Our story started in 2008 with a small parts E-coat line in Hartlepool where in the main we coated work for the construction industry and domestic sector. In June 2016 we purchased a much larger E-coat line and Powder coating facility and Overcoat Surface Finishing Ltd was born. With its new and unique equipment meaning we have the knowledge and capability to offer a solution to most coating needs.

Overview of E-Coating

The E-coat process is best described as a cross between plating and painting. It is a process where a metal part is immersed in a water-based solution containing a paint emulsion. An electric voltage is applied to the part causing the paint emulsion to condense onto the part. A part can be painted both inside and out, wherever the liquid is able to reach a metal surface. The coating thickness is limited by the applied voltage. As areas of high voltage build a coating they become insulated thus allowing areas of lower voltage to build up to the same thickness. Finally, the interior of a part will be coated giving the component a complete and even coating. Following the painting tank, a rinse tank removes the residual emulsion from the part and recycles it back to the paint tank by ultrafiltration. The E-coat is cured by heat this is part of the process and is known as cross linking, once cured the part will have a consistent, even, hard and durable coating.

Overview of Powder Coating

The powder coating process is very similar to a painting process except that the “paint” is a dry powder rather than a liquid. The powder sticks to the parts due to electrostatic charging of the powder and grounding of the parts. Any substrate can be used that can tolerate the heat of curing the powder and that can be electrically grounded to enhance charged particle attachment. The powder flows, cures and cross links during the application of heat.

 Overcoat can assist you with your Plant requirements from routine maintenance to full plant design manufacture and commissioning.