Pretreating
a substrate for powder coating is an important step in the application process.
Powder coating a substrate with contaminants on the surface will result in poor
performance of the coating. Here is an overview of the pretreatment step for
powder coatings:
1. Clean the substrate to remove all contaminants,
including soils, oils, oxides, and smut. Titration readings measure the total
alkalinity or acidity levels. Even if the titration readings are fine, watch
out for sludge or soil buildup in tanks that because it will reduce the
cleaning activity.
2. Rinse the substrate to remove any
remaining contaminated solutions from the surface. It also adjusts the pH for
the next step.
Conversion coatings are a film which
changes the physical and chemical nature of the metal surface. A clean surface
is required for the reaction. You might need conversion coatings for your
application.
Common
types of conversion coatings:
- Iron phosphate for ferrous metals
- Zinc phosphate for ferrous metals
- Chromate conversion for aluminum
- Manganese phosphate
For more information about pretreating for powder coatings, read TCI's Troubleshooting Guide.
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