Our Process
Powder coating
Why Powder Coat?
Because we believe it is the best. When it comes to coating steel or aluminum, a powder coat finish achieves an unparalleled combination of high-gloss beauty and lasting durability. Our process has been perfected to provide clients with custom powder coating solutions, excellent service and a high-quality finished product.
How does it work?
Substrate preparation includes sandblasting to remove all surface contaminants. The piece then receives a corrosion-inhibiting phosphate coating before beginning the two-coat powder coating process. The first coat is zinc-rich epoxy powder primer applicable to sandblasted parts. The second coat is the polyester powder coating in the clients chosen color. Both coats are electrostatically applied and oven cured according to powder coating manufacturing specifications.
Dye Sublimation
We perfected the powder coating process and then took it to the next level with dye sublimation.
What is it and how does it fit in with powder coating?
Dye sublimation is a process that uses heat to transfer dye into materials. Without getting too technical, it essentially fuses images into a surface. We use this process with our powder coating line to get the quality and durability of powder coated metals with the creative output opportunities that dye-sublimation provides. Fuse logos, photography, patterns - you name it, we can sublimate it. It is not an added layer that can peel or chip off, it becomes a part of the coating making it superior to alternatives such as decals or screen printing. Turn any piece of metal into a realistic wood grain, a marble likeness, a custom visual display or an artistic showcase. From stock imagery options to your own graphic files, we can finish what you start with creative flare.
The Benefits
Performance -The powder coating process creates a durable finish that prevents chipping, cracking, scratches or UVA damage while providing unparalleled corrosion resistance.
Appearance - The final product showcases a smooth, satin-like finish with an incredible luster. Because it is not applied as a liquid, you do not have any issues with the finish running and showing drip marks or bubbles. It also will retain its color and gloss longer than liquid paints.
Environment - The powder coating process itself releases negligible amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere and is considered to be HAPS free - free of hazardous air pollutants. It is a low-emitting, environmentally-friendly process compared to the solvents used with liquid paints. Also, in the powder coating process, excess powder that does not adhere to the product is easily captured and saved for reuse.
Options - In addition to a large selection of RAL colors, powder coating gives the option for interesting effects and textures such as hammer tones, veins, translucent finishings and dye-sublimated imagery. These types of effects could not be achieved with liquid paints.
Maintenance - Powder coating requires minimal maintenance. The sleek finish allows for easy cleaning with just soap and water. No additional sealants or coatings need to be applied to maintain its luster.
Applications
If you want the quality and durability of powder coated steel with the ability to showcase colorful images, text and patterns, consider the many applications of dye sublimation.
- Framed photography
- Outdoor art
- Company signage
- Way-finding maps
- Instructional placards
- Historical markers
- Wall panels
- Furniture components
- Architectural elements
- Point-of-purchase displays
These are just to name a few of the possibilities.
Key Features:
-Tested and engineered for outdoor use
-Offers high-resolution image quality and depth
-Resistant to weather, chemicals, scratching, fading and impact
-Easy to clean
-Custom sizes and shapes
-Perfect for high-end installations