Frequently Asked Questions

What is RAL5050? What does the name mean?

RAL5050 is the name of an experimental powder coating studio in Budapest, run by artist Gábor Kristóf and architect Ivett Pásztor. We work between industrial surface finishing, custom colour development, art fabrication, and small-batch production.

While "RAL" evokes the familiar industrial colour standard RAL Classic, RAL5050 itself is the code of a non-existing shade, a fictitious term reflecting everything beyond standards. It suggests a balance between precision and uncertainty, production and research, function and imagination — a colour that does not yet exist, but might emerge through experimentation.

What kind of objects can you powder coat?

We mainly work with metal objects: steel, aluminium, galvanized steel, furniture parts, architectural elements, artworks, signs, signalisation, text panels, prototypes, and custom objects.

However, we are always interested in pushing the boundaries of the technology and have successfully powder coated unconventional materials, including glass.

Do you only work with RAL colours?

No. We work with standard RAL Classic colours, but we offer hundreds of additional colour shades bypassing any standards, and we are keen to develop custom mixtures for you. We also do layered surfaces, special textures, marbled effects, and experimental finishes.

Can you help if I don't know the exact colour yet?

Yes. We can help define the colour, gloss level, texture, and overall surface quality through consultation and sampling. Customers are welcome to visit our workshop and develop the final finish together with us.

Can you match an existing colour?

If it’s technically possible, we will nail it!

What is the difference between powder coating and conventional paint?

Powder coating and liquid paint achieve similar goals, but they are applied in fundamentally different ways.

Liquid paint is sprayed in a wet form and cures as the solvents evaporate. Powder coating uses a dry powder that is electrostatically applied to the surface and then cured in an oven, where it melts into a solid and smooth finish - thus this technology was developed for coating metal parts (mostly)!

Compared to conventional paint, powder coating generally offers:

• greater durability and scratch resistance
• a more uniform surface finish
• excellent corrosion resistance
• no solvent emissions during application
• long-term colour stability

However, powder coating also has its limitations. Since the coating must be cured in an oven, it is primarily suitable for heat-resistant objects and has to be done in a professionally equipped environment. In most of the cases, certain effects, gradients, or painterly surface qualities can be easier to achieve with liquid paint - we think different!

Rather than asking whether powder coating is "better" than paint, we prefer to ask what a particular project requires. Different technologies offer different possibilities, and part of our work is helping clients find the most suitable approach.

Do you make one-off pieces?

Yes. One-off works, prototypes, and small editions are central to our practice.

Do you also take larger production jobs?

Yes, within the limits of our workshop. We are especially suited for small and medium series, custom batches, and projects requiring close attention to colour, details or surface.

What is the maximum object size you can coat?

Our current oven capacity is approximately 140 × 70 × 60 cm.

Larger projects may need to be divided into smaller elements or produced in collaboration with one of our partner workshops equipped with larger ovens.

Can you coat non-metal materials?

Powder coating relies on electrostatic application and heat curing, making metal the most suitable substrate.

Nevertheless, we are interested in exploring unconventional applications and are happy to discuss alternative materials and hybrid solutions on a case-by-case basis.

Do you prepare the surface before coating?

Yes. Depending on the object and its condition, preparation may include cleaning, degreasing, chemical derusting, sanding and other pre-treatment processes necessary to achieve a durable and high-quality finish.

Can you coat objects that are already painted or powder coated?

In many cases, yes. However, the best and most durable results are achieved on clean, raw metal.

For this reason, we strongly recommend removing existing paint, powder coating, rust, or other surface contaminants before bringing parts to us. Stripping, sandblasting, or other abrasive cleaning methods often provide the ideal starting point for a high-quality finish.

We do not offer blasting or stripping services ourselves, but we can recommend trusted partners who specialize in surface preparation.

The feasibility of recoating an existing finish depends on the condition and type of the surface, as well as the desired outcome.

Do you work with artists and designers?

Yes. Collaboration with artists, designers, architects, galleries, institutions, and independent makers forms an important part of our practice.

We enjoy projects that require close attention to colour, materiality, and surface experimentation.

Can you produce samples before the final work?

Yes. For custom colours, experimental finishes, or larger projects, we generally recommend producing samples before proceeding with the final coating.

How long does a project usually take?

Project timelines vary depending on complexity, quantity, surface preparation requirements, and the need for custom colour development or sampling.

After reviewing the project, we can provide an estimated schedule.

How can I request a quote?

Please send us photographs, dimensions, material specifications, quantity, preferred colour or finish, and your desired deadline.

The more information you provide, the more accurate our quotation can be.

To consult what we need especially in your case, call us or drop us a line!