Surface Preparation Tips For Applying Cerakote Ceramic Coatings

Surface preparation is key when applying Cerakote Ceramic Coatings. Parts must be free from any oils prior to sandblasting. Degreasing can be achieved by baking the parts off in an oven, or by soaking them in an effective degreaser, such as acetone, for 15 to 30 minutes. A blasted profile must be applied to the substrate to remove any rust, scale or other coatings. Grit blasting is required to ensure maximum adhesion. Blast the parts with 80 to 100 grit aluminum oxide or garnet sand at 80 to 100 psi. Strive for an even blast pattern over the surfaces of the parts. Do NOT use glass beads, as they dimple the surface rather than etching it, which is required for optimum coating adhesion.

Here are some tips for surface preparation:

1.) If the part's surface is still shiny after blasting, you haven't blasted enough.

2.) If you use too coarse of grit, the microscopic valleys on the part's surface will be too deep for the .001 - .002" (1 - 2 mils) coating to completely fill while covering the corresponding "peaks" sufficiently to assure a satisfactory coating.

3.) Don't use sand that has been previously used to clean dirty, greasy or oily parts. Doing so will contaminate your parts.

4.) If you use #100 grit, be sure the grit does not wear out as you are using it. #100 is pretty fine at the start, and will wear to an ineffective dust.

Thursday, March 14, 2013