Cast aluminum outdoor furniture requires protection from the elements to prevent corrosion. Recent developments in technology have made a hard, corrosion-resistant coating possible without the use of liquid paint. A painted metal surface is a better solution than an uncoated surface.
But paint can easily chip when dry, and the coating itself is often uneven. Paint tends to drip and run, and horizontal surfaces hold more paint than vertical ones. The process of powder coating solves these problems and creates a strong, weather-resistant finish that is both durable and attractive.
Powder coating begins with a thorough cleaning of the surface to be treated. Oils and greases are removed with an alkaline or neutral detergent solution. Heavy oxides are removed, and the furniture piece is rinsed, then sprayed with a conversion coating of chromate or phosphate solution.
The conversion coating aids the thermoplastic powder to adhere more easily. Then the metal is sprayed with the thermoplastic powder using an electrostatically charged spray gun. The spray gun grants a positive charge to the powder, which is then attracted to the grounded cast aluminum furniture piece.
The cast aluminum piece is then heated to about 200 degrees, which causes the powder coating to melt and flow around the piece to form a skin over the metal frame. As the thermoplastic powder cures during the heating process, it undergoes a chemical reaction called cross-linking that forms a harder powder coating than conventional paint.
The powder coating process produces a very thin film that is far smoother and more uniform than conventional paint. The finish will vary from a high gloss to a flat matte, depending on the type of powder used. Color possibilities are virtually unlimited depending upon the powder.
Rustylions specializes in powder coating & metal finishing for multiple types of businesses, from industrial manufacturing to metal fabrication to auto parts. Rustylions serve machine shops in finishing services. For your powder coating requirements - Contact Rustylions Powder coating at 1~347~613~8103/ 973~459-8515.