Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our coating services, processes and capabilities

General Questions

Common questions about our services, processes and how to get started.

We offer a comprehensive range of coating and surface treatment services including wet spray painting (solvent and water-based), powder coating, Cerakote ceramic coatings, blasting (grit, bead and soda), substrate preparation, masking and parts identification, paint polishing, destructive testing, and priority fast-track services. We also provide specialist aircraft refurbishment coatings for the aerospace sector.

You can request a free quote by calling us on 01202 622258, emailing info@wickedcoatings.co.uk, or using our online contact form. To provide an accurate quote we will need to know the type and number of items, the coating or finish required, any specific colour references (such as RAL numbers), and any industry specifications that must be met. We aim to return all quotes within 24 hours.

Standard turnaround is typically 5-10 working days depending on the complexity and volume of work. For urgent requirements, our priority fast-track service can deliver in as little as 24-48 hours. Turnaround times are confirmed at the quotation stage and we pride ourselves on meeting agreed deadlines.

We can coat virtually any substrate including steel, aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass, copper, plastics (ABS, nylon, polycarbonate), composites (carbon fibre, fibreglass), wood and MDF. Different coating systems are recommended for different substrates, and our technical team will advise on the best solution for your specific material and application.

We are ISO 9001 certified for quality management. Our senior inspectors hold NACE International Level 3 and Icorr Level 3 certifications, the highest levels of coating inspection and corrosion engineering qualification available. Our operators are ICATS qualified. All certifications are independently audited and maintained.

Yes! Alongside our commercial coating services, we offer a full range of custom and restoration finishing services including hydro dipping, carbon dipping, custom paint spraying and protective coatings. These are ideal for personalising automotive parts, gaming equipment, musical instruments, household items and more. Individual items are welcome.

No, there is no minimum order quantity. We handle everything from single prototype components and one-off personal items through to large production batches of thousands of units. Each project is quoted individually based on the specific requirements, volume and complexity involved.

Yes, we can arrange collection and delivery of your items via our trusted courier partners. Items can also be dropped off and collected from our facility in Poole, Dorset during our opening hours (Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday 7:30am to 3pm). All items are carefully packaged and protected for transit. Delivery costs are quoted separately based on size, weight and destination.

Services FAQ

Technical questions about specific coating processes, performance and applications.

Standard powder coatings can typically withstand continuous operating temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius. For higher temperature applications, specialist high-temperature powder coatings are available that can withstand temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Celsius. These are commonly used for exhaust manifolds, engine components and industrial equipment. Our technical team will recommend the appropriate powder system for your operating environment.

Cerakote is one of the most durable coating systems available. It offers superior abrasion resistance (9H pencil hardness), excellent corrosion protection (over 3,000 hours salt spray tested), chemical resistance and impact resistance, all at a film thickness of just 25 microns. This makes it ideal for applications where thin, lightweight but extremely tough coatings are required, such as automotive components, knives, tools and aerospace parts.

Hydro dipping (water transfer printing) involves floating a specially printed PVA film on the surface of a water tank. The film is activated with a chemical solution that dissolves it into a liquid ink layer. Your item is then carefully dipped through the floating ink, which wraps conformally around every contour and surface. After dipping, the item is rinsed, dried and sealed with a protective clear coat. The process can apply patterns to almost any 3D shape.

Yes, we can match virtually any colour reference including RAL, Pantone, BS381C, Federal Standard and custom colour samples. For wet spray painting, our mixing system can produce any colour to an exact match. For powder coating, we work with leading powder manufacturers to source or produce bespoke colours. We always produce test panels for customer approval before proceeding with production work.

We use a range of blasting media depending on the substrate and requirements. These include aluminium oxide grit for aggressive stripping and profile creation, glass bead for cosmetic finishing and peening, garnet for precision cleaning, plastic media for delicate substrates, and sodium bicarbonate (soda) for soft metals and composite materials. The correct media is selected to achieve the specified surface profile without damaging the substrate.

Our quality inspection department performs a comprehensive range of tests including dry film thickness (DFT) measurement using calibrated gauges, cross-hatch adhesion testing (ASTM D3359), bend testing, impact resistance testing, gloss measurement, and visual inspection under controlled lighting. For defence and aerospace work, additional testing such as salt spray (ASTM B117) and humidity resistance may be performed. Full test reports and compliance documentation are provided with every project.

10
Services
15
Sectors
100+
Years Combined
ISO:9001
Certified
NACE 3
Inspectors