About Us
Specialist coating professionals with over 100 years combined experience
Building a Reputation for Excellence
Wicked Coatings was founded in Poole, Dorset in 2011 with a clear mission: to deliver specialist coating and surface treatment services of the highest possible standard. What began as a 1,000 square foot workshop driven by passion and expertise has grown steadily into one of the south of England's most capable coating facilities, now operating from a 19,000 square foot premises equipped with state-of-the-art spray booths, blasting chambers and preparation areas.
Our growth has been built on a simple foundation: do exceptional work, invest in the best equipment and people, and never compromise on quality. From nuclear components requiring NACE Level 3 certified inspection to bespoke consumer projects, every item that passes through our facility receives the same meticulous attention to detail. We are proud to be ISO 9001 certified and trusted by clients across multiple major industry sectors, from defence and aerospace to automotive and marine.
In 2017 we acquired Global Coatings in Bristol. The two companies operate in tandem as sister companies, sharing the same standards of quality and workmanship while increasing our capacity and extending our coverage across the South West and the wider UK. Between the two sites, we can take on larger volumes, tighter deadlines and projects that need to be close to the customer.
Our mission is to be the UK's most trusted specialist coating company, combining technical excellence with outstanding customer service. We continually invest in new technologies, training and facility improvements to ensure we remain at the forefront of the coatings industry.
Visit Global CoatingsOur Core Values
Four principles that decide every brief we accept, every booth we open, and every part we sign off. These are not aspirations. They are the standard.
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01
Quality
Non-negotiableEvery coating leaves the booth measured, inspected and documented. ISO 9001 certified processes and full traceability on every job, with inspection to the standard your specification sets and NACE and Icorr Level 3 inspectors on hand where the work calls for it. If it does not meet specification, it does not leave the building.
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02
Precision
Measured to the micrometreBlast profile, soluble salts, environmental conditions, wet and dry film thickness, adhesion, cure and gloss. We inspect before, during and after painting using UKAS-calibrated equipment, and our ICATS-qualified blasters and painters treat each variable as a discipline, not a checklist. Five low-bake spray booths and dedicated blasting chambers let us hold the same tolerance on a defence component as on a custom motorcycle tank.
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03
Honesty
Transparent serviceWe quote what the work needs and we tell you when something is wrong before you ask. No hidden margins on materials, no quiet substitutions, no surprises on delivery day. Plain answers, honest lead times and a phone that gets answered by someone who knows your job.
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04
Innovation
Continuous improvementNew chemistries, new application techniques, new equipment — and the discipline to test them properly before they touch a client part. We invest in our facility, our people and our certifications so the answer to "can you coat this?" stays "yes" as the industry moves forward.
Milestones & Growth
From our founding to the present day, each milestone represents our commitment to growth, quality and innovation.
Company Founded
Wicked Coatings was established in Poole, Dorset, starting out from a 1,000 square foot workshop with a focus on specialist wet spray painting and hydro dipping.
First Major Medical Contract
Secured a large contract in the medical sector, laying the foundation for a decade of steady business growth.
Move to 19,000 Sq Ft and First ISO Accreditation
Relocated to our current 19,000 square foot premises and achieved our first ISO accreditation in the same year, formalising the quality system we still work to today.
Expansion into Heavy Industrial
Extended our capabilities to heavy industrial work, adding larger blasting and coating capacity for structural and plant components.
Icorr Qualified Inspectors
Our inspection team gained Institute of Corrosion qualifications, strengthening in-house verification of surface preparation and coating application.
Global Coatings Joins the Group
Acquired Global Coatings in Bristol. The two companies operate in tandem as sister companies, matching each other's quality standards while increasing capacity and coverage across the South West and the UK.
Entry into the Nuclear Sector
Began supplying specification-led coatings for nuclear components and equipment, with full documentation and inspection records.
NACE Level 3 Inspection
Our inspectors achieved NACE Level 3 certification, the highest internationally recognised level of coating inspection qualification.
Aerospace Sector
Started coating work for the aerospace sector, supplying finishes for aircraft components, interiors and ground support equipment.
Growth in Defence
Significant growth in military and defence work, applying CARC and DEF STAN paint systems for vehicles, equipment and prime contractors.
High-End Art and Sculptures
Entered the fine art and sculpture sector, finishing new pieces and restoring and protecting existing public and private works.
Growth in Nuclear
A period of major growth in nuclear sector work, reflecting the trust placed in our documentation, inspection and coating standards.
Facility Improvements
An ongoing programme of major facility improvements across booths, blasting rooms and inspection areas to support the next stage of growth.
Expert Team, Exceptional Results
Wicked Coatings was formed by combining Lyle's painting expertise with Chris's quality and inspection background, and that pairing still shapes how every job is run. Today the team is trusted by customers including Rolls-Royce, Babcock, BAE Systems and EDF.
Lyle, Founding Director
Lyle started as an apprentice paint sprayer in a small custom paint shop repairing motorcycle fairings, then moved on to restoring high-end classic cars. With more than 32 years of painting behind him, he leads paint application and technical support across every sector we serve. NACE Level 2 qualified.
Chris Hinks, Founding Director
Chris began with an electrical and electronic engineering apprenticeship, moved into quality control and then paint shop inspection in the aircraft engineering industry, including non-destructive testing, magnetic particle and dye penetrant crack inspection. A spray painter since 2011, he leads quality and technical support across multiple sectors. NACE Level 2 qualified.
Management & Quality
Our management team oversees all operations, quality assurance and client relationships. Working within our ISO 9001 system, with NACE and Icorr Level 3 inspectors and ICATS-qualified staff behind them, they ensure every project meets the highest standards from quotation through to final delivery and documentation.
Production Team
Our ICATS-qualified supervisors, blasters and painters are the backbone of the business. Trained in wet spray, powder coating, Cerakote application, blasting and surface preparation, they bring precision and care to every item, from delicate aerospace components to heavy industrial assemblies.
Technical Support
Our technical support staff provide expert guidance on coating selection, substrate compatibility and process specification. They work closely with clients to recommend the optimal coating solution for each application, ensuring performance, durability and compliance.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you need a single prototype coated or a full production run, our team is ready to provide a competitive quote with fast turnaround times.
