Get matched with top metal fabricators and restorers in Odessa, TX

If you don’t want to rely on paint to change the color of your stainless steel surface, there are a few other methods, but they require specialized equipment and skills. Some examples include powder coating, applying pigmented powder via an electrostatic gun, and electrostatic painting, which uses wet paints and has a less durable finish. The cost of powder coating is $40 to $600 per part, and electrostatic painting averages $60 per hour.

Welding is the process of using extreme heat—and, sometimes, pressure—to attach two pieces of metal. In contrast, metal fabrication is a more involved process that can include welding, sheet metal work, bending, and other forms of metal manipulation. Metal fabrication is a large-scale project that may or may not involve welding, while welding is more often a step in larger fabrication projects.

There are a few things you can ask welders before you hire them to get an idea of their experience and ability levels:

• Are you licensed and certified?

• How long have you been in the welding business?

• Do you commonly do the type of welding I need?

• Do you offer any kind of warranty for your work?

• Do you charge by the hour or by the project?

• How long do you expect my welding project to take?

• What steps do you take to minimize errors in your work?

The average cost to hire a welder is about $300, with an average rate ranging from $65 to $125 per hour, depending on their experience and the project type and size. Aside from labor costs, some other charges you’ll need to pay include the cost of the welding material and the cost of the shielding gas that makes welding possible and safe. When you’re interviewing welders for your work, you can ask for an estimate based on your project specifics. In some simple cases, like welding gas lines or common welding projects, local welders may charge a flat hourly rate with add-ons if necessary.