Cleaning, Coating, and Curing
The process of powder coating can be divided into three separate stages, Cleaning, Coating, and Curing.
Cleaning
It is important to remove all organic and inorganic solids from the product that is to be coated.
Inorganic Soils are normally removed by media blasting and/or chemical process. Examples:
- Rust
- Smut
- Heat scale
- Oxides
- Stains
- Loose particulate matter
Organic Soils are usually what is needed to clean from most metallic substances. The most common form of cleaning chemistries from organic soils is water-based chemical formulations, combining surfactants, detergents, alkaline builders, and sequestering agents. Cleaning the products to be coated is normally completed in an industrial washer combining heat and high pressure. Examples:
- Mill oils
- Oily or wax films
- Rust inhibitors
- Coolants
- Lubricants
- Die release
- Drawing compounds
Coating & Curing
If you hold the dry pigmented powder in your hand it looks and feels like colored Baby Powder, and It’s just as safe. Essentially, because it is free of the hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOC) contained in liquid paints. The powder that is sprayed is gathered and recycled creating little waste.
Powder coatings are available in a variety of colors, glosses and textures. New formulations in powders have made it possible to achieve innovative finishes that are above and beyond liquid paints.
Powder coating’s strong resistance to extreme temperature, chemicals, UV rays, abrasion, cracking or chipping has made it a popular finish with many industries.
Available Colors
Powders are available in almost every color and shade imaginable. Custom colors can be formulated to meet almost any need. There may be an additional charge for special colors.
Coat Almost Any Metal Surface
Marco Specialty Steel will powder coat any of our products including aluminum, cold-rolled steel, hot rolled steel, hot rolled steel pickle and oil, cast iron, zinc casting, aluminum casting, copper and paintlock-electro-galvanized to name a few.
Cleaning is Imperative
We will ensure your metal product is clean for the best, long-lasting product. How? The conveyorized washer will handle most projects or we can media blast or otherwise clean your rust/scale problems.
Non-Metal Materials
The coated parts are cured in an oven at up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, for up to 30 minutes or more. Any part of your product that cannot withstand this time and temperature must be removed before coating.
Contact Marco Specialty Steel to Explore Your Powder Coating Options
We invite you to contact Marco Specialty Steel today to learn more about the wide range of coating options. We’ll also be happy to provide a no-obligation powder coating quote.