Metallizing FAQs

1. Can you metallize right over paint?
2. Can you paint over metallized materials?
3. Will metallized materials withstand mechanical damage the same as galvanized materials?
4. How thick does metallizing need to be?
5. Is thicker always better when metallizing?
6. I have flame hardened edges on my materials, will this be a problem for metallizing?
7. I have a column that has a couple of pockets within the design, can you metallize the inside of these pockets?
8. I have material that has plates which butt together but do not require a sealed weld, will the metallizing fill in this area?
9. I have an HSS (hollow structural steel) member which I had galvanized in two pieces, if you metallize the joint will it still be within the specification?

Answers to Metallizing Questions

1. Can you metallize right over paint? No, it is not recommended by the governing bodies in industry, depending on which specification you are metallizing to, there will be a specific blast profile required, and depending on the service life you require, there will be a Dry Film Thickness (DFT) recommendation.
2. Can you paint over metallized materials? You can as long as you adhere to the specification and the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Will metallized materials withstand mechanical damage the same as galvanized materials? In our experience, no, metallized materials are more susceptible to mechanical damage due to the fact that they are actually coated with the Thermal Sprayed material and galvanized materials actually go through a metallurgical change.
4. How thick does metallizing need to be? The thickness of the metallized coating is dependant upon the environment in which the completed materials is being put into service, the type of metallizing materials used (aluminum, zinc or aluminum/zinc combination), and probably most importantly the specification that is to be followed.
5. Is thicker always better when metallizing? Not necessarily, you should always try to consider the application or service environment in which the metallized materials will be used.
6. I have flame hardened edges on my materials, will this be a problem for metallizing? Yes, it is extremely hard to blast a flame hardened edge and achieve the surface profile required for metallized coatings to adhere to. You should grind these edges back and ensure that the corners are radiused as well.
7. I have a column that has a couple of pockets within the design, can you metallize the inside of these pockets? When designing the materials, you should attempt to consider the coating application requirements and investigate prior to fabrication that the specified coating can be applied. Depending upon how small and the nature of the pockets, in our experience, we usually cannot ensure proper coverage in a pocket. It is mutually beneficial for you and the coating applicator, to contact your applicator and review any drawings and concerns prior to fabrication.
8. I have material that has plates which butt together but do not require a sealed weld, will the metallizing fill in this area? The metallizing will cover (bridge) this area, it will not fill in this area, and the result may likely be corrosion beneath the surface of the coating usually due to condensation which will 'bleed out' or rust.
9. I have an HSS (hollow structural steel) member which I had galvanized in two pieces, if you metallize the joint will it still be within the specification? No, the inside surfaces of the joint will be uncoated and will more than likely result in corrosion in that area first.