Acetone is probably as good as any. Or alcohol. Make sure you get all the oil off the part. Problem is if you use a rag sometimes you just smear the residue around. I would wash the part first ( use a brush and soap that will not leave a film) then wipe with a final solvent. However if you know someone with a finishing line that has a washer I would suggest have them wash it.
One thing we have overlooked is, just washing the part does not insure good adhesion. Most wash systems incorporate some type of chemical etch. Phosphate conversion chemicals, chemically etch the surface so the powder has something to bite into. If the surface is not properly prepared the coating in almost all cases will surround the part (encapsulate it) but may not attach fully onto the surface.
If you are welding brackets and such, make sure you remove all the weld soot
and smoke from the part. This is always a problem area for powder coatings. Thats why I suggested if possible shot blasting before coating only if you do not have a wash. In most cases a solvent wipe is not needed.
If designing a wash system, there are 3 stage and 5 stage systems. They can be conveyorized or manually dipped.
3 Stage System
Stage 1: Wash / Phos Temp 120-140F 60-90 seconds
Stage 2: Rinse 30 seconds may or may not be heated
Stage 3: Rinse 30 seconds 120-140f
5 Stage System
Stage 1: Wash 60 seconds 120-140f
Stage 2: Rinse
Stage 3: Phos 30-60 seconds 120f
Stage 4: Rinse 30 seconds 120-140f
Stage 5: Seal 30 seconds may or may not heat.
Then put in oven until dry @ 140-180f
You can do this with small tubs at your shop if dipping. Make sure to agitate the part because in commercial systems they spray the stages to aid the process.
In almost all applications the three stage design will perform well. The 5 stage sysytem is more for exterior high performace applications. Plus it can go up into more stages as specific metals and requirements dictate.
I forgot to mention, for larger fabrications like bumpers you can wash the unit using a heated power sprayer. They are made specifically for washing and applying the iron phosphate conversion coating. If you can pick one up used this is a great option.
More info than you asked but again one must understand the process.
One thing we have overlooked is, just washing the part does not insure good adhesion. Most wash systems incorporate some type of chemical etch. Phosphate conversion chemicals, chemically etch the surface so the powder has something to bite into. If the surface is not properly prepared the coating in almost all cases will surround the part (encapsulate it) but may not attach fully onto the surface.
If you are welding brackets and such, make sure you remove all the weld soot
and smoke from the part. This is always a problem area for powder coatings. Thats why I suggested if possible shot blasting before coating only if you do not have a wash. In most cases a solvent wipe is not needed.
If designing a wash system, there are 3 stage and 5 stage systems. They can be conveyorized or manually dipped.
3 Stage System
Stage 1: Wash / Phos Temp 120-140F 60-90 seconds
Stage 2: Rinse 30 seconds may or may not be heated
Stage 3: Rinse 30 seconds 120-140f
5 Stage System
Stage 1: Wash 60 seconds 120-140f
Stage 2: Rinse
Stage 3: Phos 30-60 seconds 120f
Stage 4: Rinse 30 seconds 120-140f
Stage 5: Seal 30 seconds may or may not heat.
Then put in oven until dry @ 140-180f
You can do this with small tubs at your shop if dipping. Make sure to agitate the part because in commercial systems they spray the stages to aid the process.
In almost all applications the three stage design will perform well. The 5 stage sysytem is more for exterior high performace applications. Plus it can go up into more stages as specific metals and requirements dictate.
I forgot to mention, for larger fabrications like bumpers you can wash the unit using a heated power sprayer. They are made specifically for washing and applying the iron phosphate conversion coating. If you can pick one up used this is a great option.
More info than you asked but again one must understand the process.
Last edited: