When it comes to purchasing powder coated products the buyer needs to be aware of what they are paying for. While the end result is a powder coated part the processes used to get there vary greatly from manufacture to manufacture.  As with a quality automotive finish preparation of the surface is vital to creating a quality finish that will stand the test of time.

To ensure a powder coat finish that will last for many years to come considerable effort must be spent preparing and cleaning the part. To this end we employ a four (4) step process

Sandblasting

This pretreatment process is undertaken to remove the mill scale and any carbon deposits, which laser and plasma cutting systems leave behind.  Each and every steel part we powder coat is sandblasted.  This process provides a smooth textured surface to which the powder coat can adhere to.

Phosphate Pressure Wash

This pretreatment process is done to degrease, clean and etch the surface. Once again we are working to ensure the powder coat will have a clean textured surface to adhere to. After the parts are phosphate washed they are put into the oven at 300 degrees to dry them out.

Zinc Rich Primer

Is used to protect steel surfaces from corrosion. Unlike regular paints or epoxies which resist corrosion by forming an impermeable barrier between the metal and atmospheric moisture, zinc rich primers provide corrosion protection by electrical means. The zinc and the steel form a tiny electrical - cathodic cell that protects the steel at the expense of the zinc. Of course the zinc primer also provides a little ‘barrier' protection as well. Once the zinc rich primer is applied the parts get another trip in the oven to affix the primer to the part.

Color Top Coat

The final step in the process is applying the top color coat.  To ensure that the color holds up to UV and other environmental concerns we use Cardinal Polyester Polyurethane powders. They are used because they have very good adhesion characteristics, corrosion resistance, and exterior durability.  One more trip to the oven is required to cure the primer and top coats.

Once the parts have cooled each part is wrapped in a 6mil plastic bag to protect the finish. All of this work is done to ensure that you receive a part that will not only look good when it is first installed, but years down the line. Parts prepared using the above four step process have survived a 1800 hour salt spray test without showing and discernable corrosion or damage to the finish. All of the parts we powder coat carry a two year warranty. Please, see our warranty policy for additional information