Fine-Grain Zinc
Fine-grain zinc coating is a proven pretreatment conversion process that provides moderate corrosion protection for steel and other metals prior to painting. This method enhances the performance of subsequent coatings by creating a reliable base layer that promotes superior paint adhesion and long-term durability.
Fine-grain zinc pretreatment is effective on:
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Ferrous metals
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Zinc and zinc-alloy coated substrates
Meeting both U.S. federal specifications and military standards (MIL-SPEC), fine-grain zinc is widely trusted in industries where performance and compliance are critical. It is an essential step in preparing metals for liquid paint, powder coating, and other protective finishes.
Heavy-Grain Zinc
Heavy-grain zinc is a widely used pretreatment for steel, especially in military and defense applications where maximum durability is required. Unlike fine-grain zinc, this process produces a thicker, coarser crystalline layer on the metal surface.
The result is increased corrosion resistance, achieved by depositing a greater amount of sacrificial zinc onto the substrate. This added protection helps extend the service life of steel components in the most demanding environments, ensuring compliance with strict military standards.
Manganese Phosphate
Manganese phosphate is a specialized pretreatment valued for its wear resistance and initial break-in properties on moving metal parts. Its heavy-grain structure provides excellent oil retention, allowing the coating to act as a natural lubricant during break-in while also improving long-term corrosion resistance.
In addition to enhancing performance in high-friction applications, manganese phosphate serves as a reliable base layer for military CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) paint systems, making it a trusted solution in demanding defense and industrial environments.
Iron Phosphate
Iron phosphate is an effective pretreatment process that enhances paint and powder coating adhesion while providing excellent corrosion protection. By creating a uniform, chemically bonded layer on the metal surface, iron phosphate ensures that coatings apply smoothly and perform reliably over time.
At Sub Source, iron phosphate is offered exclusively as part of a complete liquid paint or powder coating process. Please note that it is not available as a standalone dip service.
Black Oxide
Black oxide is a chemical conversion coating that reacts with the surface of steel to create a sleek, black finish. This treatment not only enhances the appearance and cosmetics of the metal but also provides a level of corrosion protection compared to untreated steel.
For added performance, a post-treatment oil application can be applied. This step further improves corrosion resistance, deepens the black color, and reduces abrasion during the break-in of mating parts, making black oxide an excellent choice for both functional and aesthetic applications.
Passivation
Passivation is a chemical finishing process designed to enhance the performance and longevity of stainless steel parts. Using nitric or citric acid solutions, the process removes free iron and other surface contaminants that can compromise the integrity of the metal.
Once cleaned, the stainless steel naturally reacts with oxygen in the air, allowing the chromium and nickel content in the alloy to form a thin, protective oxide layer. This passive film significantly increases corrosion resistance, improves durability, and extends the service life of critical components.
Chem Film
Chem film, also known as chemical conversion coating, chromate coating, or yellow chromate—is a protective surface treatment applied to aluminum parts. This process enhances corrosion resistance while also serving as an excellent base layer for painting or other finishes.
Widely used in aerospace, defense, and industrial applications, chem film provides both functional protection and a reliable foundation for secondary coatings, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is an advanced cleaning process that uses high-frequency sound waves in a specialized solution to deliver deep and thorough cleaning results. This method is powerful enough to remove tough contaminants such as oils, grease, dirt, and particulates, yet gentle enough to avoid damaging delicate substrates.
One of the key advantages of ultrasonic cleaning is its ability to reach the smallest crevices, blind holes, and tight spaces between parts—areas often missed by traditional cleaning methods. This makes it ideal for complex components, precision assemblies, and sensitive materials that require both intensive cleaning and careful handling.
Vapor Degreasing
Vapor degreasing is a highly effective solvent-based cleaning process that uses cleaning agents in vapor form to remove oils, grease, and other contaminants. Unlike traditional immersion methods, vapor degreasing can thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas, intricate geometries, and parts that cannot be submerged in liquid solutions.
This process ensures precise, residue-free cleaning while protecting the integrity of delicate or complex components, making it ideal for industries that demand high standards of cleanliness and performance.
Pickle and Oil
Pickle and oil treatment is a proven metal surface preparation process that uses an acid solution followed by a rinse stage to effectively remove rust, scale, and other surface impurities from ferrous metals.
By delivering a clean, contaminant-free surface, pickle and oil provides superior adhesion for powder coating, painting, and other finishing processes. This ensures a smoother finish, improved corrosion protection, and long-lasting performance of the final coating.
Grit Blasting
Grit blasting is a highly effective surface preparation method that uses abrasive media to remove rust, scale, coatings, or contaminants while creating a clean, profiled surface for painting, powder coating, or other finishing applications. At Sub Source, we offer multiple blasting media options to suit different materials and project requirements, including:
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Aluminum Oxide – Ideal for aggressive cleaning and surface profiling, providing excellent adhesion for coatings.
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Garnet – A durable, low-dust abrasive that delivers consistent results and is environmentally friendly.
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Glass Bead – Provides a smoother, satin-like finish while gently cleaning without damaging the substrate.
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Steel Shot / Wheel Machine – Perfect for heavy-duty applications, delivering high-impact cleaning and surface strengthening.
Our grit blasting solutions ensure optimal preparation for durability, adhesion, and finish quality across a wide range of industries and applications.
