How to Finish Your Motobilt Raw Steel Jeep Parts

When you invest in raw steel parts for your Jeep, one question always comes next: how are you going to finish them? Leaving bare steel exposed might look cool for a while, but it won’t take long before rust starts to creep in—especially if your rig sees regular trail time.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right coating depends on how you use your Jeep, what kind of maintenance you're willing to do, and the look you're after. Below, we’ll break down two of the most popular finishing options—powder coating and Steel-It—plus a few others that might fit specific needs.

Pros:

• Durable Finish: Tough enough to handle daily wear and tear.
• Customizable Look: Available in a wide range of colors and textures—from gloss and matte to metallic finishes.
• Professional Appearance: Gives your parts a clean, polished, showroom-quality look.

Cons:

• Difficult to Repair: If the coating chips or scratches, fixing it typically requires removing the part and taking it to a shop for a full recoat.
• Time and Cost: Re-coating isn’t cheap or quick.
• Hidden Issues: Rust can start beneath the surface without being visible until damage is done.

Best For:

Owners building show-quality Jeeps or street-driven rigs who want a flawless, custom appearance with long-lasting protection.

Pros:

• Easy Touch-Ups: Applied from a spray can, making trail repairs and garage touch-ups simple.
• Trail-Ready: Holds up well to abuse without requiring a full recoat.
• Weld-Through Safe: You can weld directly over it without grinding the coating off.
• Battle-Tested: Used in motorsports for its toughness and convenience.

Cons:

• Limited Colors: Typically available only in gray or black finishes.
• UV Fading: Can lose its color intensity over time with sun exposure.
• Less Gloss: Doesn’t offer the same smooth finish as powder coat.

Best For:

Trail rigs, overland builds, and anyone who prefers function, easy maintenance, and rugged durability over high-gloss perfection.

Other Options to Consider

While powder coat and Steel-It are the go-to choices for most Jeep owners, a few other coatings might make sense depending on your specific needs.

Rattle Can Paint (Spray Paint)

A cheap and accessible solution, but not the most durable.

Best For: Temporary protection, interior brackets, hidden parts, or budget builds.

Bedliner Coating (Line-X, etc.)

Thick, grippy, and extremely durable. Often used on bumpers, sliders, and rocker panels.

Pros:Tough and abrasion-resistant.

Cons:Hard to remove, limited color choices, and tough to touch up cleanly.

Best For:Hardcore off-road builds needing maximum protection.

Cerakote

A thin ceramic coating known for its use on firearms and engine components. Offers excellent chemical resistance and a sleek finish.

Best For: High-performance builds or anyone wanting a unique, tech-forward finish.

What We Use at Motobilt

Most of our shop builds are coated in Steel-It. It fits how we test and build—hard and often. We’re constantly pushing our products on the trail, and Steel-It lets us keep parts protected without sending them back to a shop for refinishing. A quick spray and you’re back in business.

That said, for show rigs or builds that spend more time on pavement than rocks, powder coat might be the right call—especially if you’re after that slick, professional look.

Final Thoughts

No matter which finish you choose, one thing’s for sure: don’t leave your raw steel parts uncoated. Rust and corrosion can show up faster than you think, and once it takes hold, it can ruin your hard work.

If you’re still unsure which coating is best for your build, give us a call or drop a comment. Our team’s always happy to help guide you toward the right choice for your Jeep.