Metal surface preparation tips

The proper cleaning and treatment of metal surfaces prior to any metal coating process is recognized and accepted as one of the most critical steps in a surface finishing operation. The quality and performance of coated parts in service can be directly related and correlated to the initial pretreatment of the surface to be coated. Historically, mechanical and chemical processes have been the two primary categories for metal surface preparation. The specific methods chosen for use depend on the type of metal, prior history, and desired properties that the final coating system is to exhibit. In most cases, a chemical process will be the final step and usually consists of not only cleaning and rinsing, but some type of surface activation or modification as well.