Objective To study the modification effects of iron oxide powder by the silane coupling agent KH-560 and titanate coupling agent. Methods Fine iron oxide red powder after modification was compared with the unmodified powder. Lipophilic degree and oil-absorbed value were studied, and the modification effects were analyzed by CILAS particle size distribution analyzer, SEM and contact angle meters. Results The degree of refinement of iron oxide red powder was effectively improved and the agglomerates of the powder were reduced, the powder was changed from hydrophilic into lipophilic after modification, and the dispersing performance of the powder in the organic system was improved. Conclusion The two modifiers could effectively improve the surface performance of the fine iron oxide red powder. Besides, the modification effect of titanate coupling agent was better than that of KH-560.