7-Stage Pretreatment System
The foundation of every quality coating job. Our full immersion system with industry-leading tank sizes ensures superior adhesion and long-term performance.
Why Pretreatment Matters
A beautiful coating is worthless if it doesn't stay on. Proper pretreatment is the single most important factor in coating longevity.
Superior Adhesion
Full immersion ensures complete surface coverage, including complex profiles and recessed areas that spray systems miss.
Corrosion Resistance
Proper conversion coating creates a barrier against moisture and corrosive elements, preventing underfilm corrosion.
AAMA Compliance
Our pretreatment process meets all AAMA requirements for the 2603, 2604, and 2605 coating specifications.
Warranty Backing
Proper pretreatment is essential for coating warranty validity. Cut corners here, and the warranty is void.
Full Immersion vs. Spray
Many coating shops use spray-only pretreatment systems to save on facility costs. While adequate for simple parts, spray systems can't match the complete coverage that full immersion provides.
Our tanks are the largest in the industry—35 feet long—allowing us to fully submerge parts that other finishers can only spray. This is especially critical for:
- Complex extrusion profiles with deep pockets and channels
- Welded assemblies with lap joints and crevices
- Large parts where spray coverage may be inconsistent
When the coating fails on a 50-story curtainwall, nobody cares that the finisher saved money on pretreatment. That's why architects and specifiers insist on full immersion pretreatment for critical projects.
Tank Specifications
| Tank Length | 35 feet |
| Tank Width | 78 inches |
| Tank Depth | 36 inches |
| Number of Stages | 7 stages + dry off |
| Immersion Type | Full immersion |
| Chemistry | Chrome phosphate |
The 7-Stage Process
Each stage plays a critical role in preparing aluminum for high-performance coating.
Caustic Cleaner
Alkaline cleaning bath removes oils, greases, and other organic contaminants from the aluminum surface.
City Water Rinse
First rinse removes cleaning solution residue from parts.
Acid Cleaner
Acidic bath removes surface oxides and mill finish, preparing aluminum for conversion coating.
City Water Rinse
Second rinse removes acid cleaner residue from parts.
Chrome Phosphate
Chrome phosphate conversion coating creates a chemically bonded layer for superior coating adhesion.
City Water Rinse
Third rinse removes excess conversion coating solution.
RO Water Rinse
Final reverse osmosis water rinse ensures a contaminant-free surface.
Dry Off Oven
Controlled drying prepares the surface for immediate coating application.
Chrome Phosphate Chemistry
Our chrome phosphate conversion coating provides excellent corrosion resistance with decades of proven performance history in architectural applications. This industry-standard chemistry creates a durable, chemically bonded layer that ensures superior coating adhesion and long-term performance.
Chrome phosphate pretreatment meets all AAMA requirements for 2603, 2604, and 2605 coating specifications, providing the foundation for warranty-backed architectural finishes.
Questions about pretreatment?
Our technical team can explain how proper pretreatment protects your investment.