Low resistivity graphite coated particles having exfoliated and pulverized graphite platelets coated on an outer surface of high resistivity particles are provided. Various methods are also provided for surface coating of the graphite platelets onto the particles to increase particle conductivity. The graphite coated particles can be used to produce reinforced composite materials. Reinforced composite materials incorporating the graphite coated particles can be electrostatically painted without using a conductive primer on the composite.