Tools and Procedures

This is only general, and in many cases, will be augmented with additional equipment, such as acid and alkaline rinse tanks, as well as phosphating equipment. However, the shop that utilizes the following equipment will be able to apply the full range of Tech Line products. It is important that instructions be followed as closely as possible for the best possible result. Please view the individual instructions for each product that you use.

1. Pre-clean all parts. Remove all oil, grease, dirt, moisture, or other contaminants.
2. Sandblast utilizing 120 grit aluminum oxide or comparable at 40 PSI in a suction-type cabine. You may use 100 grit on exhaust parts.
3. Remove all blasting residue or oil from hands, if handled. It is best to handle with hooks or clean, cotton gloves.
4. Apply the coatings. For best results, use a gravity feed (top feed) detail touch-up type gun with a nozzle size of 1 mm or smaller. Either standard of HVLP. Apply coatings at 25 to 40 PSI for solvent-born coatings or 50 to 60 PSI for water-born coatings. In all instances, read the instructions for specific information for each product. Film thickness will vary from .0003″ to .0015″. All coatings should go on with a wet appearance. Multiple coats are not necessary, are wasteful, and in some cases can lead to failure. The coating should be applied in a spray booth with proper ventilation. Use appropriate chemical respirators when spraying solvent-born coatings. When spraying water-born coatings, it is best to wear a respirator as well to avoid breathing fine particulate matter and mists, as some contain a small amount of acid. Always consult the MSDS.
5.  Inspect parts for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.
6. For most coatings, simply allow 5 to 15 minutes at room temperature for drying. In the case of CermaKrome in particular, a slight force dry at about 100F is necessary. All water-born coatings need a little heat to accelerate water evaporation.
7. Inspect parts for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.
8.  Bake in any oven capable of holding the parts and achieving the range of bake temperatures. Bake temperatures will range from ambient cure to 750F depending on the coating being used. Normally, baking at temperatures above 500F is not necessary. However, acquiring an oven that will reach over 750F can be advantageous in special applications. An upright air-circulating oven is best, using either gas or electricity for heating. Do not use an oven for a header that does not allow the parts to be “hung”, as lying down could mark the coatings. Bake time is 1 hour; the time starts when the part(s) reach the baking temperature.
9. After the parts cool, inspect them for complete coverage and for runs or other indications of improper coverage.
10. For CermaKrome, it will be necessary to conduct a polishing operation. For best results, polish large pieces in a vibratory polisher, utilizing Microbright ceramic balls and the appropriate polishing compound.
11. Inspect for proper polish and to ascertain that the coating has not delaminated or been polished through.

Tech Line does not recommend any specific brand of oven. A brand name that can identify to an equipment dealer what type of oven you are looking for is “Despatch”. Any oven of an adequate size and heat range will work. All ovens should be explosion-proof and vented properly. Heating capacity should be at least 650F since the several coatings have a 500F cure. If possible, acquire an oven that reaches 850F, since some coatings prefer a 650F to 750F cure. Though this is not an absolute necessity.  A spray booth should be utilized. Commercial booths are available. W. W. Grainger Co. handles explosion-proof fan motors as well as some booths. Many times, units can be found used at a very good price. They also can be easily constructed, though be sure to meet your local fire regulations. All booths should be ventilated to the outside. All air pressures given by Tech Line for sandblasting are based on the use of a suction-type sandblast cabinet. Pressure pots, while excellent for many applications, must be pressurized at much lower settings than are given in our instructions. If using a pressure pot, you will need to experiment to determine the proper working pressure. In addition, a pressure pot will need an internal agitator to keep the solids in suspension. The solvents recommended for degreasing are acetone, M.E.K., lacquer thinner, or other non-petroleum-based materials. You must use a solvent that leaves no residue. In many instances, if you handle the parts with hooks or clean cotton gloves, it will not be necessary to degrease after blasting. If the part has been handled, be sure that the solvent is completely evaporated before applying any coating. When preparing to coat used parts, it is best to do a “burn off” or bake the part for 20 to 30 minutes to remove any contaminants that may have been absorbed into the part during use. Generally, this should be done before sandblasting at a temperature slightly higher than the cure temperature of the coating to be applied. This will drive out any contaminate that could affect the bond of the coating during the cure cycle. CBC-2 may be burnished using 0000 steel wool and then a polishing compound. It also may be burnished by using a buffing wheel. For companies that have a vibratory polisher, the coated piston may be polished in the machine for about five (5) minutes. A piston that has been coated with TLML on the skirts may also be put in the machine when polishing the top coating. When polishing combustion chambers or ports on a head using a Dremel tool or a die grinder with a polishing tip, it will speed the process up. CermaKrome requires burnishing to create the seal that provides corrosion protection. This seal may be accomplished by either glass beading the coating or by placing the part in a vibratory polisher. The most popular finish is achieved with the vibrator. Depending on the shape of the part, a 20 minute period in the polisher creates a very bright, highly polished effect. At this time, the only known media that will create the bright finish is Microbright, a ceramic bead. No other polishing or burnishing media has worked.  It is always worthwhile checking with used equipment dealers for a TUB-type vibratory polisher. For more information, ask for the datasheet on vibratory polishers. CALL OUR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.