Can You Powder Coat Garden Gates? Cost, Process and Finish Options

Yes — you can powder coat garden gates, and it is one of the most popular and durable ways to finish metal gates. Powder coating gates gives a tough, weather-resistant finish that resists rust, chipping and fading far better than ordinary paint, and it is available in almost any colour. Whether you have wrought iron, mild steel or aluminium gates, powder coating works brilliantly — as long as the metal is properly stripped and prepared first.

This guide covers what it costs to powder coat garden gates in the UK, the step-by-step process, the colour and finish options available, and how long the finish lasts.

Key Takeaways

• Garden gates made from steel, wrought iron and aluminium can all be powder coated
• Powder coating a single pedestrian gate typically costs £80–£200; large driveway or double gates £250–£600+ depending on size and condition
• The process is strip/blast → pre-treat → powder apply → oven cure
• Finishes come in the full RAL colour range, in matt, gloss, satin and textured options
• A UV-stable polyester powder is used for outdoor gates so the colour does not fade
• Done properly, a powder coated gate finish lasts 10+ years with almost no maintenance

Why Powder Coat Garden Gates?

Powder coating is the best finish for garden gates because it bonds into a single thick, flexible layer that seals the whole gate against moisture and UV. Unlike wet paint, which flakes and needs re-doing every few years, a powder coated gate keeps its colour and protection for a decade or more. It is also the ideal way to refurbish old, rusted wrought iron gates — once stripped back and recoated, they look factory-new. See what powder coating is for a full explanation of how it works.

How Much Does It Cost to Powder Coat Garden Gates?

Powder coating a garden gate in the UK typically costs between £80 and £200 for a single pedestrian gate, and £250 to £600 or more for large driveway or double gates. The exact price depends on the size of the gate, the metal it is made from, its condition, and whether old paint or rust needs stripping first.

The main factors that affect the cost are:

• Size and weight — larger driveway gates take more preparation, powder and oven space
• Condition — heavily rusted or previously painted gates need extra stripping or shot blasting
• Metal type — aluminium needs different pre-treatment to steel
• Colour and finish — standard RAL colours cost less than specialist textured or metallic finishes
• Collection and delivery — transport of heavy gates may be added

For an accurate figure it is always best to get a quote. You can see our general powder coating costs guide for more on pricing.

What Is the Process for Powder Coating Gates?

The process for powder coating gates has four main stages, and the preparation is what determines how long the finish lasts:

• Stripping and blasting — old paint, rust and scale are removed by shot blasting back to bare metal, creating a clean, keyed surface
• Pre-treatment — a conversion coating is applied to protect against corrosion (iron phosphate for steel, chromate-free for aluminium)
• Powder application — dry powder is applied electrostatically so it clings evenly to every bar, scroll and corner of the gate
• Oven curing — the gate is cured in an oven at around 180–200°C, melting the powder into a smooth, hard, continuous finish

What Colour and Finish Options Are Available?

Garden gates can be powder coated in almost any colour from the RAL range, and in matt, gloss, satin or textured finishes. Black (RAL 9005), anthracite grey (RAL 7016) and dark green are the most popular for gates, but any colour is possible. For outdoor gates a UV-stable polyester powder is used so the colour holds up in sunlight — epoxy powders are avoided outdoors because they chalk and fade (more on powder types).

How Long Does Powder Coating Last on Gates?

A powder coated garden gate typically keeps its finish for 10 years or more with minimal maintenance. The Powder Coating Institute rates powder coating at 15 to 20 years in ideal conditions; outdoors, sun, rain and frost shorten that, but it still far outlasts wet paint. A yearly wipe-down and prompt repair of any chips will keep a gate looking new for years. For more detail, see our guide on how long powder coating lasts.

Powder Coating vs Painting Garden Gates

Powder coating costs more upfront than painting a gate, but it lasts far longer and needs almost no maintenance, making it cheaper over the life of the gate. The table compares the two.

Factor	Powder coating	Wet painting
Durability	10+ years	2–4 years
Maintenance	Minimal	Frequent repainting
Finish	Even, tough, chip-resistant	Thinner, prone to flaking
Rust protection	Excellent (with pre-treatment)	Moderate
Upfront cost	Higher	Lower

If rust protection is your main concern, you may also want to read powder coating vs galvanising.

Can You Powder Coat Old or Wrought Iron Gates?

Yes — old and wrought iron gates are ideal candidates for powder coating. They are stripped back to bare metal by blasting, which removes decades of old paint and rust, then pre-treated and recoated. The result is a gate that looks brand new and is protected for years to come. This is one of the most common jobs we do for homeowners restoring period or heritage gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, can you powder coat garden gates? Absolutely — it is the most durable, low-maintenance and attractive way to finish steel, wrought iron and aluminium gates. With proper stripping and preparation, a powder coated gate will resist rust and fading for a decade or more, in any colour you choose, and far outlast a painted finish.

At Spraytech, we strip, blast and powder coat garden gates, driveway gates and railings to a durable, weather-resistant finish from our facilities in Bishop’s Stortford, serving homeowners across London, Hertfordshire and Essex. Learn more about our domestic powder coating services or get in touch for a quote.