repeatable results across large batches
Stove Enamelling: Precision, Craftsmanship & Colour Control
Stove enamelling uses a wet-spray enamel coating that is cured in an oven, producing a dense, smooth, lacquer-like finish. Unlike powder coating—where the product must melt and flow—stove enamelling focuses on cross-linking the paint resin to create a hardened, durable film. It provides exceptional colour accuracy and material control, making it ideal for feature elements. Key advantages:- Highly bespoke colours with exceptional matching accuracy
- Lower minimum quantities for custom colours, suitable for one-off or small runs
- A refined, smooth finish ideal for premium façades, trims and signage
- Excellent gloss and colour stability when correctly formulated
- Easier small-area touch-in repair compared to powder coating
Eco-Conscious Options for Built-Environment Projects
Both systems have increasingly sustainable material options. Powder coating produces minimal waste and overspray can often be recycled. Modern stove enamelling systems use low-VOC formulations and controlled curing, reducing environmental impact while delivering high-performance results. The long lifespan of both finishes reduces maintenance cycles and replacement requirements, supporting sustainable project delivery.
Below is a simplified overview of each technique to support specification decisions.
Powder Coating Process
Surface Preparation
Powder Application
Curing
Result
Stove Enamelling Process
Mechanical Preparation
Spray Application
Baking (Stoving)
