2026
Powder Coated Tough
MEDIA KIT
Print | Digital
Every issue of Powder Coated Tough focuses on powder coating and how this Stronger, Greener, Better coatings technology is used in almost every industrial marketplace. The magazine delivers case studies, solutions, and resources to help readers succeed in their business.
With more than 27,000 subscribers in more than 100 countries, your sales message will connect with powder coating professionals as well as those considering powder coating applications.
A NOTE FROM THE PCI PRESIDENT
Dear Industry Colleagues,
In 2026, Powder Coated Tough celebrated its 20th anniversary—a significant milestone for PCI and for the entire powder coating community. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come together and the role this publication has played in advancing our industry.
When Powder Coated Tough launched in 2006, dial-up internet was still common, text messaging was in its infancy, and the BlackBerry ruled the business world. Over the past 20 years, the way we consume information has changed dramatically, with an endless stream of digital content competing for attention. Yet through it all, Powder Coated Tough has remained the publication of choice for the North American powder coating industry. By consistently providing valuable technical expertise, industry insights, and business-focused content, PCT has expanded its reach, strengthened its readership, and solidified its reputation as the industry's most trusted publication.
The years following our launch brought significant challenges, including the global financial crisis, which required difficult decisions and thoughtful leadership. Through those uncertain times, PCI's Board of Directors and staff remained committed to serving our members and readers, positioning both PCI and Powder Coated Tough for long-term success. Today, the publication is stronger than ever, with expanded readership, increased visibility, and a reputation as the premier publication dedicated exclusively to powder coating.
What sets Powder Coated Tough apart is our ability to engage readers through both our award-winning print publication and our expanding digital platforms. Recent reader survey results demonstrate the strength of that engagement:
- Nearly two-thirds of readers report reading every issue.
- Approximately two-thirds pay attention to advertisements featured in the magazine.
- More than 30% have made a purchase as a direct result of an advertisement they saw in Powder Coated Tough.
These results reflect a highly engaged audience actively seeking solutions, technologies, products, and services that help them succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. Readers rely on Powder Coated Tough as a trusted resource to discover new technologies, understand emerging trends, and connect with suppliers that can help them improve performance, increase efficiency, and remain competitive.
Our reach continues to expand through the PCT Spanish Edition, which has grown steadily over the years. PCI made the strategic decision to provide each issue digitally in Spanish, ensuring that critical industry information is accessible to our Spanish-speaking audience.
As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to be part of the next chapter of Powder Coated Tough. Advertising with PCT connects your company directly with the professionals, decision-makers, and organizations that use and specify powder coating products, equipment, and services every day. Our editorial content showcases the latest innovations, technologies, and best practices, creating an environment where advertisers can align their brands with trusted, high-value industry information.
Together, we can continue to strengthen and elevate the powder coating community while showcasing the products, services, and expertise that drive our industry forward.
Thank you for your support of PCI and Powder Coated Tough. We look forward to partnering with you.
Sincerely,
Teddy Piepkow,
PCI Board President
OUR AUDIENCE
DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO POWDER COATING TECHNOLOGY
As the official publication of the Powder Coating Institute, Powder Coated Tough magazine has a dedicated audience of OEMs, custom coaters & job shops, PCI member company personnel, academia, trade associations, consultants, and distributors. Powder Coated Tough is a subscription requested publication that is distributed to almost 27,000 industry professionals.
Powder Coated Tough subscribers include:
- Account Executive/Sales Managers/Business Development Officers
- Accounting Professionals
- Applicators & Spray Booth Operators
- Business Owners/General & Plant Managers
- Business & Technical Directors
- Chemists
- Consultants
- Distributors
- Finishing System Managers
- Industrial Designers/Engineers
- LEAN & Continuous Improvement Managers
- Marketing Professionals
- Purchasing/Supply Chain Professionals
- QC/QA Managers
- Technical Directors
- Technical Service Professionals
Top industries represented by readers include:
- Aerospace/Aviation
- Agricultural
- Appliance
- Architectural
- Automotive
- Construction
- Electrical
- Furniture
- General Metal Products
- HVAC
- Lawn & Garden
- Oil and Gas
- Transportation
Powder Coated Tough is read by the manufacturers you want to reach!
