There are lots of different coating applications and techniques, so here we will try and explain them in details and give answer the questions we get asked all of the time.
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Powder Coating
Powder coating is a dry finishing process where a fine powder is electrostatically applied to a surface and then cured in an oven. The result is a smooth, durable, and high-quality finish used on everything from architectural steelwork to machinery components.
Most commonly, powder coating is applied to metal surfaces such as aluminium, mild steel, galvanised steel, and stainless steel. It’s not suitable for plastic or wood unless those materials can withstand the high curing temperatures.
With proper preparation and application, powder coating can last 15–20 years or more, depending on environmental conditions and usage. It resists chipping, scratching, and UV damage far better than traditional wet paint.
Yes. When combined with appropriate pre-treatment like shot blasting and hot zinc spray, powder coating offers excellent weather resistance and helps prevent rust.
Thousands of RAL and BS colour options are available in various finishes, including gloss, satin, matt, metallic, and textured. Custom finishes can also be ordered for specific projects.
Unlike wet paint, powder coating uses no solvents. It is more environmentally friendly, provides a thicker and more even coat, and has superior durability.
If you’re based in London, Kent, Essex or the Southeast, NSP Coatings provides professional protective powder coating services from our state-of-the-art facility in north Kent. We also offer collection and delivery through our own transport fleet to make things even easier.
NSP Coatings is one of the leading providers of industrial-grade powder coating in the UK. With over 25 years of experience and the largest facility in the Southeast, we specialise in high-performance finishes for everything from structural steel to bespoke architectural pieces.
Outdoor metal street furniture benefits most from powder coatings that include a hot zinc spray primer for corrosion resistance, followed by a durable polyester topcoat. NSP Coatings provides this multi-stage process to ensure maximum protection for street furniture from the elements.
At NSP Coatings, we use eco-friendly powder coating systems that are free from solvents and produce minimal waste. Our process is compliant with environmental standards and ideal for projects where sustainability matters.
We offer a wide range of RAL colours and custom colour powder coating options suitable for balconies, balustrades and other architectural metalwork. NSP Coatings can help you achieve the exact finish you need, with gloss, matt, satin and specialist texture options available.
NSP Coatings specialises in architectural powder coating, with extensive experience working on balconies, façades, handrails and more. We ensure every item meets the highest standard, with pre-treatment processes like shot blasting and zinc priming included where needed.
Lead times can vary depending on the job size and requirements, but at NSP Coatings we aim to turn most jobs around quickly, typically within 5 to 10 working days. We can provide accurate lead times during the quote process.
You can request a quote directly from NSP Coatings by calling our team or filling out the enquiry form on our website. Whether it’s a one-off job or regular bulk powder coating work, we’re happy to help.
Yes, NSP Coatings is one of the UK’s most experienced industrial powder coating companies. We handle large volumes, awkward shapes, and challenging specifications with precision and care.
NSP Coatings regularly works with aluminium products, including gates, windows, panels, and signage. We use pre-treatment processes suitable for aluminium and ensure strong adhesion and long-lasting protection.
For high-wear equipment, we offer heavy-duty powder coating options that include shot blasting and zinc-rich primers to ensure durability. Our coatings are ideal for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery.
NSP Coatings provides tough and weather-resistant powder coating for garden tools, metal storage items, outdoor fixtures and equipment. We’ll make sure they’re protected against rust, UV rays and daily use.
We stand by our workmanship. NSP Coatings offers warranties on certain types of powder coating work, depending on the material and intended usage. Speak to our team to discuss what’s included.
Our full-service coating process includes shot blasting, zinc priming, and polyester top coats, the perfect combination for a corrosion-resistant finish. Whether it’s for coastal locations or exposed metalwork, we’ve got you covered.
NSP Coatings is equipped to handle both small and large metal parts, from precision brackets to structural steel. Our facility includes an advanced powder booth and oven with generous capacity, allowing us to deliver consistent results across all job sizes.
Hot Zinc Spray
Hot zinc spraying (also known as metal spraying or zinc metallising) involves melting zinc wire and spraying it onto a surface using a flame or electric arc. It provides excellent corrosion protection, especially for steel structures.
It is ideal for steelwork that will be exposed to harsh environments, including coastal or industrial locations. It’s a preferred alternative to galvanising when welding or post-fabrication coatings are needed.
Both offer corrosion protection using zinc, but hot zinc spray does not require fettling to removed lumps unlike galvanising, also it can be used on complex or large structures. Unlike galvanising, it doesn’t involve dipping the item in molten zinc.
Yes. When used as a primer under powder coating, it significantly enhances durability and corrosion resistance, especially in harsh external environments.
Absolutely. It’s a highly effective system – zinc spray acts as a protective base layer, and the powder coat adds colour and further weather resistance.
Typically, 50 to 100 microns, depending on the required specification. Thicker applications can be applied for more aggressive environments.
