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Iron Phosphate Conversion Coatings

  • Iron phosphate image

Pre-paint conversion coatings for Aluminum, Iron and Steel

Iron phosphate coatings are chemical coatings applied to metal surfaces before painting. Phosphating causes a reaction that changes the molecular structure of the surface, providing up to 1,000 times better paint adhesion than an untreated metal surface.
 
Proper paint adhesion is crucial for preventing chipping and bubbling that lead to corrosion under the painted surface. Application methods vary but typically involve using a sprayer or dipping the metal in phosphating solution, depending on the size of the part.
 
Some of the industries that use iron phosphate conversion coating include:
  • Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Military
  • Aerospace
  • HVAC
Features
  • To the best of our knowledge, this product is California Prop 65 compliant.
 

Environmentally Friendly Iron Phosphate Coating Formulas

Many companies use chrome-based conversion coatings, which are highly dangerous and considered a pollutant. NuGenTec products are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and designed to clean and iron phosphate in one easy step. Our highly effective NuKoat formulas are easy to use and provide excellent corrosion resistance and create a superior foundation for powder coatings and painting.

We offer 5 stage iron phosphates for the most demanding jobs to simple to use one-step/no rinse iron phosphates.  Best results are achieved with 3 to 5 stage processes: For more information, please see the charts under the product listings.
 

Iron Phosphate Coating Processes

Different methods of phosphating provide different results. A single-stage process is best for general use and interior applications requiring a lower level of protection. We recommend multi-stage iron phosphate conversion coating for advanced applications needed a superior level of paint adhesion.
 

1-Stage Iron Phosphate Coating Process

A one-step process is the fastest and provides a standard level of protection. There are two options for performing this iron phosphate coating process.
 
  • Processing Step Option 1: Surface Preparation of ferrous, non-ferrous metals and plastics without Phosphating. The formulas required for this process include Ultra Seal 1, Final Rinse 2, Final Seal 8, and Final Seal DG.  
  • Processing Step Option 2: Clean and iron phosphate using spray or immersion without the need for a final rinse. The formula required for this process is NuKoat NR-MF.

2 and 3 Stage Iron Phosphate Coating Processes

The two- and three-step processes involve pre-cleaning the surface with a degreaser, rinsing the product, then phosphating. Degreasing removes residual oil from the material surface for improved paint adhesion.
 
  • Step 1: Clean and Phosphate using spray or immersion methods. The formulas used for this step include NuKoat 55.
  • Step 2: Rinse the surface with clean water using spray or immersion methods.
  • Step 3 (optional): Apply a non-chrome final seal using NuKoat Ultra Seal 1.

5 Stage Iron Phosphate Coating Processes

Five-stage iron phosphate coating involves cleaning, rinsing, phosphatizing, then adding a final coat. This multi-stage process provides superior paint adhesion and the highest level of protection against corrosion. 
  • Step 1: Clean the material surface using spray applications (aluminum or mixed metal), immersion/tank (aluminum or mixed metal applications), or spray and immersion (steel alloys only). The formulas used for this step include AquaKlean EF 105 MF and NuKlean STC.
  • Step 2: Spray or immersion rinse the surface with clean water.
  • Step 3: Spray or immersion phosphate the parts using NuKoat 55.
  • Step 4: Spray or immersion rinse with clean water.
  • Step 5: Apply a non-chrome final seal using NuKoat Ultra Seal 1

Eco-Friendly Iron Phosphate Conversion Coating Formulas

NuGenTec offers several iron phosphate coating formulas to meet the needs of different surface preparation applications. View the Tech Data Sheets for each phosphating formula before use for instructions and safety precautions.

NuKoat 55

Premium Pre-paint treatment for Ferrous Metals. Also capable of conditioning Galvanized Steel, Zinc and Aluminum surfaces.  A low foaming, low-temperature spray (or tank) that provides one step that both cleans and coasts (iron phosphate).  
  • Our Best-Selling Iron Phosphate
  • Does not contain solvents, Molybdenum or HF activator (hydrofluoric acid).
  • Environmentally Friendly
  • Highest Coating weights
  • Lowest Foaming
  • No Salt Build Up
  • Fast Rinsing
  • Ships as a Non-regulated Material "N.O.B.I.N. iron and rust removing compound."
  • Coating weight procedures and process: 30-90 mg/ft2 coatings.

