In a country where every fence faces salt air, rain, and sun, powder coating is proving itself as the smart choice.
Across rural, commercial, and residential fencing, powder coating is fast becoming the finish of choice – offering durability, sustainability, and sharp presentation. And now, a new player is helping solve the industry’s biggest coating challenges.
Why powder coating matters more than ever
In the fencing and gate industry, coatings are the unsung heroes. They’re the invisible line between a product that lasts decades and one that starts rusting before the client’s first summer barbecue. Whether you’re fabricating rural gates, balustrades for coastal homes, or perimeter panels for schools, the finish is as vital as the steel beneath it. And increasingly, that finish is powder coating.
From paint to powder – a smarter shield
Powder coating has replaced traditional wet-paint systems across much of New Zealand’s metal-fabrication scene – and for good reason. It delivers a tougher, more consistent layer of protection, free from drips or uneven coverage. The powder, applied electrostatically and baked in an oven, fuses into a smooth, resilient skin that resists chipping, fading, and corrosion.
Beyond the visual appeal, it’s also a sustainability win. Powder contains no solvents and produces minimal waste; any overspray can be reclaimed and reused. For installers and fabricators conscious of both quality and environmental responsibility, that’s a strong combination.
Built for New Zealand conditions
Few places test coatings quite like New Zealand. Our salty air, humidity, and UV exposure can chew through lesser finishes in no time. Powder coating, especially when combined with proper pre-treatment, forms a barrier that stands up to coastal spray, temperature swings, and daily wear.
For rural and commercial fencing, that means posts and panels stay looking sharp longer – and installers spend less time revisiting jobs for maintenance.
The trade challenge – time and consistency
Despite its advantages, powder coating has sometimes been a bottleneck for fencing contractors. Long lead times, inconsistent colour batches, and limited oven capacity have tested patience and project schedules. When clients expect quick turnarounds, a delayed or inconsistent coating job can unravel an otherwise seamless installation.
Meeting those pressures requires facilities built with the trade in mind – not just for aesthetics, but for throughput and consistency. The next generation of coating plants are investing heavily in automation, efficient curing ovens, and robust quality-control systems to keep work moving without compromise.
Precision meets performance
Recognising these challenges firsthand, Edgesmith has established Powdersmith, a new powder-coating division located in Silverdale. Purpose-built to serve the trade, Powdersmith’s facility features a 22 m-long oven (capable of both continuous and batch runs) and deep pre-treatment tanks – ensuring every gate, post, or panel receives thorough cleaning and preparation before coating.
The service covers everything from small one-off gates to full production runs of fencing, balustrades, pergolas, and handrails, in a wide range of colours and textures. Its trade-focused team – drawn from within the fencing industry – understands the urgency behind every delivery note.
Speed, quality, and value
Edgesmith’s goal with Powdersmith is simple: to take the pain points out of powder coating. Faster turnaround times mean fewer project delays. The focus on surface prep and coating consistency means jobs come back right the first time. And because the facility was designed for volume, pricing remains competitive – without compromising on quality.
By aligning capability with the needs of fabricators, builders, and fencing installers, Powdersmith aims to set a new standard for finish quality and service reliability across Auckland and beyond.
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Published in WIRED issue 79/December 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
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