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Chemical Pre-Treatment

Phosphate conversion coatings that prepare metal surfaces for maximum coating adhesion and corrosion resistance — supporting AAMA 2604 and AAMA 2605 performance specifications.

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Why Chemical Pre-Treatment?

Chemical pre-treatment applies a thin conversion coating to metal substrates — creating a chemically bonded layer that dramatically improves paint and coating adhesion while adding a baseline of corrosion protection to the bare metal underneath.

This step is often required by spec. High-performance architectural coatings that must meet AAMA 2604 or AAMA 2605 typically call for a chrome or non-chrome pre-treatment as part of the coating system. Sandmans supports these spec requirements with both iron phosphate and zinc phosphate processes.

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Where we apply coatings

Iron Phosphate

A lighter conversion coating that produces a thin, amorphous iron phosphate layer on steel and aluminum. It provides good paint adhesion and moderate corrosion resistance at a lower cost and simpler process than zinc phosphate.

Commonly used as a pre-treatment step ahead of powder coating, liquid paint, and e-coat on manufactured parts and components.

Best for: General manufacturing, painted steel parts, and applications where a basic conversion coating meets the performance requirement.
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Zinc Phosphate

A heavier, crystalline conversion coating that delivers superior corrosion resistance and coating adhesion compared to iron phosphate. The denser crystal structure creates a more robust bonding surface for high-performance coating systems.

Often specified for coating systems that must meet AAMA 2604 or AAMA 2605, and for parts exposed to demanding outdoor or corrosive environments.

Best for:

Architectural aluminum, high-spec industrial coatings, automotive components, and any application where maximum adhesion and corrosion resistance are required.

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Industry Specifications

Supporting AAMA Performance Standards

Chemical pre-treatment is a critical step in meeting AAMA coating specifications for architectural products.

AAMA 2604

High-Performance Organic Coatings

Requires coatings to pass 5 years of South Florida weathering exposure. Pre-treatment with an approved conversion coating (typically zinc phosphate or chrome-based) is part of the specified system to ensure long-term adhesion and corrosion performance.

AAMA 2605

Superior Performing Organic Coatings

The highest AAMA tier — requiring 10 years of South Florida exposure testing. Demands a chrome or non-chrome pre-treatment as part of the total coating system, with stricter requirements for adhesion, chalk resistance, color retention, and gloss retention.

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Get the Right Pre-Treatment for Your Coating Spec

Tell us your substrate, the coating system you’re using, and any spec requirements (AAMA 2604, 2605, or other) — we’ll confirm the right pre-treatment process and quote accordingly.

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