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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Can powder coatings survive 10 years immersion?

Is it possible to put on a relatively smooth aluminum part a powder coating that could withstand over ten years immersed in salt solution at 180 F? Would such a feat be difficult for this method of coating? What salt spray test results should one expect with typically applied coatings? How many coatings would be expected to pass, say, a ten year immersion test, without any corrosion of the aluminum? We are new to this area of coatings and have little idea how defect (e.g. pinhole) free such coatings actually are. I would appreciate experiential information that could shed light on this issue.

Thanks in advance.

Tom Tonon
- Princeton Junction, NJ
2003

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Hi Tom,

The corrosion resistance is dependent on the type of pretreatment on the aluminum and the quality of the coating applied to the metal. Without knowing these things, it is impossible to predict salt spray performance or long-term corrosion protection.

George Gorecki
- Naperville, Illinois
2003

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George, thanks for the response. Without sounding too naive then, can you, or anyone, recommend specifically just what kind of surface preparation for aluminum and coating combination can be expected to last ten years immersed in salt solution at 180 F?

Thanks again.

Tom Tonon
- Princeton Junction, NJ
2003