Surface Preparation
The first step of the powder coating and ceramic coating process is to ensure that the surface being coated is adequately pretreated. For powder to correctly bond with the metal, the metal must be clean and bare. Plastic must be also be clean so that a ceramic coating can be applied smoothly. Old finishes, oil, grime, and rust are all just a few things that can ruin a new coating. Failure to prepare these surfaces correctly can result in premature coat failure such as: cracks, bumps, peeling, loss of color or shine, and other aesthetic defects. Blue Line Coatings takes pride in our services and ensures that all of the products we coat are prepared by the standards set forth by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). Below are a few different methods of surface preparation that we utilize for quality finishes.
Solvent Cleaning
Solvent cleaning is typically the first step to remove visible dirt, grease, oil, and similar composites from metals. It is common for us to use a pressure washer, with a mixture of water and a chemical solvent for this type of surface prep. It works best with new metals, as it usually cannot remove old coating. If necessary, another preparation method will be used to remove old coating.
Abrasive Media Blasting
Commonly referred to as sand blasting, abrasive media blasting uses high pressure to propel abrasive material (or media) onto the surface of a product to clean it and leave a smooth finish. There are many different types of media that can be used, however for the safety of our employees and the environment, we have opted against the use of sand as a blasting media.
Thermal Stripping
Thermal stripping uses extremely high temperatures to "burn off" or "bake off" old powder coating. The old powder is turned to ash and then washed or wiped off. Thermal stripping is regarded as one of the safer and better options for the environment, as the use and disposal of chemical agents for chemical stripping can be harmful.
Outgassing
Outgassing occurs when entrapped gasses are released during the curing process of powder coating. It can create tiny "pinholes", leaving the finished product at risk for premature coat failure and an unaesthetically pleasing look. In order to prevent this, Blue Line Coatings will heat metals prior to coating to release these gases.