Powder coating is a paint process.
The paint is a dry powdered pigment that is applied using a machine that electronicly charges the powder as it is sprayed. The charged powder then seeks ground, which is the metal part. The powder clings to the metal, much like dust clings to your TV screen. Then, the part is heated to 400 degrees F., the powder melts and flows out as if it were a liquid. The melted powder is cured to a hard and durable finish.