Because of the unique challenges the climate in the northeast creates, we paint rather than powder coat. We have found through our years of experience that painting is a more reliable method of finishing.
Exterior railings are subject to abuse from everyday use and nicks and scratches are often inevitable. When a powder coated finish is damaged, moisture gets under the finish. This results in peeling and flaking of the finish. This occurs because there is no primer coat to attach the powder coating to the base metal. It is only a hard shell over the metal. If a properly painted surface is nicked, it only rusts the exposed metal, which can be sanded down and touched up. A properly painted product will stand the test of time much better than a powder coated product.