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Chemical Conversion Coating

Home > Glossary > Metal Finishing > Chemical Conversion Coating

A surface treatment that forms a protective coating by chemical reaction with the base metal. Chromate conversion coating (Alodine) is common on aluminum; zinc phosphate is used on steel as a paint adhesion promoter.

Chemical conversion coating operates on a fundamentally different principle than mechanical fastening, chemically reacting with the base metal surface to create a crystalline protective layer. Chromate conversion coating, commonly known as Alodine, produces a thin, iridescent layer on aluminum that provides excellent corrosion resistance and dramatically improves adhesion for topcoats.

Zinc phosphate conversion coating is the preferred pretreatment for steel fabrications destined for liquid painting or powder coating, as it creates a reactive surface that bonds tightly with applied finishes. These coatings are particularly valuable for parts with complex geometries or thin sections where traditional anodizing or electroplating processes may be impractical.

Applying a chemical conversion coating is a fast, cost-effective way to ensure your metal finishing specifications are met.

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