Powder Coating for Canadian Part Owners: Compare Service Scope

Compare preparation, masking and coating stages

Compare Chromatique and Tri-Coat on preparation, masking and coating stages before comparing prices: their published inclusions differ, so the quotes need a scope check before you treat them as equivalent.[1][2]

Chromatique

• Preparation: Degreasing, rinsing and zirconium pretreatment are included. Required stripping or sandblasting is assessed and priced at quotation.[1]
• Masking: Masking of specified threads, tapped holes, bearing seats, mating surfaces and grounding points is included in the quote.[1]
• Coating stages: Colour plus clear is the standard system; primer or another coat may be added when needed.[1]

Tri-Coat

• Preparation: The estimated powder-coating scope includes abrasive blasting and other preparation as needed.[2]
• Masking: Thread masking is included in the described scope.[2] Ask Tri-Coat to confirm whether masking other functional surfaces is included.
• Coating stages: Base pricing covers single-stage coating in in-stock colours; clear and additional stages cost extra.[2]

Ask both coaters for a written scope covering the same parts and approved coating system: included cleaning and pretreatment, separately charged stripping or blasting, each masking area and the complete coat sequence.

Chromatique states it serves only Greater Montreal, Quebec.[1] Tri-Coat’s website places its shop in Okotoks, Alberta, so Chromatique and Tri-Coat are in different provinces and are not local alternatives for the same area. Confirm that the coater you choose can serve your location before arranging shipment.

Compare total charges, not minimums

Chromatique lists a $350 minimum before tax; Tri-Coat lists a $135 minimum shop charge. Neither figure establishes the complete project price.[1][2]

Tri-Coat adds 40% for clear and 40% per additional coating stage, whereas Chromatique describes colour plus clear as its standard system.[1][2] Ask how Tri-Coat calculates those adders rather than assuming they apply to the shop minimum.

Chromatique assesses required stripping or blasting at quotation. Tri-Coat identifies special-order powder and shipping charges, plus possible extra labour when parts arrive with plastic, rubber, bearings, excessive dirt, oil or grease.[1][2]

Request an itemised total covering preparation, masking, coating stages, powder, taxes and transport. Have the quote explain the percentage calculation basis and how the minimum affects the total. Require written approval before extra work proceeds.

Declare the part condition and preparation responsibility

Record the substrate, relevant alloy or thickness, existing finish, corrosion, contamination, welds, galvanizing and assembled or mixed-material features in the request for quotation.[5][6] Assign responsibility for disassembly, stripping, cleaning, blasting and any necessary bake-out; preparation should suit the material and condition rather than follow a universal recipe.[1][4][6]

Chromatique requires disassembled parts without seals, bearings, electronics or other listed attachments.[1] Tri-Coat requires removal of plastic, rubber, bearings and excessive dirt, oil and grease; additional labour charges may apply otherwise.[2]

Send dimensions, quantity and photographs—Tri-Coat prefers visual inspection.[2] Agree on how extra preparation will be approved if inspection reveals a condition different from your description.

Mark what must stay bare—and where parts may hang

Mark drawings or photographs with every area to keep bare: threads, bores, bearing seats, mating and gasket faces, press fits, sliding interfaces and electrical grounding points. Coating build can change fit or block electrical contact.[4][6]

Also mark required coverage on hidden faces, holes, edges and welds, plus acceptable rack or fixture locations and contact marks.[6] Hanging needs reliable bare-metal contact for grounding during spraying; agree on a safely load-bearing, preferably hidden location.[4]

Have the coater confirm the masking map and hang-point plan before production.

Approve the coating system and appearance

Specify the approved powder manufacturer/product or colour reference, gloss, texture, service exposure, pretreatment, primer/topcoat arrangement and agreed film-thickness range.[5][6] For outdoor parts, describe UV, moisture, salt or de-icing exposure, abrasion and impact so the coater can propose a system for that use.[1][5]

Approve a sample, not only a colour name. Huyck recommends a signed control sample for custom colours; request a sample representing the production process, finish and agreed viewing conditions.[5][6] Chromatique warns that matching an uncoded photo or sample may be close rather than perfect.[1] Huyck cautions that matching later orders can be difficult, particularly with special-effect powders or different substrates.[5]

Set colour and gloss tolerances, lot-control expectations and repeat-order matching requirements in writing.[5][6] Agree on the proposed system’s film thickness and cure requirements rather than assuming a universal specification.[6]

Define batch acceptance and rework

Make the approved sample and written specification the basis for acceptance: colour, gloss, coverage, dry-film thickness, functional fit and agreed limits for visible defects or handling marks. Specify viewing distance and lighting for consistent appearance inspection.[5][6]

If adhesion, cure or other performance testing is required, name the method and pass criteria before production.[6] Agree on sampling, what triggers batch rejection, who performs and records inspection, and the deadline for reporting non-conforming parts.

Separate repair methods from responsibility for their cost. Chromatique describes same-colour liquid paint for a small visible chip, stripping and full recoating for an even result, and possible recoating over sound powder after assessment and preparation.[1]

Tri-Coat warrants against cracking, flaking or peeling for 1 year on new parts and 6 months on used parts, subject to normal wear.[2] It excludes responsibility for outgassing on porous cast or chrome-clad parts.[2] Confirm how this coverage applies to the proposed parts and finish.

Decide who may approve touch-up instead of full recoating, who pays for disputed inspection and rework, and whether repaired parts must pass reinspection against the original criteria.

What to confirm with each provider before shipment

Chromatique’s page does not state a warranty period; neither its page nor Tri-Coat’s settles inspection ownership, rejection deadlines, rework costs, return freight, cancellation or risk-of-loss terms.[1][2] Get these points agreed alongside the work specification:

• Scope and price: identified parts and quantities, preparation responsibility, masking map, approved coating system, sample and itemised total.
• Acceptance and remedies: inspection and rejection process, applicable warranty and exclusions, touch-up approval, stripping and recoating costs, and any repeat-rework limit.
• Dates and commercial terms: production and collection dates, payment or deposit requirements, cancellation, storage, pickup and delivery arrangements.
• Packaging: protection against metal-on-metal contact, abrasive strapping, trapped moisture and unsuitable wrapping; specify interleaving, individual wrapping or labelled bundles where needed.[5]
• Transport responsibility: outbound and return freight, damage inspection, claims handling and risk of loss.

Treat the quotes as equivalent only after the required work, total charges and acceptance obligations are agreed in writing.

References

1. Powder Coating, Sandblasting and Chemical Cleaning in Montreal (chromatique.ca)
2. Get a Quote (tricoat.ca)
4. How to Prepare Metal for Powder Coating Right (eastwoodcanada.com)
5. How to Specify Architectural Coatings Correctly (huyck.ca)
6. Powder Coating for Metal Parts: Process & RFQ Guide (zsyishang.com, 2026)