The Process of Powder Coating
The powder coating process usually begins with sandblasting. Sandblasting is simply the removal of any previous finish, or rust on the piece to be powder coated. By sandblasting the piece, this assures that it is reverted back to its original raw material and free from all oils, grease, and other contaminents that could interfere with the final finish.
Once Sandblasting is completed, the parts are then hand sanded (if needed) to ensure a smooth painting/powder surface. The parts/piece are then ready to be hung and continue to the pre-treatment phase.
Pre-Treament begins with an acid wash. This further removes any oils
or grease contaminents from the piece that the sandblasting did not remove, or any oils that the piece may have acquired from our handling the piece after it has been sandblasted prior to it's hanging. After the acid is applied it is then rinsed off, and ready for the second step of pre-treatment.
The second step is a zinc phosphate compound. Depending on whether the piece to be coated is steel or aluminum the proper compound is applied. This is crucial to the final finish, endurance, durability and overall outcome of the finished product. In short, this liquid compound "eats" an additional layer off of the metal ensuring that the piece is as close to its purest form as possible. The zinc phosphate also helps to protect the piece from future rust. After this step is applied it is then rinsed off and ready for the final stage of pre-treatment.
If the piece to be coated is aluminum, it then requires an additional 3rd step of chemical treatment. This step is simply an adhesion coat that is applied which enables the powder to be able to stick to the aluminum piece and cure correctly.
After the piece has been through the chemical pre-treatment, it is then placed in our oven to dry thoroughly. Once the piece is dry, it is then removed from the oven and taken into the powder spray booth to be painted. Depending on the piece, the metal is allowed to cool thoroughly. The correct electric grounds are then attached to the piece and we proceed to spray the powder coat on it.
Once the powder has been applied and checked to ensure an even coat, the piece is then placed back into our oven for the proper curing time. This can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more. When the piece has been fully cured we then remove it from the oven and the piece is allowed to cool. Once the piece has cooled it can then be handled and checked for a quality application. If the final finish meets our standards then it is ready for our customer to pick up.
