Powder Coating and Pre-treatment Process
PRE-TREATMENT
After manufacturing, our fabricated components are pre-treated to enhance & protect each item, even in extreme weather conditions such as salt spray.
Chromated Screen
They are first acid washed to clean the raw aluminium from damaging oils & pollutants, then rinsed clean. Once drained the items are then chromated to treat the aluminium prior to the application of the finished powder coating product. This process conservately increases the life expectancy at least threefold.
Please beware of inferior treatments – for us at Fence Magic there is no substitute for the dipping process and some suppliers do not include pre treatment at all to save costs. This results in electrolysis occurring (a white powder builds up under powder coating) & the coating flakes off.
Power Coating
Powder coating is the process of applying a paint like protective coating to the product.
Powder Coated Screen
The items are hung & an electric current, creating a positive charge, is passed through the item. The coloured polyester powder is blown through a specialised gun that gives the powder particles a negative charge, thus being attracted onto the positively charged item being coated. The gun operator is specially trained & ensures an even coating over the whole product. The articles are then baked in an oven, the powder melts and spreads & fuses into a protective layer over the entire surface which is then left to cool. The process is now complete.
To ensure manufacturer warranties, a regular cleaning regime should be implemented. Each 6 months (3 months in salt spray or polluted areas) the finished product should be washed down with warm soapy water. This should preserve the finish & the look for many years to come.