Sheldon Randall opened STR Custom Coatings in August after seeing companies ship items out of state to be powder-coated.

Randall’s powder-coating process starts with sandblasting to give it a surface for the powder to adhere to. According to Randall’s wife, Tiffany Randall, the process is more environmentally friendly because no liquid chemicals are involved.

“You can powder-coat anything that is metal,” Tiffany Randall said, such as rusty old patio furniture or signs and metal items with nicks. “It is just a more durable finish, so it will last longer, and it won’t fade or crack.”

Sheldon Randall started coating items from his home before opening his business.

“When it comes out of the gun onto the metal, it is charged with a positive charge ... so all the powder sticks to metal,” Sheldon Randall said. “Then I put it in the oven and bake it.”

STR Custom Coatings is at 1754 Sagebrush Circle in Cortez.