Western Fabrication - Custom Aluminum Panels - Powder-Coating

Why Finish Quality Matters (More Than You Might Think)

October 20, 20252 min read

Railings are the most touched metalwork on a home. Every time your hand slides the top rail, you feel the shop’s standards. Powder‑coating is how we deliver a finish that looks rich on day one—and holds up through freeze‑thaw cycles, summer heat, and everything between.

“If the finish doesn’t feel right in your hand, it isn’t leaving our shop.” — Craig Jacaway

Our Six‑Step Finish Process (WF Standard)

  1. Prep & Clean — We remove oils and contaminants so the coating bonds uniformly.

  2. Edge & Weld Work — Welds are dressed; edges are radiused so the hand‑feel is intentional.

  3. Dry‑Fit QC — Components assemble on stands; we verify squareness and hardware before finishing.

  4. Electrostatic Application — The charge pulls powder into corners and around profiles.

  5. Oven Cure — Parts bake to a hard shell that resists chips and corrosion.

  6. Final Inspection — We check sheen, coverage, and touch‑feel before loading for install.

“Powder‑coat doesn’t hide bad fabrication—it exposes it. That’s why we radius edges and dress welds before the booth.” — Dale Jacaway

Powder‑Coating, in Plain English

Powder‑coating uses an electrostatic charge to attract dry color particles onto metal. The parts then cure in a high‑heat oven. The result is a hard, even shell that wraps corners and seams more consistently than brush or roller paint.

Powder vs. Field Paint

Field paint sits on the surface; powder‑coat is baked on. Paint can work for quick touch‑ups, but as a primary finish on railings, powder wins on adhesion, edge coverage, and longevity.

VIEW CAP RAILING STYLES

Common Finish Failures — And How We Avoid Them

  • Edge chipping at welds: We dress transitions before finish so coating thickness stays even.

  • Orange peel or thin spots: We control application and cure, then reject parts that don’t pass the hand‑feel test.

  • Color mismatch across parts: Panels and posts are finished as a set for color consistency.

Iron vs. Aluminum: What Changes & What Doesn’t

  • Custom Iron Railings: Powder‑coat seals the surface and adds visual depth. Great for traditional profiles or when you want a substantial look.

  • CAP Aluminum Panels: Powder‑coat complements aluminum’s corrosion resistance while delivering crisp, modern sight lines.

Maintenance

  • Rinse winter grime seasonally; avoid harsh scrubbing pads.

  • Inspect fasteners annually (we tag what to check).

  • Expect some cosmetic wear on top rails over years of use. We can advise on touch‑up options.

What to Ask Any Fabricator — Buyer’s Checklist

  • How do you prep edges and welds before finishing?

  • Do you powder‑coat components as a set for color match?

  • What maintenance do you recommend for my environment?

  • How do you plan installs to pass inspection on the first visit?

CAP Railings Example - Staircase

Next Steps — Calculate your Project or Get an Onsite Bid

CAP Railing Calculator

Whether your project calls for the tailored presence of full custom railings or the clean speed of CAP Aluminum panels, finish quality is what you’ll see—and feel—every day. If you want railings that are safe, beautiful, and built to last, we should talk.

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