1.  All parts are first visually inspected.   If they are not bare metal and have been previously painted or powder coated, they need to be sandblasted or glass beaded.  This process breaks down any sort of former surface adhesion.  After being sandblasted or glass beaded, the powder will adhere better to the surface, and leave a more durable powder coat. 

2. After the parts are sandblasted/glass beaded, they are washed in our Five(5) Stage Phosphate tanks.  The tanks can accommodate parts up to 5’ long.   Any parts that are longer than 5’ are washed with our Three (3) Stage Steam Cleaning room.  Cleaning the parts removes any unsightly grease, dust, dirt etc.  After the parts are washed, they are immediately dried, to avoid any rust production. 

3.  After being washed and dried, the parts are Outgassed.  Outgassing is a process in which the parts are pre-baked in the curing oven.  This step is crucial because outgassing the metal reduces any blemishes that may be hiding in the pores of the metal.  If not properly outgassed, any imperfections in the metal will bubble during the curing process.  If the powder begins to bubble, most likely, the powder will chip. 

4.  After the parts are washed and outgassed, any surfaces and threaded holes that need to be masked… are masked.  We use special high-temperature masking tape…the tape is able to protect the surfaces, but does not ruin the product.  The tape is able to withstand extreme heat, therefore it works perfect throughout the curing process.  The threaded holes are plugged with high-temperature silicone plugs top protect the threads.

5.  After the parts are masked and plugged, they are given a quick thinner wipe to remove any light debris or fingerprints.

6.  The masked parts are then hung on a cart (or conveyor line) which is electrostatically grounded.  The powder is applied using an electrostatic spray gun.  The powder “sticks” to the part, kind of how dust sticks to a television screen.  The electrostatic gun applies the powder in a smooth, evenly coated manner.  Upon being powder coated, but before curing, the powder...is still powder.  It can be wiped off with your fingers, or blown off with an air gun.