Why does aluminum need different prep than steel?
Steel grit is the right media for steel, but it leaves steel dust behind. In an aluminum part that dust can start corrosion under the coating. So we keep a second blast room that runs garnet, and non-ferrous parts go there.
Aluminum also gives off oils when it is blasted. Before coating, we pre-heat the part to burn those oils off, so the powder bonds to clean metal.
Does aluminum go through the same oven?
Yes. Aluminum parts are cured at 200°C like steel ones. Our oven takes parts up to 32 feet long, 12 feet wide and 11 feet high.
Can you powder coat cast aluminum?
Cast parts can hold trapped gas that bubbles out in the oven. If your part is cast, tell us when you call so we can look at it first.
Is there any metal you cannot powder coat?
We can powder coat most any ferrous or non-ferrous surface. The exception is chrome.
What about aluminum wheels and railings?
See wheels and rims and railings, gates and architectural metal.
What we would do
Aluminum can be powder coated. Clean off any oil and grease, then bring the part in or give us a call and we will look at it with you.
Next step. See the powder coating page, check the cost guide, or send a photo for a quote.