Deep Energy Solutions

Ceramic Coating has good adhesion qualities with typical pull strength of 280-320 psi. Clean, dry and stable surfaces are the first priority for ensuring strong adhesion. If there are any doubts about the surface to be coated due to primer age or surface condition, contact Advanced Coating Solutions. Water-jet, wheel abrade or blast surfaces (SP1) to remove loose scale on ferrous steel surfaces and apply a suitable primer system. On new stainless, aluminum or galvanized surfaces a scrubbing using a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water or a citric-based degreaser to clean. On oxidized aluminum, abrade with scotch brite pads or use a suitable primer. When applying over epoxy-coated surfaces or coatings with hard to adhere to surfaces, abrasion is also recommended.

Deep Energy Solutions recommends using a primer system that will be capable of 20% higher temperature than the surface’s peak temperature will incur. Consult our primer reference sheet if more assistance is needed.  Apply primer system on all areas of the steel including welds and touch up areas. Follow primer directions for surface preparation. Wait 24 hours to make sure primer is cured.

Ceramic Insulation Coating can be sprayed directly on top of clean, dry primer without any other prep. If there is a long delay between primer application and Ceramic Insulation Coating application, make sure surfaces are clean and free of foreign matter by wiping surfaces down with a rag or air sweep.

On ferrous steel applications, a primer will obviously extend service life of any coating system. The same applies to Ceramic Coating applications and is recommended. Because ceramic coating is a water-based system, application on non-primed surfaces at ambient temperatures can result in flash rusting on initial layer(s). Once those layers are dry, the flash rust is confined. Due to the thicknesses commonly applied, ceramic coating will provide significant anti-corrosion protection to surfaces if applied properly. Ceramic coating has been applied to practically all types of primer systems and found to be compatible. Key is allowing for proper cure time for primers.

Application on zinc-based primers: Apply a initial coat of water-diluted ceramic coating at 5 mils WFT (0.125mm) first to cause the zinc to outgas, forming small bubbles under the ceramic coating before dissipating as you let this wet coat dry out over the course of 24 hours. After 24 hours, proceed with coating as normal. Call or email for information on primers and topcoats.

On new galvanized, stainless, and aluminum metal, use a light vinegar wash (1:1 water:vinegar) before applying Ceramic Insulation Coating. This clears oil residue and/or protective materials or welding residues off surfaces.

On older galvanized, stainless, or aluminum metal that’s dirty or any surfaces exposed to oily films, etc., apply a water-based citric degreaser, scrub, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any detergent residue and ensure surface is dry prior to coating application.  To provide surface profile (“tooth”), a light sanding can improve adhesion. 180-220 grit sandpaper is recommended on older aluminum or surfaces if adhesion is in question.

A good primer system is recommended on steel to ensure longest lifespan of equipment and to prevent flash rusting if the first coat is applied on bare steel. If a primer is not used, some level of flash rust should be expected. Typically, the flash rust will be contained within the first layer only and will be covered by additional layers.

 For hot service applications, choose a primer that will withstand temperatures 20% higher than the stated service as Ceramic Coating will maintain higher and sustained heat levels against the surface.