For a high-quality powder coat finish, metal surfaces need comprehensive cleaning. Old components may have rust, previous coats, or paint. Even newly minted metal surfaces could present mill scale, grease, rust spots, or a protective layer of oil. Two essential methods exist for cleaning a metal surface.
The first approach is Chemical Wash & Pretreatment. This process involves applying a chemical cleaner or degreaser, followed by a rinse. Post-rinse, an oxidation or phosphate conversion coating is applied. This method's efficiency heavily relies on chemical quality, which may not combat heavy rust effectively. Moreover, it calls for the correct and often costly disposal of used chemicals.
The second method is Sandblasting. The abrasive material is propelled against the metal surface at high pressure, effectively removing rust, old paint, or previous coats—an additional benefit of sandblasting lies in providing roughness to the surface, promoting better powder coat adhesion. Maintaining a well-balanced surface roughness is crucial for enduring adhesion, especially for items subject to stressful conditions.
