A Guide To Various Types Of Protective Coatings
Product coating is usually applied late in the production process, just before a product is completely assembled. When applied to manufactured products, the goal is to make the end product look better and last longer. There is a large variety of products that can be covered with a protective coating. All types of metals, composites, wood, rubber, glass, plastic, leather, and much more can be covered. However, not all product coatings are made the same. And, not all product coatings are designed to protect against the same elements or types of damage. Generally, if an OEM product is manufactured, it is probably a candidate for an industrial product coating.
Just as the list of products that may be covered is quite extensive, so are the various types of protective coatings. Before choosing a type of product coating, it's essential to think about how the product will be used, the desired result, and the expected performance. For this reason, it's important to partner with professionals in the product coating industry to help you make the right choices. Below, we'll go over the most popular product and rustproof coating options, including hydro film, Cerakote, Teflon, and OEM plastic coating.
What Is A Hydro Film?
Hydrographics film, or hydro film is a durable coating that can be applied to objects via a dipping process. Hydro film is available in various colors and hues, so it is easy to customize. It is often used on a variety of objects, including guns, knives, and other items. The application requires large amounts of water and a hydrographic dip film. The hydro film is applied on the very top of a pre-determined amount of water.
To begin the process, dip the item into a water solution containing the film on the water's surface. After the item is submerged in the water through the film, it is allowed to dry. This process must be done in an environment where nothing will interfere with the water, film, or drying process. It will take several hours for the product to dry completely. Next, a clear coat is applied to the product when it is completely dry to ensure the seal dries properly. The hydro film doesn't offer the same protective benefits as some rustproof coatings, like Cerakote. Still, it is almost impossible to see when applied correctly and most often sought after by people who want to customize an item to make it unique.
What Are The Benefits of Hydro Film?
In addition to protecting the finish of an item, there are several other reasons you may want to choose hydro film over different types of rust-proof coatings. With hydro film rust proofing, you can create bright colors and even coat an item in intricate patterns like camouflage, animal pattern, faux wood, and much more.
Another benefit is that the use of hydro film isn't' limited by materials. You can "dip" almost any item in hydro film. In addition to the parts we discussed earlier, this coating can also be applied to wood, plastic, ceramics, and even fiberglass. As a rule of thumb, if an item can be dipped in water without being destroyed, it can be covered with hydro film. Other benefits of hydro film coating include:
- Heat resistant
- Will not shrink
- Scratch-resistant
- Increased durability
- Ability to reach difficult places
What Is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based finish used to strengthen and rustproof a variety of items. Simply put, it's a composite epoxy coating made with polymer-ceramic. Ceramic alone is an extremely hard substance. What this means is, Cerakote can be applied to any hard substance. Application is an oven curing process that increases longevity and strength. After Cerakote is applied, the rustproof coating makes an item abrasion-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and chemical resistant. Cerakote is an excellent option for rustproofing firearms, especially when paired with a maintenance and cleaning schedule. Cerakote is available in over one hundred colors.
What Are The Benefits of Cerakote?
Many will choose Cerakote rustproof coatings over other types of choices that it is extremely strong. Cerakote treated items protect are protected from the elements and reduce the signs of wear and tear over time. Specifically, this type of curing process helps increase hardness, protect impact strength, and makes items resistant to abrasions/wear, corrosion, and chemicals. As a testament to the durability of Cerakote rustproof, it is used most often in the following industries:
- Law enforcement
- Saltwater
- Eyewear
- Firearms
- Consumer electronics
- Knives
- Industrial valves
What Is Teflon?
Teflon coating makes an item durable and tough. The material used in Teflon coating is Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE and is often used on firearms because it can increase durability. Many firearm users choose Teflon to protect their pieces from outdoor wear and tear. For example, hunters often use their firearms in various weather and climate conditions, especially when planning to use their firearms outside for long periods.
What Are The Benefits of Teflon Coating?
Teflon coating is known for increasing the strength of an item to protect it against rust and corrosion yet isn't a replacement for routine cleaning and maintenance. Not only does Teflon increase the durability of a firearm, but it can also help improve performance and accuracy. Although Teflon rust-proof coating is popular in the firearm industry, it isn't exclusive. Other items that can benefit from the use of Teflon coating include commercial bakeware, the computer and electronics industries, the fuel supply industry, the automotive industry, and the medical and surgical industries. An item treated with a Teflon coating will also have the following advantages:
- Resistant to extreme temperatures
- Chemical resistance
- Electrical insulation
What Is OEM Plastic Coating?
If you are an equipment manufacturer, coating services are required for most products. Spectrum recognizes the importance of upholding OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product standards. We work with the OEM industry to determine paint formulations that combat wear and tear which a product will face during regular use.
Advising you of the ideal OEM coating is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of your coated products. Industrial coatings help protect machinery, and industrial products from wear and tear, corrosion and decay. The most important aspect of an OEM plastic coating is that it doesn't affect the product's original finish.
How To Choose The Right OEM Plastic Coating?
After determining that an OEM plastic coating is necessary, our staff at Spectrum will do an initial analysis. This rundown will determine what is needed and develop an OEM paint coating specific to the customer's needs. At the end of the analysis, the project's cost, equipment required, and the application process will be discussed.
What Products Benefit From The Use of OEM Plastic Coating?
OEM plastic coating is used in a variety of different industries. Examples of industries where products can benefit from OEM plastic coating include electrical appliances and machines, safety and security equipment, cars, boats, planes, sports, fitness, and adventure gear, and many types of industrial commodities. Products in these categories include medical plastic coatings, electrical and bus bar coatings, hand tool coatings, military plastic coatings, aerospace plastic coatings, industrial plastic coatings, automotive coatings, safety equipment coatings, and sporting goods plastic coatings.
When choosing the right product coating for a particular industry, working with a professional is essential. Professionals can analyze a product's composition and structure and determine what type of atmosphere the product will be used in to suggest a suitable OEM plastic coating.
Why Choose Spectrum?
At Spectrum Coating Enterprises, Inc., we specialize in finding solutions that work for our customers. We've been a family-owned and operated business since 2001. In our earliest stages, we were simply a powder coating business. As we got new customers, our business began to grow, and we expanded our services. Today, we're one of the biggest OEM suppliers in the southeast. We specialize in strong coatings and hydrographics. Over the last 20 years, we have mastered the process of applying corrosion-resistant coatings. We apply these coatings in-house and have an optimized spraying method and state-of-the-art equipment to provide top-notch results.
We work with individuals and businesses in various industries, including boat builders, aviation companies, contractors, theme parks, military professionals, fabricators, and many others. We understand how important it is to apply these rust-proof coatings quickly to minimize downtime and optimize the industry's machines, vehicles, metals, firearms, and environment. Contact us today to learn more about our high-end solutions, competitive pricing, quality, and outstanding customer support.