Powder Coating Cost Calculator
Estimate powder coating and surface treatment costs for metal profiles. 9 profile types, instant results. Enter dimensions, length, and price per m².
This free online plastification calculator helps fabricators, contractors, and engineers estimate the cost of powder coating, painting, galvanizing, or any surface treatment priced per square meter. Simply select your metal profile shape, enter the dimensions and length, set the price per m², and get an instant cost breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plastification of metal profiles?
Plastification (also known as powder coating) is a surface treatment process where a dry polymer powder is electrostatically applied to metal surfaces and then cured under heat. The result is a durable, uniform, corrosion-resistant coating available in virtually any RAL color. It is widely used for steel and aluminum profiles in construction, furniture manufacturing, and architectural metalwork.
How is the coating surface area calculated for a tube?
For tubes (both square and rectangular), only the outer surface is coated. The outer perimeter of the cross-section is multiplied by the length: Surface Area = Perimeter × Length. For a 40×40 mm square tube that is 1 meter long: P = 4 × 40 = 160 mm = 0.16 m, Surface = 0.16 × 1 = 0.16 m². The inner surface is not accessible for coating in most practical applications.
Why do I-beams cost more to coat than rectangular tubes?
I-beams have significantly more exposed surface area than enclosed profiles of similar overall dimensions. An IPE 200 beam has an outer perimeter of approximately 823 mm, while a 100×200 rectangular tube has only 600 mm. The I-beam's flanges and web create multiple surfaces that all require coating, increasing both material consumption and labor time for the coating applicator.
What is the typical price range for powder coating in Europe?
In Europe, powder coating typically costs between €5 and €15 per square meter, depending on several factors: batch size (larger batches reduce per-unit cost), color (standard RAL colors are cheapest; metallic, textured, or custom colors cost more), required coating thickness (standard 60–80 µm vs. heavy-duty 100–120 µm), and surface preparation requirements (sandblasting adds €2–4/m²).
Does this calculator include end caps and welds?
This calculator estimates the outer lateral surface area (perimeter × length) and does not include end caps, weld areas, brackets, or other attachments. For tubes, the open ends add a small amount of surface (typically negligible for long pieces). For accurate quoting, add 5–10% to the calculated surface area to account for end preparations, weld dressing areas, and hard-to-reach zones that require extra coating time.
Can I use this calculator for galvanizing cost estimates?
Yes — any surface treatment priced per square meter can be estimated with this calculator. Enter the galvanizing price per m² instead of the powder coating price. Note that galvanizing coats both inner and outer surfaces of open profiles, so for tubes you may need to account for the inner surface separately. For hot-dip galvanizing of tubes, many galvanizers require drainage holes, which can affect the total cost.