EDITORIAL MISSION
As the official publication of the Powder Coating Institute, whose mission is to promote the benefits of powder coating technology, Powder Coated Tough magazine is the best resource for current users of powder coatings, those considering a conversion to powder, and industry suppliers. Powder Coated Tough does this through original and educational articles about powder application, case studies, industry news, and trends.
2026 EDITORIAL CALENDAR
| January/ February | March/ April | May/June | July/August | September/October | November/December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature Editorial | Technology | Spring Cleaning | Made in America | Safety | Managing Your Powder Shop | Buyers Guide |
| Advertiser Spotlights | Auxiliary Equipment (Testing, Software, Robotics) | Part Preparation (Masking & Pretreatment) | Powder Producers/Distributors & Raw Materials | Application Equipment | Ovens & Systems Houses | |
| Ad Closing Date | 11/19/2025 | 1/26/2026 | 3/30/2026 | 6/1/2026 | 7/27/2026 | 9/28/2026 |
| Ad Materials Deadline | 11/21/2025 | 1/30/2026 | 4/2/2026 | 6/5/2026 | 7/31/2026 | 10/2/2026 |
| Bonus Distribution |
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MAGAZINE SPECIFICATIONS
- Trim Size: 8" x 10.75"
- Colors: 4-Color Process Throughout (CMYK Only; No Pantones)
- Cover Stock: 80# Gloss Cover
- Body Stock: 60# Gloss Text
- Binding Method: Saddle Stitch
Ad Specifications: Please supply files as PDF/X4. All fonts must be embedded, image resolution should be 300dpi, and all colors must be converted to process.
File Transmission: Email ad materials (print and digital) to sales@powdercoatedtough.com. For files too large to email, contact us for additional options.
ADVERTISING BONUS PROGRAM
Advertisers in Powder Coated Tough earn credit toward free digital advertising based on their total ad spend for the year.
| ADVERTISERS WHO SPEND... | RECEIVE FREE DIGITAL ADVERTISING CREDITS... |
|---|---|
| 3,000 - 5,500 | up to 500 |
| 5,501 - 10,500 | up to 1,000 |
| 10,501 - 15,500 | up to 1,500 |
| 15,501 - 21,000 | up to 2,000 |
| More than 21,000 | up to 2,500 |
DON'T FORGET: Digital ad credits earned through the Advertising Bonus Program can be used toward advertising in Powder Coated Tough en Español!
SAVE on Powder Coated Tough Advertising!
PCI Members receive a 20% discount on all advertising opportunities, including digital.
Not a PCI member?
Learn more about becoming a member of The Powder Coating Institute to take advantage of membership discounts!
Join PCI Today!PRINT RATES† AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | 6x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Two Page Spread |
16.25" x 11.00" Bleed 16.00" x 10.75" Trim |
10,140 | 9,840 | 9,540 |
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Full Page |
8.25" x 11.00" Bleed 8.00" x 10.75" Trim |
5,330 | 5,175 | 5,025 |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | 6x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Two Thirds Page | 4.625" x 9.125" | 4,730 | 4,600 | 4,475 |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | 6x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Half Page Island |
4.625" x 6.875" | 4,110 | 3,980 | 3,860 |
 
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Half Page Vertical Horizontal |
3.4375" x 9.125" 7" x 4.5" |
3,875 | 3,760 | 3,650 |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | 6x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  
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Third Page Vertical Horizontal Square |
2.25" x 9.125" 7" x 3" 4.625" x 4.5" |
3,375 | 3,280 | 3,175 |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | 6x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Quarter Page | 3.4375" x 4.5" | 2,975 | 2,890 | 2,795 |
PREMIUM FULL PAGE AD POSITIONS
Inside Front Cover
10% Additional Premium
Back Cover
10% Additional Premium
Inside Back Cover
5% Additional Premium
- All ads print in 4/color.
- All rates net
- † PCI members receive a 20% discount on all advertising.