NuKoat 55 and 55T Meet FEDERAL SPECIFICATION:  TT-C-490E: CHEMICAL CONVERSION COATINGS AND PRETREATMENTS FOR FERROUS SURFACES (BASE FOR ORGANIC COATINGS)

NuKoat 53 MF

Pre-paint treatment for Ferrous Metals. Also capable of conditioning Galvanized Steel, Zinc and Aluminum surfaces.  A low to moderate foaming, low-temperature spray (or tank) that provides one step that both cleans and coasts (iron phosphate).  
  • Does not contain solvents, Moly (molybdenum) or HF activator
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Faster Rinsing than our NuKoat 33 MF
  • Very low salt buildup on finished parts
  • Coating weight procedures and process: 30-50 mg/ft2 coatings
    

NuKoat 53 MF

Multi-metal 2, 3 or 5 stage iron phosphate conversion coating for tank or spray applications. 

  • Does not contain solvents, Moly (molybdenum) or HF activator.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Coating weight procedures and process: 30-50 mg/ft2 coatings

NuKoat 47

Multi-metal 2, 3 or 5 stage iron phosphate for tank applications.
  • Contains Moly (1) and HF activators.

NuKoat 33

Multi-metal 2, 3 or 5 stage iron phosphate for tank applications
  • Contains Moly activator.
  • NO Fluoride. 

NuKoat NRMF

Multi-metal 1 stage iron phosphate for tank applications
  • Does not contain Moly or HF activator.  

NuKoat Ultra Seal 1

Non-chrome, Non-nitrated liquid final rinse for Iron or Zinc phosphated metal surfaces. When combined with NuKoat Iron or Zinc phosphates UltraSeal improves Salt Spray Testing hours by more than 50% over phosphating alone. 
  • Our most effective final seal.
  • Enhances paint adhesion.

NuKoat Final Rinse 2

Non-chrome, Non-nitrated liquid final rinse for phosphated metal surfaces & plastic.
  • Enhances paint adhesion.

NuKoat Final Seal 8

Non-chrome, Non-nitrated liquid final rinse for phosphated metal surfaces & plastic.

  • Enhances paint adhesion. 
  • A more effective seal than our Final Rinse 2.

NuKoat Final Seal RP10

Final liquid rinse to control flash rusting for phosphated metal surfaces
  • Non-chrome
  • Non-nitrated
  • Non-staining
(1) Molybdate-based Iron Phosphate conversion coating for aluminum and aluminum alloys as an environmentally benign replacement of chromate-based conversion coatings. The molybdate based iron phosphate conversion coating can be applied by dipping, painting, or spraying, with short treatment times at low temperatures, and is compatible with existing cleaning and pretreatment procedures. 

Some Municipalities are now requiring products that are molybdate free...NuKoat 55 and 55T (also 53MF and 33 MF) are iron phosphate conversion coatings that meet OSHA and EPA regulations for environmentally friendliness and worker safety. 

(2) Want to determine your own coating weights (iron or zinc phosphate).  FEDERAL SPECIFICATION:  TT-C-490E: CHEMICAL CONVERSION COATINGS AND PRETREATMENTS FOR FERROUS SURFACES (BASE FOR ORGANIC COATINGS) 

Government Applications for Iron Phosphate Coatings

  • Navy (Std Missile, Phalanx, RAM, Tomahawk)
  • Air Force (ACM, AMRAAM)
  • NASA
  • DOD Prime Contractors

Industrial Applications Iron Phosphate Conversion Coating

  • Aerospace
  • Boilers
  • Air conditioners
  • Fusion rollers (copiers, laser printers, etc.)
  • Aluminum construction materials
  • Pre-paint metal (Iron, cast iron, aluminum, steel)
  • Furniture, household appliances, pre-paint metal fabrication
  • Iron Phosphate conversion coating paint and powder coating lines
  • Road & Traffic Signs and Posts (Speed limit signage, Street Signs)
  • Vehicle License Plates
  • Wrought Iron Railings
  • Fences
  • Coil Coating

Learn About Our Safer Alternatives to Iron Phosphate Coatings

NuGenTec’s environmentally friendly iron phosphate conversion coatings provide an excellent foundation for coating aluminum, iron, and steel surfaces. Contact us to learn more about which phosphating formula is best for your application.