Powder coating -- when done correctly by a reputable firm --

leaves a beautiful finish.

This blue was a near perfect match for the original color, right down to the tiny 'metalflakes.'

However, even the original paint didn't have quite the 'wet' look of this lustrous finish.

Powder coating is THICK.

After looking at what was done to the VIN number, I realize that the coating was applied in multiple parts.

Apparently, after the color coat(s) were sprayed (electrostatcially)

a clear coat is also sprayed.  This can be seen by the gloss over the VIN number, which had been masked off prior to the color coat,

but ended up glossy!