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. |