Phosphate Coating
Phosphate coating improves the corrosion resistance and adhesion for primers and top coats, prolonging the service life for parts and components Contact us to discuss your project and request a quote.
Our Phosphate Coating Services
At Custom Coatings International, we are committed to fighting rust and corrosion, and phosphate coating plays a key role in extending the life of metal parts, tools, and components. Phosphate coating is most commonly applied as an additional surface preparation step after abrasive blasting. It refers to the process in which a thin crystalline layer forms on metal surfaces through a chemical reaction with a phosphate solution. This crystalline layer bonds to the substrate, becoming an integral part of the metal. While phosphate coating alone can provide corrosion resistance and, in some cases, abrasion resistance, it is most effective when used as a base layer for Moly coating, polymer coating, industrial coatings, and powder coatings due to its excellent adhesion properties.
Benefits of Zinc Phosphate Coating
There are three main types of phosphate coatings: zinc, manganese, and iron. Custom Coatings International specializes in zinc phosphate coating, regarded as the “workhorse” among phosphate treatments. It offers superior corrosion resistance and paint durability compared to other options. Below are the key benefits of zinc phosphate.
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Superior Corrosion Resistance
Forms a dense, crystalline structure that provides excellent barrier protection.
Performs especially well when combined with paint, powder coat, or oil post-treatment.
Outperforms iron phosphate significantly in salt spray/humidity tests.
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Excellent Paint/Coating Adhesion
Creates a rough, crystalline surface that dramatically improves the adhesion for paints and powder coatings.
Reduces underfilm creep if corrosion starts at a scratch or edge.
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Versatile Application Range
Works on many ferrous substrates (carbon steel, cast iron) and some non-ferrous (zinc, aluminum).
Suitable for both decorative (pre-paint) and functional (wear/corrosion) purposes.
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Balanced Performance
Compared to manganese phosphate (which is better for wear), zinc phosphate offers a better blend of corrosion resistance + adhesion rather than just lubricity, making it one of the most versatile phosphate coatings.
Typical Applications of Zinc Phosphate Coating
Industrial Equipment
Heavy machinery, agriculture, and construction equipment and parts exposed to moisture and wear.
Oil & Gas Industry
Oil and gas completion equipment (tubing, couplings, downhole tools), Valves, pumps, and flanges exposed to corrosive environments.
Aerospace & Defense
Aircraft structural steel components requiring corrosion resistance.
Fasteners & Hardware
Bolts, nuts, screws, and threaded parts where both corrosion resistance and paint adhesion are required.
Automotive Industry
Pretreatment for car bodies prior to painting (improved corrosion protection), Engine components, fasteners, and brackets.
Why Work with Custom Coatings International?
With over 35 years of sandblasting and coating experience, Custom Coatings International has been a trusted partner to some of the largest oil and gas companies in North America. Our decades of expertise mean customers can expect coatings that perform longer, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize downtime. By combining precision with consistent quality, we deliver reliable protection that helps our clients keep their operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Lets Discuss Your Project
Need help finding the right solution? Contact us below or fill out the contact form and we will have the appropriate customer service specialist contact you.
Zinc Phosphate Coatings FAQs
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Our zinc phosphate bath has a tray size of 4 feet in length and 1.5 in width, allowing us to work with a variety of different parts and components of different sizes.
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Zinc phosphate is a type of conversion coating that’s applied to variety of compatible metals to improve corrosion resistance and adhesion for paint. It’s one of the most widely used phosphate coatings in industry, especially in automotive, appliances, and construction steel.
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You can zinc phosphate without abrasive blasting first, but it is not recommended if the intention for the metal is for coating adhesion. Sandblasting/ abrasive blasting is premier option in surface pre-treatment and phosphating is an additional treatment on top to better ensure adhesion of paints and coatings.
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In our shop in Leduc, Alberta, Canada, we receive numerous amounts of zinc phosphating jobs, with common paint coats being Molybdenum Disulfide Coatings, polymer Teflon coatings, Industrial paint coatings, and powder coatings.