Summary for pre treatment of aluminum Discussion
Pre treatment of aluminum is the core issue in this thread, where Jack Steur asks whether robotized aluminum trailer coating can skip sanding before an epoxy primer and whether ice blasting could be used for cleaning. Ken Vlach notes that Nalco’s Tech Bond sol-gel nanocoating seals the natural oxide on aluminum and can serve as a paint base, pointing to Nalco’s European headquarters in Leiden, The Netherlands. Another answer emphasizes that good cleaning is essential before priming, regardless of automation level. It adds that commercially available wash primers made specifically for aluminum may work as a precoat, and that some epoxy primers may also provide adequate adhesion. The practical recommendation is to consult a paint manufacturer to match the coating system to the process and substrate preparation needs. The thread does not give a definitive yes/no on ice blasting, but it implies cleaning quality is the key factor.
Q. We are robotising the coating of aluminum trailers. It would be a great help if the aluminum would not need sanding for the adhesion of an epoxy primer coating. Would anyone know if aluminum could be coated without sanding it first? If so what precoat or primer coating would be suitable to create some kind of adhesion. Could ice blasting be usable as cleaning medium? Please let me know if anyone should have an answer.
Jack Steur
truck coating – Oudenbosch, NB, The Netherlands
2006
“The Surface
Treatment &
Finishing of
Aluminium and
Its Alloys”
by Wernick, Pinner
& Sheasby
on Amazon
or
or
(affil link)
2006
A. Nalco’s Tech Bond sol-gel nanocoating seals the existing natural oxide on aluminum and can serve as a paint base. Their European headquarters is in Leiden, The Netherlands.
Ken Vlach [deceased]
– Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
A. Good cleaning is essential for this application. I am not sure of the degree of automation in your process, but adequate cleaning is necessary before priming. There are commercially available wash primers which can be used as a precoat, that are designed specifically for use on aluminum. There are also epoxy primers that may provide adequate adhesion. Your best bet is to discuss this with a paint manufacturer.
Daryl Spindler, CEF
decorative nickel-chrome plating – Greenbrier, Tennessee
2006
March 24, 2022
A. You can use a conversion coating like bond rite, Henkel makes it. But you do need a clean surface for the bond rite.
Here is a process line for you
1) spray or immersion deoxidizer.
2) spray or immersion Di Water rinse.
3) spray or immersion Henkel conversion coating (Alodine 1200).
4) spray or immersion Di Water rinse.
4) Epoxy Primer
5) Paint
John Werner
QE – Long Beach California
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