Chromate, Electroplating, Wet Spray
Protective Coatings. Durable Finishes. Precision Results
At SPE, we provide a full range of surface finishing solutions to protect, enhance, and beautify your metal components. From electroplated corrosion protection to versatile wet spray painting, our processes ensure consistent quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal for a wide variety of fabricated parts.
Chromate
Enhancing Durability
Chromating is a chemical surface conversion treatment that applies a thin, protective layer of chromium compounds to aluminum. This process enhances corrosion resistance (increased salt spray life) and improves coating adhesion.
The treatment typically involves a sequence of cleaning and degreasing, etching, rinsing, and controlled chemical immersion. During immersion, a chemically bonded conversion layer forms on the metal surface, creating a durable and protective finish.
Key Benefits
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Enhanced paint adhesion
- Minimal dimensional change
Electroplating
Functional Coating for Corrosion and Wear Resistance
Electroplating uses electrical current to deposit a thin layer of zinc or other metals onto electrically conductive substrates. This process improves surface durability, abrasion resistance, and adhesion for secondary coatings such as powder coating.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced corrosion and wear protection
- Smooth, high-quality surface finish
- Consistent, repeatable results for medium- to high-volume production
- Improved adhesion for secondary coatings
- Aesthetic enhancement of metal components
Available Finishes
- Yellow Passivated
- Blue Passivated
- Yellow Passivated with Superseal
- Blue Passivated with Superseal
- Plating with no Passivation (ideal for powder coating preparation)
Wet Spray Painting
Custom Liquid Finishes for Flexible Applications
Wet spray painting allows precise application of liquid paint to create uniform, protective films. Ideal for complex geometries, temperature-sensitive components, or colour-matching requirements, this process ensures both durability and visual appeal.
Advantages:
- High-quality chemical, corrosion, and heat resistance
- Smooth, even finishes on intricate or delicate surfaces
- Wide variety of colours, gloss levels, and textures
- Compatible with assemblies that cannot tolerate powder coating temperatures
- Fast turnaround with controlled curing (available on dedicated spray lines with ovens)
Common Applications:
- Touch-ups or repairs on powder-coated components
- Detailed or bespoke parts requiring specialised coatings
- Temperature-sensitive assemblies and delicate sheet metal
Why Choose SPE for Surface Finishing?
- Complete finishing solutions under one roof: electroplating, chromate, and wet spray
- Consistent, high-quality finishes for functional and aesthetic requirements
- Flexible capacity for medium- to high-volume production
- Experienced team ensuring precision, repeatability, and compliance with industry standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can be electroplated or wet spray finished?
We work with mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and other conductive metals. Each material is prepared to ensure optimal adhesion, finish, and durability.
Can I request custom colours or finishes?
Yes. Wet spray painting offers extensive flexibility for colour-matching, gloss levels, and specialised finishes, while electroplating provides functional finishes tailored to corrosion and wear requirements.
How do I choose between electroplating, chromate, and wet spray?
Electroplating is ideal for corrosion and wear protection with functional or aesthetic finishes. Wet spray painting is better suited for complex shapes, delicate components, or colour-matched applications. SPE experts can advise on the best approach for your project.