The quality and durability of your powder coating rely on how you prepare the surface. Failure to follow the right preparation steps will cause issues with the finished product. So you should understand the correct preparation procedure to follow before powder coating a metal surface.
The article gives the right prep steps that ensure a high-quality powder coating.
Cleaning and Removing Any Previous Coats
First, begin by cleaning the metal that you want to powder coat. That will remove any dust and dirt or grease. The best cleaning product is a prep spray. Spray a liberal amount of the product on a dry rag and then wipe down the metal.
After the metal surface is clean, it is time to deal with any rust or previous coatings. Sanding the surface is the ideal method of rust and coat removal. Sandblasting is the preferred choice, but you can also use a mechanical sander. The sandblasting method you choose depends on the size of the metal surface.
It is vital to clean and remove any coats and impurities to prevent them from breaking through the powder coat. That avoids premature failure of the powder coating.
Etching and Chemically Cleaning the Surface
Secondly, you should chemically clean and treat the surface. The specifics of this step depend on what you want to achieve. For you to get the best powder coating results, clean, etch, and add a protective layer such as a phosphate rinse to the metal. Most powder coating cleaners are alkaline. You can use these chemicals with a washer line or dip tank. Dip tanks and washer lines are best when using high-quality chemicals.
After cleaning, the next thing is to use a chemical etch or sandblasting. A chemical etch, creates a profile for the powder to stick on and is important for metals like aluminium. Sandblasting can also create and adhering surface for the powder coating.
Rinse off All Chemicals
The last powder coating preparation step is to clean off any chemicals used in treatment. Use neutralised water in a wash line or dip tank. You should then follow up with a slightly acidic solution to help seal the surface. A solvent like acetone is the ideal choice if you wish to clean the metal surface using your hands.
Conclusion
Following the steps given above will ensure you get the best finish for your powder coating. Avoid skipping or rushing through these stages. Preparation makes up the higher percentage of an excellent finish. You should only powder coat your metal after you complete the preparation steps.
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