Powder coating is used to paint metal parts that need to be protected from corrosion. The powder is applied all over the part electrostatically. Then, the part is baked in an oven where the heat makes the powder turn into a hard layer of paint that is resistant to chips, scratches and fading. It comes in a wide selection of colors and finishes.
Because of the high temperatures that are needed to heat the powder after it has been applied to a part, the type of substrate that you can apply it to is limited to metal. Other substrates will melt during the baking process. Powder coating will also necessitate that you either of the required electrostatic gun and industrial oven in your shop or that you send off your part to be powder coated elsewhere. This can drive up the expense of the process while also increasing your turnaround time. While powder coats are available in chrome colors, they will not have the same appearance as traditional chrome plating. This is because powder coats must be clear-coated after the powder coat is applied, or the finish will quickly turn ugly. Finally, powder coats are very difficult to apply evenly in thin layers, meaning that you may be limited to only having very thick coats of color.