Powder coating is a detailed process, and every step matters. Skipping surface preparation may seem like a way to save time, but it can result in problems like peeling, bubbling, or rust later on.
Surface preparation is key for powder coating, ensuring a durable, flawless finish that stands the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at the issues that can come up if you skip this crucial step.
Aesthetic Issues
Improper surface preparation causes imperfections like bubbles, peeling, or bumps during the powder coating process. Contaminants such as dirt, grease, or rust interfere with even application and adhesion. Untreated surfaces generate sloppy, unpolished results instead of a smooth, professional finish. A clean start is essential to ensure every layer of powder coating looks sleek and flawless.
Corrosion
Skipping preparation doesn’t just lead to aesthetic blunders. It also makes the surface underneath susceptible to rust.
Without proper cleaning and pretreatment, a surface retains imperfections and vulnerabilities where moisture can seep through. Over time, this can lead to corrosion beneath the coating, undermining the protection you expect from the powder coating itself.
Rust-preventative preparation steps, like a chemical wash or abrasive blasting, form a critical defense against long-term damage.
Low Durability
You coat metal surfaces to protect them from wear and tear, but without proper preparation, even industrial powder coating won’t hold up to daily use. Dirt, oil, and other contaminants create weak spots, leading to chipping and scratching much faster than you’d anticipate.
The goal of powder coating is a tough, lasting finish—but you won’t get that if you don’t treat the surface correctly beforehand. That’s why surface preparation is key for powder coating.
Inefficiencies
Perhaps the most frustrating part of skipping surface preparation? You’ll likely end up back at square one, redoing the coating process entirely.
Whether it’s fixing chipped areas, starting over on peeled sections, or trying to cover rust spots that appeared too early, these inefficiencies quickly add up. Redoing the same work takes time and money, both of which you could save by preparing properly in the first place.
Trust the Experts for Long-Lasting Results
Here at Professional Finishing, we meticulously prepare every surface at the start of each industrial powder coating project. Our expert team follows proven processes that deliver consistent, high-quality results, no matter what the size of your project is. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve perfect, durable results.