Professional Steel Surface Preparation for Industrial Coatings

T BAILEY, INC. is a one-stop shop for metal fabrication. Besides welding, cutting, and painting services, this includes preparing steel for future use.

Our comprehensive services include full steel surface preparation using chemical cleaning and industrial blast cleaning techniques.

For decades, T BAILEY, INC. has delivered high-quality services and products. Our goal is always innovation and customer satisfaction in every project.

High-Quality Steel Surface Preparation

Steel must be properly prepared using the latest blast cleaning equipment before cutting, welding, or otherwise using.

Power Tool Cleaning Process: Blast Cleaning

Steel surface preparation refers to the process of cleaning steel to perform further fabrication or finishings.

When steel is first received in its raw state from a mill, it will need to have limescale, mill scale, rust, slag, and other surface imperfections removed cleanly.

This step is absolutely essential when fabricating anything from steel. The coatings, such as paint, will not adhere to the surface as smoothly or be as long-lasting.

As detailed below, T BAILEY, INC. maintains quality control in all processes, following national and international standards and inspection protocols.

We are committed to on-time delivery and guarantee high-quality products. High quality begins with proper preparation.

T BAILEY INC.’s Steel Surface Preparation Process

What is Surface Preparation?

Surface preparation is the process of preparing steel is a very particular process of removing almost any prior coating application or material and restoring it to its original form. The excess materials must be removed before the steel can be moved to the next step of the fabrication process. This is normally done via abrasive blasting, which effectively removes almost everything from old paint, dirt, stains, and other foreign matter from the unit area.

Overview of Our Steel Surface Preparation Process

Step 1: Assessment of the Condition

We will determine what scale of previously applied coating must be removed from the existing pavement of steel to bare metal, whether it requires hand blasting, chemical cleaning, other power tools, special treatments, etc.

Step 2: The Initial Surface Profile Cleaning

Loose coatings, loose mill scale, or other surface contaminants can all be problematic and should be removed.

Hand tool cleaning using a dull putty knife can effectively remove loose adhesives and other coatings, while a loose mill scale can be removed using a vacuum cleaner. Organic solvents can also be used to remove foreign matter coatings, but caution should be taken as they can be harmful. Soluble salts can also be an issue and should be removed using solvent cleaning.

Visible oil and dust can be removed using a solvent or by wiping with a clean cloth. Finally, if the surface is considered tightly adhered, vacuum cleaning can be used to remove any remaining residue. The surface can be properly cleaned and prepared for the next process stage by taking these steps.

Step 3: Industrial Blast Cleaning

The tightly adhered coating and all other existing coatings will be blasted off using an automated abrasive, hand tool cleaning machine, or a combination of both. Tightly adhered coatings are coatings or finishes that are firmly attached to a surface and are difficult to remove without the use of specialized cleaning methods or abrasive materials.

Existing coatings refer to any other previous coating that may have been applied. All protective, decorative, or functional coatings are removed to achieve a cleaned surface to bare metal.

What Is Blast Cleaning?

Blast cleaning, also known as abrasive blasting, is a process that uses compressed air or water to propel abrasive materials onto a surface to remove coatings, loose rust, or other contaminants. We use various power tool cleaning methods to ensure a clean surface profile.

Our industrial blast cleaning method enables a cost-effective solution for the surface preparation of large areas.

Why Is A Clean Surface Profile Important?

Removing surface contaminants such as mill scale, random staining, rust, and limescale is essential to ensure a smooth and workable surface.

These materials can be found on various surfaces and hinder the effectiveness of subsequent treatments or coatings. Tightly adherent mill scale refers to the thin layer of metal oxides that can form on the steel surface during manufacturing. It is important to remove this mill scale as its presence can compromise the adhesion of paints and coatings. Similarly, random staining, rust, and limescale can also negatively impact the surface’s ability to receive any finishing or protective treatments.

These contaminants can come from various sources, such as environmental factors, improper storage, or aging. To ensure a clean and workable surface, it is necessary to employ suitable cleaning techniques and products to remove these specific contaminants. This will not only enhance the appearance of the surface but also optimize its durability and longevity.

Step 4: Previous Coating of All Contaminants Removal Process

Materials such as tightly adherent mill scale, random staining, rust, and limescale must also be cleaned to guarantee a workable surface.

Step 5: Adhesion Profile Addition to the Surface

Essential to the future usability of the steel, an adhesion profile will be added after the blasting and removal steps have been completed.

Important Step To Ensure Longevity of New Coating Application

An adhesion profile is added after the blasting and removal steps to ensure the future usability of steel. This process is critical as it enhances the steel’s ability to be used effectively in various applications. Blasting is carried out to remove any impurities, rust, or existing coatings on the surface of the steel. This step is crucial as it prepares the steel for subsequent processes and ensures a clean and smooth surface for a new coating.

Once the power tool cleaning and blasting is completed, any grease, residue, or debris is removed to further refine the steel’s surface. Only after these initial steps have been taken, the adhesion profile is applied.

Coated Layer of Steel Protection and Durability

This profile acts as a protective layer, enhancing the steel’s durability and enhancing its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It also facilitates the bonding of subsequent coatings or paints, ensuring a longer lifespan for the steel. Thus, adding an adhesion profile is essential for the future usability and longevity of the steel.

Step 6: Surface Drying

To ensure successful welding, cutting, painting, or any other use of steel, it is crucial to have a dry surface. Any moisture on the surface of the steel can lead to corrosion, pitting, or cracking, which can reduce the strength and durability of the material.

Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to eliminate any moisture, such as using a dry cloth or a heat source to dry the surface to the best possible condition and perform optimally in its intended application.

Expert Services: White Metal Blast Cleaning, Sandblasting & More

T BAILEY, INC. uses both hand blasting and automated sandblasting. Automated sandblasting is faster, easier, and cheaper; however, it cannot always reach the full surface area, in which case hand tool cleaning methods are used to ensure irradiation of all potentially disruptive corrosion products.

White metal blast cleaning refers to the process of using high-pressure blasts of abrasive materials to remove surface contaminants and coatings from metal surfaces, resulting in a cleaned and prepared surface for further finishing or coating.

For complex designs and smaller areas not accessible to the automated machine, the team will hand blast. For more information about our steel surface preparation services, contact T BAILEY, INC. today.

Our Intensive Product Testing & Quality Control

Safety and quality are of the utmost importance at T BAILEY, INC.

Therefore, we have a dedicated in-house team that performs daily examinations. The entire surface preparation process is monitored, starting with the machinery and ending with the surface drying levels.

Regular cleaning and inspection of the blasting machinery are carried out to ensure that every product is being prepared with precision and care. T BAILEY, INC. is proud to be a certified SSPC QP3 contractor, which is a testament to our exceptional standards in the industry.

In addition, we have implemented a comprehensive Quality Management System that keeps track of all necessary certifications and follows the rigorous AISC model. Adhering to these high standards ensures that our clients receive only the best quality products and services.

Product Transportation Options

Whether your order is large or small, T BAILEY, INC. can deliver. We offer rail, ship, or truck transportation options. After completing it at our facilities, it will be carefully delivered.

If it is an on-site project, the necessary parts will be transported by truck (or ship) and constructed on location.

T BAILEY, INC. has experience delivering to the wider Pacific Northwest region. Thanks to this experience, we can provide accurate delivery schedules and quotes.

We have also delivered parts to Canada, Alaska, the West Coast, and even Hawaii.

T BAILEY, INC.: Steel Surface Preparation Service You Can Rely On

For decades, t BAILEY, INC. has provided the local region with trustworthy metal preparation and fabrication surfaces. T BAILEY, INC. is reliable and experienced when you need steel surface preparation services.

Our team of experts has handled various steel surface projects, and T BAILEY INC.’s innovations, such as the efficient automated blasting machine called the ‘Wheelbrator’, keep us on top. Our efficiency, professionalism, and quality cannot be matched.

If you have any questions or want a quote on your steel surface preparation project, please contact us today!