Shot Blasting
Shot blasting is a surface preparation process where abrasive particles are fired at high speed to clean metal surfaces. It removes rust, mill scale, old paint, and other contaminants to provide a clean surface for coatings.
It ensures the coating adheres properly by roughening the surface and removing contaminants. Without proper blasting, coatings can fail prematurely.
Most metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. We adjust the media and pressure depending on the material and required finish.
Yes. It is highly effective for stripping surfaces down to bare metal, removing rust, old paint, and welding scale.
A clean, slightly textured (etched) surface ideal for subsequent coatings. The texture can be controlled depending on the blasting media used.
At NSP, yes. We believe in doing the job right from the start, and that includes shot blasting every item before it’s coated.
Wet Spray
Wet spraying involves applying liquid paint to a surface using a spray gun. It is typically used for items that cannot be oven-cured or require specific finishes not achievable with powder coating.
Wet spray is suitable for larger fabrications, temperature-sensitive items, or parts requiring specialist coatings like anti-graffiti or intumescent finishes.
Powder coating is a dry process that needs heat curing, while wet spray is liquid-based and cures at ambient or low temperatures. Wet spraying also allows for finer detail in some finishes.
Gloss, satin, matt, metallic, textured, and specialist coatings. It offers more flexibility in terms of custom finishes.
Yes. Wet spraying is ideal for one-offs and small runs where powder coating may not be cost-effective.
Drying times vary by product and thickness, but most paints are touch dry within 12–24 hours, with some quick-drying options available. Full cure is dependant on conditions.
Intumescent Paint
Intumescent paint is a fire-resistant coating that expands when exposed to heat, forming a charred layer that insulates structural steel and helps it maintain strength during a fire.
When exposed to temperatures above 200°C, the coating expands up to 50 times its thickness, forming a protective barrier that delays heat transfer to the steel.
Yes. In many commercial and public buildings, steelwork must meet fire resistance standards, and intumescent coatings help achieve those regulations.
Yes. It is designed specifically for structural steel and is commonly used in new builds, refurbishments, and industrial settings.
Protection is typically specified in time ratings such as 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, depending on building requirements.
While often white or off-white, it can be over-coated with a decorative topcoat to match any RAL or BS colour.
Quality Control
We inspect all jobs for coating thickness, adhesion, finish quality, and curing. Every item is signed off before leaving our premises.
Yes. Our bespoke CRM/ERP system tracks every stage – from quote to delivery – with real-time updates and internal checks.
We use calibrated DFT (Dry Film Thickness) gauges to measure coating depth and ensure it meets specification.
Yes. Certificates of conformity or inspection reports are available on request, especially for intumescent or specialist coatings.
Absolutely. Our dedicated Quality Assurance team checks every job and logs data in our system to ensure full traceability.
We take quality seriously. If an issue arises, it’s flagged immediately, and we’ll communicate openly to resolve it – quickly and thoroughly.
Transport
Yes. We operate our own transport fleet to ensure jobs are handled professionally from start to finish.
We cover Kent, London, Essex, Sussex, and the Southeast. For larger jobs, we can arrange collection nationwide.
Yes. Our lorries are equipped to handle everything from small components to large structural steel sections.
Yes. We take full responsibility for items while they’re in our care and on our vehicles.
Not usually. Our drivers and warehouse team are trained to handle and secure items professionally. If any protection is needed, we’ll advise you in advance.
Just give us a call or email, and our transport team will schedule a slot that suits your project timeline.
Prices
Costs depend on size, material, preparation, and type of finish. For example, adding hot zinc spray or shot blasting increases the price but also increases durability.
It depends on the job. For larger projects, we often quote per square metre. For smaller or more complex items, we may quote per piece.
Different finishes, prep processes, and material types all affect pricing. Specialist coatings cost more but also offer enhanced performance.
Our quotes always include prep (like shot blasting), the coating itself, curing, QA, and transport if agreed. There are no hidden extras.
Yes. Call or email us with your job specs, and we’ll get a quote over to you as soon as possible.
We believe we offer exceptional value for money. When comparing like-for-like – including prep, quality, and service – our pricing is very competitive.
About NSP
We’re a family-run coatings specialist with over 25 years’ experience. Based in Kent, we offer powder coating, shot blasting, hot zinc spraying, wet spraying, and more.
NSP is celebrating 25 years in business – from a small shed to one of the largest and best-equipped coating facilities in the Southeast.
We are based in Kent and provide services across the Southeast including London, Essex, Sussex, and beyond.
We don’t cut corners. Every job includes proper prep, coating, QA, and transport. Our investment in people, plant, and processes means we get it right first time.
Yes. We serve fabricators, architects, construction companies, manufacturers, and individual customers.
You can call us directly, email our team, or use the contact form on our website. Or pop in and visit – we’re always happy to chat through your project.