Question 1

How do you prepare the surface of a metal part, so the paint or powder adheres properly?

Accepted Answer

We use various types of pretreatment chemical conversion coatings. We prepare parts using dip or spray methods. Both methods clean the parts and apply a coating that protects against corrosion. We can pretreat various types of metal including steel, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and brass. Each substrate is prepared using different pretreatment recipes.

Question 2

Is there anything that cannot be cleaned off with pretreatment?

Accepted Answer

Pretreatment will not remove heavy oils and contaminants. Heavy oils and contaminates must be removed before we can pretreat. We do outsource smaller substrates to a vapor degrease process that can remove diecasting lubricants.

Question 3

I have a part that has flash, can you remove the flash before coating?

Accepted Answer

We use a process called thermal deburr at one of our facilities. We also work with local companies that can shotblast and use vibrations to remove flash.

Question 4

What is the biggest size part you can coat?

Accepted Answer

We can powder coat parts up to 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 10 feet long and up to 450lbs. We can liquid coat parts up to 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide by 3 feet long and up to 150lbs.

Question 5

What colors are available?

Accepted Answer

There are many color options for both liquid coat and powder coat. We can do colors like shrink wrap green, safety yellow, bronze, sandstone, gun metal and chili pepper red to name a few. We also can provide powder coating in special finishes metallic, wrinkle, textured, hammer tone (antique, silver vein).

Question 6

What is powder coating?

Accepted Answer

Powder coating is a dry powder applied through an electrostatic process that adheres the powder to part, then cured by heat to liquify and harden the powder. Powder coating comes in many colors/textures and provides a protected and decorative finish.

Question 7

What is liquid coating?

Accepted Answer

Liquid coating is a wet paint applied through manual or automatic spraying. The coating is then cured by heat or air drying. Liquid coating can be formulized using solvents and other additives to give the thickness and finish needed.

Question 8

What are the advantages of powder vs liquid coating?

Accepted Answer

Powder coating is more durable, thicker coating, more chemical resistant and longer lasting than liquid coating. Commonly used on outdoor furniture, heavy duty equipment, and automotive components that are exposed to the elements. Powder coating creates an even finish, no drips. With liquid coating, there is the possibility of paint runs and drips. Powder coating is environmentally safe as it produces very few to no VOCs.

Question 9

Should I use different powder for interior vs exterior applications?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of powders. Epoxies are very durable and are the best for chemical and corrosive resistance. Epoxies provide excellent adhesion on metals. Epoxy does not fare well in the sun; the exposure causes fading. Epoxies are excellent for interior applications or as a base coat. Polyesters are most common and offer flexibility, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. Polyesters provide a few years of good UV resistance as well. Polyesters come in many colors, gloss levels, and special finishes. Super durable powders are excellent for exterior applications. They offer high impact and chemical resistance. They can be formulated in many colors, gloss levels, and special effects. Super durables are made to last and can retain their color for many years. Super durables exceed performance tests

Reliance Finishing: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you prepare the surface of a metal part, so the paint or powder adheres properly?

Q: Is there anything that cannot be cleaned off with pretreatment?

Q: I have a part that has flash, can you remove the flash before coating?

Q: What is the biggest size part you can coat?

Q: What colors are available?

Q: What is powder coating?

Q: What is liquid coating?

Q: What are the advantages of powder vs liquid coating?

Q: Should I use different powder for interior vs exterior applications?

Q: Is powder coating better than liquid paint?

Q: How do you prepare parts for powder coating?

Q: Can you paint over a powder coating?

Q: Can aluminum be powder coated?

Q: How long does powder coating last?

Q: How thick is powder coating?