2027 BUYERS GUIDE ENHANCEMENTS
Product Ads: $245
- 2.25" W x 1.75" H ad in one Category Listing section
Enhanced Listing Package: $315 (FREE for advertisers running any size print ad in Buyers Guide)
- Boldfaced Listings
- 4/C logo in Supplier Directory section
- Hyperlink to your URL each time you are listed (digital edition only)
Deluxe Listing Package: $495
- Receive all Enhanced Listing Package items plus a Product Ad
ADDITIONAL PRINT OPPORTUNITIES
Product Launch Package:
$11,750 (a $15,695 value!)
- Cover Corner Cut
- Two-page spread in print & digital editions (center spread or far forward)
- Featured position in one eNews email blast
- Website banner ad for one month
Integrated Sponsorships
(exclusive per issue; appears in print and digital editions of Powder Coated Tough)
Ask the Experts: 3X - $5,850 ($1,950/issue) | 6X - $8,520 ($1,420/issue)
Pop Quiz: 3X - $5,850 ($1,950/issue) | 6X - $8,520 ($1,420/issue)
- Banner ad in print & digital editions and email blasts (email blast for Pop Quiz only)
- Ability to reprint with permission
Advertiser Spotlights
Advertisers: $495*
Supplemental quarter page advertorial available to PCI members who have placed a regular print ad in the issue where their PCI membership category is featured (see the Advertiser Spotlights section of the editorial calendar). Spotlights contain a short title, 40-70 words, company logo or picture, contact information, and appear in the Spotlight section of the issue. PCI members who advertise with a Half Page ad or larger in their qualifying issue receive a free spotlight in that issue. Spotlights are subject to editing.
Reprints
Reprints are available upon request. Contact PCT sales at sales@powdercoatedtough.com for pricing and available options.
DIGITAL RATES* AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Ad Type | Specifications | 1 Month Rate (per month) | 6 Month Rate (per month) | 12 Month Rate (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEADERBOARD AD | 728px ⨯ 90px | 535 | 485 | 460 |
| SKYSCRAPER AD | 160px ⨯ 600px | 535 | 485 | 460 |
| SQUARE AD | 250px ⨯ 250px | 475 | 425 | 405 |
| VIDEO AD | YouTube embed | 210 | 190 | 180 |
| FEATURED PRODUCT AD | 180px ⨯ 150px | 285 | 255 | 245 |
| CATEGORY SPONSORSHIP AD | 160px ⨯ 600px | 240 | 215 | 205 |
| ROADBLOCK | Leaderboard, Skyscraper, & Square | 1,545 | 1,390 | 1,320 |
DIGITAL ADVERTISING DETAILS
Website Advertising
Leaderboard Ad
- 3 rotating positions available; appears at top and bottom of Home page
Skyscraper Ad
- 3 rotating positions available; appears in right column of Home page
Square Ad
- 3 rotating positions available; appears just below fold of Home page
Roadblock
- 1 position available per month; leaderboard, skyscraper, and square banner ads all display simultaneously. (This placement is not exclusive.)
Video Ad
- 3 rotating positions available; appears just below fold of Home page; video must be supplied as YouTube embed
Featured Product Ad
- 8 rotating positions available; appears below fold of Home page
Category Sponsorship
Skyscraper ad on category page of your choice. Choose from: Powder Coating Materials; Application & Systems; Pretreatment & Surface Prep; Curing/ Ovens; Racking & Masking; Substrates; Raw Materials; Testing Equipment.
Website ad files must be .jpg or .png with a file size of less than 150KB. Digital advertising is managed through Google's DoubleClick for Publishers platform. Advertisers receive monthly impression and click-through reporting.
Advertisement Location Examples (click to view)
Advertisement Location Examples
MULTI-CHANNEL ADVERTISING
Native Advertising
Supply an article to be exclusively featured on the Home page of the Powder Coated Tough website for one month. The article will remain on the website afterwards. Article will be promoted in an Industry eNews Spotlight, and to PCI's social media when it's posted.
- Between 1000-1500 words, the spot can be a case study, product promotion, or contain other interesting content (content subject to editorial approval).
