A few different ways to prepare the substrate to accept the powder coating
It is important to assess your needs at this point. Rust protection, decorative or a combination of both. There are a few different ways to prepare the substrate to accept the powder coating. Hot rolled steel has a mill scale which should be removed before coating. With older rusty material we sandblast to a clean grey finish. New parts are either degreased in a degreasing fluid or treated with phosphate to promote adhesion.
We have experienced problems with aluminum parts that are chromed. It is advisable to have the chrome removed at a plating shop. Steel chrome parts usually coat just fine. Although we have done many chromed parts, sometimes it comes off when we media blast it and sometimes it does not.
Problems can occur when only half of it comes off. Because it has a thickness, it can be seen through the powder coating resulting in extra time spent on sanding and blending. It is recommended that you have the chrome removed before taking it in to a powder paint company to be painted.
