Clear answers before you invest time in a quote.
These answers describe Salt City Metal Coatings’ general approach. The actual part, project scope, equipment fit, preparation, coating system, price, and schedule must be reviewed before the work is accepted.
Prefer to discuss your project? Call (435) 868-3166.
Quoting and Project Fit
What information should I send for a quote?
Send drawings or clear photos, material, dimensions and weight, quantities or release pattern, current condition, desired finish and performance, masked areas, and packaging or logistics needs. Include the current drawing revision, a parts list or bill of materials, and separate incoming delivery and required ship dates. Explain what success looks like and any approval or communication requirements. See how to organize drawings and assembly quantities. See what to send for a powder coating quote.
How should I organize drawings and quantities for a quote?
Send the current drawing revision, a parts list or bill of materials, and the quantity of each individual part. If one assembly contains several pieces, show both the number of assemblies and the pieces in each. Identify separate project packages and any drawings that replace earlier versions.
How do I know whether a quoted price is per part, per foot, or for the whole job?
Check the description, quantity, unit, and total for each quoted item. If you need separate pricing by part, project package, or release, say so when requesting the quote. Ask us to clarify any unclear unit or included operation before approving the estimate.
What if my drawings, quantities, finish, or deadline change after the quote?
Send the changes with your estimate or project reference and clearly identify what has changed. Ask us to confirm the revised scope, price, and schedule before proceeding. A previous quote may not cover additional pieces, a different coating system, or new preparation requirements.
Do you take small one-off jobs?
Salt City is a production-oriented operation. Small one-off jobs are generally not a fit. Selected custom work may be accepted after review. Learn which metal projects are a good fit for powder coating.
Does every part need media blasting?
No. Preparation depends on the substrate, contamination, rust, existing coating, surface profile, sensitivity of the part, and the finish that follows. New metal may be suited to chemical preparation, while other parts need abrasive media blasting or a different approach. Learn when metal needs blasting before powder coating.
Can I request media blasting without powder coating?
Yes. Salt City generally accepts media-blasting-only work. Send photos, material, dimensions, current finish, areas to protect, and your needed date. Tell us what finish or process will follow so we can review suitability, preparation requirements, price, and schedule.
Does Salt City provide tariff, customs, or country-of-origin advice?
No. Salt City helps manufacturers evaluate and implement the metal-finishing portion of a domestic production plan. We do not determine tariff classifications, duties, country of origin, marking requirements, trade-program eligibility, or legal compliance. Customers should confirm those matters with qualified customs, trade, legal, and tax professionals. Review the checklist for moving metal finishing to the United States.
Appearance, Performance, and Equipment Fit
Can powder coating hide pits, dents, or rough welds?
No. Preparation and coating do not repair fabrication defects. Deep pits, dents, rough welds, and surface damage may remain visible. See what to check before coating welded parts.
Can you match a color or finish exactly?
Color, gloss, texture, substrate, preparation, and screen or sample differences can affect appearance. Send the powder manufacturer and product code, required finish specification, and an approved physical sample when appearance matters. For repeat work, include the earlier estimate or job reference. Exact matching should not be assumed until the requirements and sample approval are reviewed. Learn why a color name may not be enough for repeat jobs.
Can a special color affect price or lead time?
Yes. Powder availability and the exact finish specification can affect material cost and scheduling. We run some colors only on certain days, which may also affect lead times. Send the manufacturer and product code, color, gloss, texture, and any approved sample. We will review availability, the next scheduled color run, and any additional material charges, then confirm the project schedule with you.
What performance characteristics can we discuss?
Tell us whether the project needs outdoor UV durability, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, a particular texture or gloss, or another characteristic. Include the exposure conditions and any required specification. Performance depends on the complete system—substrate, preparation, powder selection, application, and cure—not color alone. Review which preparation steps, primer, and topcoat are included in the proposed scope before approving the quote. Learn how we plan powder coating around the part and its use conditions.
Outdoor coating recommendations are specific to each project. Tell us the exposure conditions and required performance so we can recommend an appropriate preparation and coating system. The quote should identify the agreed preparation, any primer, and the topcoat.
Can I request coating quality testing?
Yes. Testing can be included at customer request under an agreed job scope, and a testing charge may apply. Coating-thickness measurement, MEK solvent-rub checks and cross-hatch adhesion checks may be done in house. Salt-spray testing is performed by an outside laboratory to help validate agreed coating protocols, not to guarantee results in service. Tell us the required methods, samples, acceptance criteria and reporting before work begins. Cross-hatch testing cuts the coating, and solvent checks may damage it; agree on test samples and any repair first.
What is the largest part you can coat?
For a general idea, Salt City has two commercial batch ovens: 30' L × 12' W × 10' H and 20' L × 10' W × 10' H. These are equipment dimensions—not guaranteed usable part dimensions. Shape, weight, racks, clearances, movement, preparation, and cure determine actual fit. See our commercial batch ovens and capacity details, then send the part’s actual dimensions and weight for review.
Can you handle large commercial jobs and recurring truckload deliveries?
Yes. Salt City handles large commercial parts and coordinates receiving, processing, loading, and shipping for production work, including semi-trailer loads. Send the largest part dimensions and weights, quantities per release, expected delivery pattern, and required ship dates so we can confirm equipment fit, handling, and scheduling for your project.
Process and Timing
Do you provide wet painting?
Salt City’s core finishing service is powder coating. If wet paint or another process is better suited to the part or service environment, we will say so and help identify a sensible path. Review our powder coating service.
How long will the job take?
Typical turnaround is 5–7 days, but that is an estimate—not a guaranteed schedule. Timing can fluctuate with current demand, project scope, quantities, starting condition, preparation, powder availability, masking, approvals, and logistics. Salt City confirms the schedule only after reviewing and accepting the job.
What should we arrange before sending a truckload of parts?
Coordinate the receiving date, part counts, purchase-order and project references, packing lists, and any bill-of-lading requirements before dispatch. Include part dimensions and weights, unloading needs, packaging or rack requirements, and the planned outbound date. Confirm who is arranging transportation and which documents must accompany each shipment.
What happens after I submit the form?
We review the request for completeness and fit. We may ask for measurements, photos, specifications, samples, or clarification before quoting. Submission is a request for review—not acceptance of the job or a guaranteed schedule. If you need to follow up, call (435) 868-3166 and provide your company or project name, submission date, and any reference number you received.
How should I arrange pickup of my finished parts?
Schedule pickup directly with Salt City before coming to the shop or sending a carrier. We will confirm which parts are ready and coordinate pickup arrangements. Have your project, purchase-order, estimate, or invoice reference available.
Should parts arrive assembled or disassembled?
Disassembly and reassembly responsibilities are negotiable and should be agreed on before delivery. Send photos and identify attached hardware, logos, inserts, and areas that must remain uncoated. We will confirm how the parts should arrive, who will handle any removal or reassembly, and any related charges.
Ready to Define the Project?
Send the information you have. We will review the scope, ask for anything missing, and tell you whether the work fits Salt City’s process and capabilities.
Prefer to talk first? Call (435) 868-3166.