Great question—and one that matters a lot when you're choosing outdoor furniture that needs to withstand weather, wear, and public use.
To put it simply: most high-quality street benches do come with a powder-coated finish, not just a layer of paint. Powder coating is a dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically sprayed onto the metal surface. The bench is then cured under heat, which fuses the coating into a hard, durable shell. This is far more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and rust than standard liquid paint.
If a bench is only painted on, you'll likely notice that the finish is thinner, less uniform, and more prone to peeling or bubbling when exposed to moisture or direct sun. In contrast, a properly powder-coated bench feels smooth, slightly thicker, and more even to the touch—almost like a layer of tough plastic bonded to the metal.
Most reputable manufacturers use powder coating because it holds up better in parks, bus stops, plazas, and along streets where benches face rain, UV rays, and heavy use. So, if you're asking about a specific model, I'd recommend checking the product specs for the words "powder-coated" or "thermally bonded powder finish." If you see just "painted," you may be getting a less durable option.
In short: for street benches, powder coating is the industry standard for long-lasting protection. Always go with powder-coated over painted if you're looking for something that stays looking good for years.