- Up to 3 accompanying photos (advertiser must own rights to photos and complete a photo usage form).
- One 480px x 150px banner that appears in Industry eNews Spotlight and the PCT website.
- Limit 4 entries annually per company.
Digital Edition Sponsorship
Sponsor the digital edition of Powder Coated Tough and receive:
- Full page ad appearing adjacent to digital edition front cover.
- Two display ads in digital edition email blast (480px ⨯ 150px and 250px ⨯ 250px)
- "Sponsored By" logo and link on Home page of Powder Coated Tough website for two months.
- Limit 3 sponsorships annually per company.
| Ad Type | Specifications | 1 Month Rate (per month) | 6 Month Rate (per month) | 12 Month Rate (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Native Advertising (exclusive each month) |
See Below | 2,750 | n/a | n/a |
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Digital Edition Sponsorship (exclusive each issue) |
See Below | 975 | n/a | n/a |
Multi-Channel and Website Advertising are displayed on powdercoatedtough.com. Monthly impression and click-through metrics tracked using Google's Ad Manager platform.
E-MAIL ADVERTISING
| Ad Type | Specifications | 1 Month Rate (per month) | 6 Month Rate (per month) | 12 Month Rate (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INDUSTRY ENEWS – TOP POSITION (exclusive each month) | See below | 625 | 565 | 540 |
| INDUSTRY ENEWS | See below | 340 | 310 | 295 |
Email Advertising
Industry eNews Spotlight
A success story, product or technology profile, or other informative content to be emailed to approximately 13,800 opt-in subscribers. Up to 12 entries contained in each month's email blast.
eNews entry will contain:
- Up to 50-word description
- Logo or accompanying image; 250px ⨯ 250px
- Link and contact information
eNews images must be .jpg or .png with a file size of less than 60KB.
2026
Powder Coated Tough en Español
MEDIA KIT
Print | Digital
According to the Department of Labor, the projected number of Hispanic workers in the U.S. workforce will grow to almost 36 million people by 2030. Supply chain issues of the past few years have made Mexico and Central America an attractive region for U.S. manufacturers to explore as a nearsourcing option. In addition, the use of powder coatings has grown significantly in Mexico and Central America over the past decade. To address the growing need for powder coating education for Spanish-speaking audiences, select issues of Powder Coated Tough are professionally translated to Spanish and published in digital-only editions. Offering this resource for Spanish-speaking readers is essential to continue helping powder coaters around the globe learn more about pretreatment, application, curing, powder chemistries, and other processes related to powder coating.
If your company sells products or services to this unique audience, advertise with Powder Coated Tough en Español to bring awareness to your brand.
To learn more and request a media kit, please visit: www.powdercoating.org/PCTespanol
2026 POWDER COATED TOUGH EN ESPAÑOL EDITORIAL CALENDAR
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Autumn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature Editorial | Technology | Spring Cleaning | Safety | Managing Your Powder Shop |
| Ad Closing Date | 01/19/2026 | 04/06/2026 | 06/29/2026 | 09/28/2026 |
| Ad Materials Deadline | 01/23/2026 | 04/10/2026 | 07/03/2026 | 10/02/2026 |
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2026 POWDER COATED TOUGH EN ESPAÑOL PRINT RATES† AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | |
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Two Page Spread |
16.25" x 11.00" Bleed 16.00" x 10.75" Trim |
2,375 USD | 2,300 USD |
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Full Page |
8.25" x 11.00" Bleed 8.00" x 10.75" Trim |
1,250 USD | 1,200 USD |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Two Thirds Page | 4.625" x 9.125" | 1,100 USD | 1,075 USD |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | |
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Half Page Island |
4.625" x 6.875" | 960 USD | 930 USD |
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Half Page Vertical Horizontal |
3.4375" x 9.125" 7" x 4.5" |
905 USD | 875 USD |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Third Page Vertical Horizontal Square |
2.25" x 9.125" 7" x 3" 4.625" x 4.5" |
790 USD | 760 USD |
| Ad Size | Dimensions | 1x | 3x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Quarter Page | 3.4375" x 4.5" | 695 USD | 675 USD |
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!
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