Polane paint (industrial wet-spray) can be matched to almost any color in quantities as low as one gallon. The texture can be varied by the painter, producing different looks to accommodate various surfaces and applications. Polane paint may fade over time, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight. For custom colors in small runs, plastics, and camouflaging surface flaws, Polane paint is the best option.

Powder coating is sprayed onto metal surfaces as a dry powder, using an electrically charged gun. (Unfortunately, it is not suitable for plastic parts.) Powder coating does not require catalyst, reducer, or primer (which Polane paint does), and is applied in just a single coat. High-temperature baking gives powder coating its rigid scratch- and chip-resistant finish, which is extremely durable, even in outdoor environments.

Powder coating is available in various glosses, textures, and colors, including metallics. However, for custom requirements, the minimum purchase quantity can be 500 pounds. (A pound of powder coating covers about fifteen square feet of surface area.) Unless you plan to consume a large amount during several months, this is not economical, since the shelf life of powder is limited, particularly in high humidity. For standard colors and textures, though, powder coating is highly efficient and cost-effective.

Iriditing is the application of a chemical film coating to aluminum parts. This treatment prevents oxidation (discoloring or darkening of the metal surface resulting from exposure to oxygen). Iriditing is available in either clear or yellow/gold. If the surface is cosmetic and will not be painted or powder coated, clear iridite is recommended. Yellow/gold iridite is best for internal or non-cosmetic parts, or as a surface preparation for painting or powder coating.

Screen Printing (Silk-Screening) is the process of applying colored text and/or graphics to plastic or metal surfaces by forcing ink through a piece of tightly stretched silk. For each ink color, a separate setup is required. The most economical screen designs have few (one or two) colors, and avoid tiny details. OER can produce custom screen artwork for you, or we can use your camera-ready art.