Beyond Clean: How Surface Prep Chemistry Drives Powder Coating Performance

In powder coating, performance starts long before the powder ever hits the part. This session takes a closer look at the role of surface prep chemistry and how it shapes coating outcomes — from adhesion to corrosion resistance and overall durability.

Attendees will hear real-world examples of how shops are adjusting their pretreatment process based on part geometry, metal type and soils — from cold rolled and hot forged steel to extruded and architectural aluminum. Hubbard-Hall will explore the role of cleaner-coaters, deoxidizers and derusters — and how to work through issues like stearates on drawn steel or paraffin-based lubricants.

Whether you're running a five-stage washer or working through inconsistent results, this session shows how looking beyond time, temperature and concentration — and toward chemistry, process flow and substrate condition — can lead to more consistent, higher-performing finishes.

Agenda: 

• Understand how surface prep chemistry interacts with different metals and soils
• Learn how cleaner coaters, deoxidizers and derusters fit into a modern pretreatment process
• See how real shops have improved performance by adjusting their surface prep approach
• Gain troubleshooting tips for resolving common coating failures tied to inadequate prep