At Armadillo Automotive, we’re known for high-performance powder coating that holds up to both the demands of everyday use and the tough climate here in the Gulf South. While we specialize in automotive and marine components, we’re often trusted with more architectural and commercial projects too—like our latest job: powder coating heavy-duty steel handrails for a New Orleans bar undergoing a major rebrand.
This project combined tight deadlines, large materials, and the need for a flawless, durable finish. As always, our team rose to the challenge.
Precision Prep for a Long-Lasting Finish
The steel railings arrived at our facility in raw form, and the first step was full surface preparation. Each piece was high-pressure sandblasted to remove any oils, rust, mill scale, or imperfections that could interfere with adhesion. This is a crucial part of the powder coating process—it ensures the powder bonds directly to the clean metal and results in a smooth, consistent finish.
Once blasted and cleaned, we used our Sames Kremlin powder coating gun to apply the powder. This advanced electrostatic system allows us to get full, even coverage on every surface—including corners and welds—without waste or overspray.
The color selected was a clean, modern finish to complement the updated design of the bar. We applied the coat with precision, ensuring that every rail had consistent coverage and smooth edges.
Baked to Perfection
After coating, the rails were carefully transferred into our 14-foot Grieve oven, where they were baked at 400°F for 30 minutes. This curing process bonds the powder to the steel and creates a hard, resilient finish that resists chipping, fading, and corrosion.
Because the handrails would be installed outdoors, it was especially important that the final coat be durable enough to withstand New Orleans’ humidity, rain, and heavy foot traffic. Our process is designed to deliver exactly that—tough finishes that last for years without losing their appearance or performance.
Late Nights & Heavy Lifting
The bar was transitioning to a new brand and preparing for reopening, which meant we were working against a firm deadline. To make sure the project stayed on schedule, our crew worked late hours to complete the prep, powder coating, curing, and inspection—on time and with no shortcuts.
The steel rails were also fairly heavy, requiring multiple team members to move, rack, and unload them safely at every step. It was a true team effort to get everything coated, cured, and ready for delivery without delay.
When the handrails left our shop, they were installation-ready—fully cured, cooled, and protected from the elements.
A Comfortable, Stylish Finish
As a bonus touch, the bar’s new outdoor area now features a sleek, secure railing around its patio seating area. The result is not only an elevated look for the business but also a more enjoyable and accessible experience for guests.
The finished steelwork—now professionally powder coated—adds a refined edge to the bar’s exterior and sets the tone for the high-quality experience customers can expect inside.
Why It Matters
This project is a great example of how expert powder coating in New Orleans can transform and protect metalwork in commercial spaces. Whether it’s a set of handrails, a vehicle frame, or a custom bracket, the process is all about precision—from surface prep to final cure.
At Armadillo Automotive, we thrive on solving tough problems with creativity, hands-on work, and top-tier equipment.
Need Expert Powder Coating?
At Armadillo Automotive, we specialize in high-performance powder coating, ceramic coating, and metal finishing services in New Orleans. We do sandblasting, coating, and precision finishing for automotive parts, wheels, boat components, commercial railings, gates, and other custom metalwork. With a fully equipped in-house facility—including a 14-foot Grieve oven and Sames Kremlin powder coating system—we deliver durable, professional results built to handle the Gulf Coast environment. Our team is hands-on, experienced, and committed to quality on every project, big or small.
Contact us today to discuss your next powder coating job. Let’s make something great together.