MorCo Powder Coating: What to Know About This South Carolina Finisher

MorCo is a powder coating shop in South Carolina that handles industrial and custom finishing work

MorCo operates as a powder coating facility serving manufacturers, fabricators, and businesses across South Carolina that need metal parts finished to specification. The shop applies dry powder to metal surfaces using electrostatic spray, then cures the coating in an oven—a process that produces a durable, even finish without the drips or sags that come with liquid paint.

If you're sourcing powder coating locally, MorCo is one of the established finishers in the state. The shop handles work ranging from small custom pieces to production runs, and works with clients across industries that rely on coated metal parts.

Key Takeaways

• MorCo operates a powder coating facility in South Carolina and accepts work from manufacturers, fabricators, and custom shops.
• Powder coating produces a harder, more uniform finish than liquid paint and is commonly used for metal parts that need durability and appearance.
• Lead time and pricing depend on the size of your job, the color and type of powder you specify, and how busy the shop is at the time you call.
• You'll need to prepare your parts—removing oils, rust, and old coatings—before delivery, or ask MorCo whether they offer pre-treatment services.

What MorCo does and what to expect from the process

MorCo applies powder coating to metal parts by spraying an electrostatically charged dry powder onto the surface, then heating the parts in a curing oven. The powder melts and flows into a continuous, smooth coating that bonds to the metal as it cools. This method works on steel, aluminum, and other metals, and produces finishes that resist chipping, fading, and corrosion better than conventional paint.

The shop works with standard industrial colors and specialty powders, including textured finishes, metallics, and high-temperature formulations. Turnaround time varies depending on job size and current workload. Most shops like MorCo can handle both one-off custom pieces and repeat orders, though pricing and scheduling differ between the two.

How to contact MorCo and what information to have ready

Before you call or visit, gather details about your project: the material of the parts (steel, aluminum, stainless), the approximate weight or number of pieces, the color and finish type you want, and whether the parts have existing coatings or surface contamination. If you're unsure about finish options, MorCo can advise, but having a clear picture of your needs speeds up the conversation.

Ask about their current lead times, minimum order size (if any), and whether they offer pre-treatment services like media blasting or chemical cleaning. Some shops include these steps in their quote; others charge separately or require you to deliver parts already prepped. Clarify what you're responsible for and what MorCo handles.

Preparing your parts before delivery

Powder coating requires a clean metal surface. Oil, rust, mill scale, and old paint prevent the new coating from bonding properly. Most finishers, including MorCo, expect parts to arrive either clean or will charge extra to clean them in-house.

Common pre-treatment methods include media blasting (sandblasting or shot blasting), wire brushing, or chemical degreasing. If you have the equipment and expertise, you can prep parts yourself. If not, ask MorCo whether they offer blasting or cleaning services and what that costs. This step is not optional—skipping it will result in a poor finish and potential warranty issues.

Pricing and lead time factors

Powder coating cost depends on the surface area of your parts, the type and color of powder, the complexity of masking (if some areas must remain uncoated), and whether pre-treatment is included. A small custom bracket costs far less than a production run of fifty cabinet frames. Specialty powders—high-temperature, textured, or metallic—typically cost more than standard colors.

Lead time ranges from a few days for small jobs to several weeks for large orders, depending on MorCo's schedule and whether your parts require custom color matching or special handling. Call ahead to confirm availability before you commit to a deadline with your own customer.

When powder coating makes sense for your project

Powder coating is the right choice when you need a durable, uniform finish on metal parts that will see outdoor exposure, high traffic, or harsh environments. It's standard for metal furniture, automotive components, industrial equipment, architectural metalwork, and custom fabrications. The finish is harder and more scratch-resistant than paint, and it doesn't require a primer or topcoat.

If your parts are small, one-time pieces, or if you need the work done very quickly, liquid paint or other finishing methods might be faster or cheaper. Powder coating also requires an oven large enough to fit your parts, so extremely large or oddly shaped items may not fit MorCo's equipment. Ask whether your project is within their capabilities before you plan around their services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MorCo coat aluminum parts, or do they only work with steel?

Most powder coating shops, including MorCo, work with both steel and aluminum. Aluminum requires slightly different pre-treatment and sometimes a different powder formulation, but it's a standard material. Confirm with MorCo that they have experience with your specific alloy, especially if it's a specialty grade.

What happens if I need a color that's not in their standard palette?

Custom colors are possible but usually cost more and add lead time because the powder must be ordered or mixed to match your sample. Bring a color chip, paint sample, or photograph of the color you want. MorCo can tell you whether they can match it and what the extra cost and delay will be.

Do I need to mask off areas that shouldn't be coated?

Yes, if some parts of your piece must remain bare metal or uncoated. MorCo can mask with tape, plugs, or fixtures, but this adds labor and cost. If masking is complex or covers a large area, mention it upfront so they can factor it into the quote.

How long does the coating last once it's done?

A properly applied powder coating typically lasts ten to fifteen years or longer, depending on the environment. Outdoor exposure, salt spray, and UV light shorten the life. Indoor, protected parts can last twenty years or more. MorCo can recommend powder types for your specific use and environment.

What if my parts arrive and I'm not happy with the finish?

Quality issues—runs, sags, thin spots, or color mismatch—should be reported immediately. Most shops will rework parts at no charge if the fault is theirs, but this requires the parts to be stripped and recoated, which takes time. Confirm MorCo's warranty and rework policy before you place the order.