Winona Powder Coating Blog - For Tips, Tricks, And More

Powder Coating Expertise for Data Centers: Durable Surface Protection for Your High-Cost Equipment

Written by Winona Powder Coating | Dec 1, 2025 6:37:07 PM

America’s need for data centers has exploded over the past several years, keeping pace with the demands of big data, AI, and other emerging digital technologies. Thanks to newly introduced state tax breaks and various incentive programs aimed at infrastructure investment, a number of major players are establishing their high-value facilities throughout the Midwest region.

Of course, every new facility that gets built means new server racks, cabinets, and other sensitive equipment housings are being manufactured and installed at scale – and they all require durable, reliable coating solutions that withstand long-term use.

Winona Powder Coating has the high-volume capacity available for quick turnaround as needed. We can work directly with fabricators or builders to remove any bottlenecks and keep your facility installation on schedule.

Our coating solutions offer superior protection for your data center hardware against rust, corrosion, and everyday wear. Our advanced powder coating and e-coating technologies ensure any metal components throughout your data infrastructure maintain both material integrity and aesthetic quality. As a UL Certified Coating Supplier for Electrical Components with an ISO-9001-2028 quality management system, we know the industry’s expectations and how to exceed them.

High-Performance Coatings for High-Performance Data Center Equipment 

Data center infrastructure is built around high-performance equipment operating in pristine environments. Nevertheless, due to humidity in the air and workers handling equipment, enhanced surface protection is needed to maximize equipment reliability – along with your long-term ROI.

Winona provides functional coating solutions engineered for performance. Beyond the potential for metal corrosion, our durable coatings stand up better to everyday handling, preventing scratches and sharp edges which can be a hazard to workers, or otherwise potentially create issues like cable fraying.

Heat is another concern: you need thermally stable coatings which don’t start to peel or dull out due to the constant heat cycles – especially for equipment situated near high-heat CPU and GPU systems. Similarly, smooth airflow is a necessity for components within the airpath of the cooling system, requiring precise coating application to preserve the dimensionality of any air vents and perforations.

Winona’s uniquely engineered powder coating services ensure a durable, non-conductive, and visually clean finish meeting all of the above specifications. Unlike liquid paints, our electro-statically applied powder and liquid immersion e-coat both cure into uniform, resilient finishes that offer superior protection and long-term durability.

Typical Products We Coat for Data Centers: Racks, Cabinets, Enclosures, Etc.

Winona has specialized experience with achieving durable coatings for server-related hardware, including both powder coating and e-coating solutions. 

The typical data center equipment we run through our facility includes:

  • Server Racks and Cabinets – Heavy-duty powder coatings extend product life, prevent corrosion, and maintain a professional appearance in high-visibility IT environments.
  • Cable Management Trays and Brackets – Long-term protection against corrosion and worn edges that can lead to cable damage over time. Keeping metal components clean and pristine also helps preserve ease of installation and future maintenance.
  • Metal Enclosures and Chassis – Combining protective metal enclosures with durable powder coating helps keep sensitive electronics protected from both physical and environmental risks.
  • Other Metal Parts – Automation equipment, rail shelving, grating, guardrails, etc. Virtually any metal parts in your data center facility that need superior surface protection will benefit from Winona’s durable powder coating and e-coating services.

Whether the parts are steel, aluminum, or mixed-metal assemblies, Winona’s advanced pretreatment and dual-coating technologies deliver consistent, reliable protection. With a dedicated aluminum coating line and a highly efficient conveyorized process, our facilities in Etna Green and Elkhart, Indiana can tackle virtually any data center job, whether it’s a new equipment upgrade or a full facility build-out.

A UL Certified Coater for Electrical Components and Data Center Equipment

As a UL Certified Coating Supplier for Electrical Components, Winona Powder Coating provides data center customers with added assurance that our coatings meet the strict safety and performance standards required for electrical infrastructure. These certifications ensure our coatings meet strict requirements in coating thickness, adhesion, and real-world durability, suitable for sensitive equipment and critical data center infrastructure.

Indiana’s Growing Data Center Market Served by Winona’s Strategic Advantage

Indiana has positioned itself as a rising hub for data center development. With tax incentives designed to attract hyperscale and enterprise-level projects, the demand for reliable domestic coating partners is higher than ever.

For more than 50 years, Winona Powder Coating has delivered durable coating solutions for high-value industrial markets. As the data center industry continues to grow in Indiana and beyond, we’re ready to apply our expertise to protect your most important infrastructure investments.