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ESTABLISHED 1953
Masking plays a critical role in successful powder coating at our sheet metal finishing shop, All Powder Coat & Screen (APCS). When done properly, it helps preserve the function and fit of every part we coat, while allowing us to deliver the same excellent appearance our customers expect.
Yet not every masking job presents the same level of complexity. When a part only needs a small number of studs protected, a set of silicone caps may be sufficient.
But it’s a different story when APCS is coating parts with complex features that we’ve fabricated or machined here at All Metals Fabricating. Masking becomes a greater test when parts have intricate geometry, tight tolerances, or specific features that need to remain completely free of coating for the part to assemble and perform correctly.
Our team approaches masking as a core part of any project that requires it, planning our approach carefully to ensure the best possible product. Because we know a beautiful finish on a part that doesn’t function properly is no success at all.
Powder coating is a great choice for both durability and aesthetics, but the coating itself can affect how parts fit together or perform in the field. Masking gives us control over where the finish goes and, just as importantly, where it doesn’t.
For instance, leaving threads uncoated prevents torque issues during assembly. Similarly, keeping electrical contact points clean ensures a surface can conduct the way it’s supposed to. These examples can be straightforward in certain instances, but when dealing with hard-to-access surfaces, tight boundaries, or unusual part features, they can quickly become difficult.
Our team has faced countless masking challenges over their years in this industry, and that experience shapes how we approach each new job. We build a masking plan that prioritizes both precision and efficiency to keep your project moving.
Complex masking is a regular part of what we do, and we’re always prepared to develop new approaches when a part calls for it. Here are two examples that illustrate how we handle these kinds of challenges in practice:
We recently took on a small two-piece enclosure with several button cutouts, where the full interior had to remain coating-free. A narrow lip running around each cutout added another layer of difficulty. Our solution was a custom silicone mold designed to plug through the button holes, combined with careful taping around the perimeters. The two halves were assembled into a single unit for coating and curing, then taken apart and packaged individually once the process was complete.
Certain parts call for a boundary line that has to land in exactly the right place. For these jobs, we mask directly from the engineering print and confirm placement using calipers before anything goes in the oven. The end result is a clean, consistent edge that meets spec every time.
Powder coating isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and our team adapts their approach to whatever a given part requires. But there's a real advantage that builds over time: repeat jobs can be done faster.
We document our masking setups thoroughly, including the materials used, custom plugs or fixtures, and the specific techniques that delivered the best results. When your parts come back through for another run, we’re not starting from scratch. We pick up where we left off and move quickly while maintaining the same level of precision.
Whether your parts have tight clearances, exposed electrical contacts, or other features that need to stay clean, we’re equipped to handle it. Request a quote from All Metals Fabricating for a masking plan that protects both the performance and appearance of your finished parts.
