rahgozar

Topic: paint over electroless ni or other nickel coating

Does anyone have information relating to surface preparation of nickel coating for painting?

DustinGebhardt

Re: paint over electroless ni or other nickel coating

For the utmost in paint adhesion, you typically want 2 things:

1) A clean surface.  Usually a solvent degreaser or auqueous cleaner is used to remove any dirt and oils.

2) A micro/macroscopically rough surface for maximum paint adhesion.  Many painters use media blasting to get this surface.  There are also some other means to get this, but they typically don't apply to nickel substrates.

With nickel (and most other metals) you also have to deal with oxidation.  Media blasting can remove the majority of the oxidation.  You can also try acid dip the part.  There are additives that you can use with the acid to help remove oxides.  In a best case scenario, you can also try running reverse current through the acid bath, which drastically eliminates the oxide.

-Dustin Gebhardt, CEF

Advanced Manufacturing/Finishing Engineer

Moen

Sanford, NC