Step 3 - Surface profile

High performance paint systems normally require that the steel surface is blasted not only to achieve cleanliness but also to achieve a certain profile which allows the coating to adhere correctly. The depth of the profile achieved in the steel can be altered by the use of different types and sizes of abrasives blasted at different pressures onto the surface. Therefore the blasting process has the result not only of cleaning the steel to a recognized standard but also of creating a profile to which the coating can adhere.

If the profile is too shallow the coating system will not adhere correctly potentially resulting in premature failure, if the profile is too deep the amount of coating required increases and the potential for multi-coat systems to adhere incorrectly increases – furthermore if the profile is much too deep the tops of the peaks in the profile may be exposed leading to rust spots.