Powder Coating

Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America , and for good reason. Powder coating applies decorative and protective powder coat finishes to a wide range of metal parts. The powder used in this process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed with a special spray gun that electrostatically charges the powder. The charged powder adheres to the electrically grounded parts and is heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, high-quality, smooth and attractive finish that is highly durable as well as scratch and chip resistant. Star Finishes has the ability to powder coat in a variety of colors, wide range of glosses, diverse textures and different base resins for a broad selection of coating properties. And to stay up to date on the latest developments in powder coating, Star Finishes is a member of the North American Powder Coating Institute and the Northern California Coaters Association, which work to advance the utilization of powder coating as an economical, non-polluting and high-quality finish for industrial and consumer products.

Non-Chromate Conversion Coating

Star Finishes is one of the only finishers in the state of California to offer STARGUARD^® a non-toxic aluminum conversion coating, a truly effective, non-chromate process for cleaning and pre-treating aluminum, magnesium and zinc alloys prior to powder coat and painting. In addition to being extremely effective, STARGUARD^® is an environmentally safe and hazard-free process compared to chromate conversion systems, which can be ecologically unsafe. The process cleans and conditions the substrate of the alloy through a non-toxic method that provides a sound base for quality finishing and promotes tenacious adhesion and long-term resistance to corrosion. Unlike chromate treatments, which tend to dry and crack at temperatures above 150° F., non-chromate conversion coating stays hydrated in temperatures up to 600° F. This method also provides visual indication of the successful coating of your product and identifies those areas that may require additional attention, assuring the best quality possible in the finished product. The Star Finishes process is fully compliant with the American Society for Testing and Materials' specifications for non-hexavalent chromium conversion coatings.

Blast Cleaning

Blast cleaning is a mechanical process used to remove surface contamination or irregularities from steel or other metal products and impart a smoother surface finish. Depending on the metal, the existing coating and the intended profile for refinishing, Star Finishes uses garnet blasting or glass bead blasting systems to achieve the desired result. Blast cleaning is frequently the best alternative for preparing metal surfaces such as mild steel, cast iron and ductile iron for powder coating and other powder coat finishes.

Chemical Cleaning

Chemical cleaning is an efficient, cost-effective way to remove corrosion, deposits, residual oils and greases, and other contaminants from metal surfaces. Our chemical cleaning service starts with a comprehensive analysis of your product's surface, and then the selection of a treatment process that provides improved effectiveness for all cleaning projects. Non-phosphate cleaners are used on steel products to make the surface corrosion-resistant and promote good adhesion for product finishing. We incorporate the proper chemistries to make chemical cleaning applicable to a wide array of surfaces and powder coat finishes.

Paint & Powder Coat Stripping

Star Finishes uses a variety of methods to strip old powder coating from your product prior to refinishing. Using tough blast medias, we can quickly remove the powder coating on sturdier surfaces. If your product has a delicate surface, we select a less aggressive blast media or employ top-tier chemical strip solutions designed specifically to remove polymer-based coatings without compromising the integrity of the alloy or changing the surface profile. Research indicates that our process is superior to others offered in the market today -- the chemistry will not damage the substrate, so the product can easily be refinished. We are dedicated to providing technically advanced cleaning and stripping solutions in a safe, efficient, cost effective and professional manner.

Quality Assurance / Documentation / Specification Development

While providing the highest quality services is an important part of our mission at Star Finishes, we execute on this promise by providing exceptional attention to detail. Every step of the production process, from the time your parts arrive at our door until they are delivered safely back to you, is documented, tracked and quality controlled. The people who develop your job's specifications are experienced in the metal finishing trades. You can rely on their expertise to assure your job receives the processes that are most suitable for your needs. And quality control is paramount. Our employees work as a team to assure that every part and every process always meets the highest Star Finishes standards. Through service and attention to detail, your job will be done right no matter what level of aesthetic finish you require.