The Role of Conversion Coatings in Corrosion Protection
When it comes to protecting metal parts from corrosion, a strong topcoat alone isn’t enough. The foundation matters—and that foundation is often a conversion coating.
At Giering Metal Finishing, conversion coatings play a critical role in our finishing process. As George Giering, President and CEO, explains: conversion coatings aren’t just another step—they’re the surface preparation that determines how well your final coating performs.
What Is a Conversion Coating?
A conversion coating is a chemical treatment applied to a metal surface after cleaning. Unlike a simple wash or degrease, a conversion coating alters the surface at a microscopic level, changing its topography to promote better adhesion of paint or powder.
Think of it as a primer—but instead of sitting on top of the surface, it becomes part of the surface. That change helps the subsequent coating "bite" into the metal and hold tighter over time.
Why It Matters for Corrosion Protection
The ability of any coating to resist corrosion depends on two things: how well it seals the surface, and how well it adheres. A poorly adhered coating can peel, crack, or blister under stress—exposing bare metal to moisture, oxygen, and corrosion.
That’s where conversion coatings shine. By giving the surface more texture and energy, they:
- Create a strong anchor for paint or powder to grip
- Help prevent delamination and peeling in the field
- Extend the part’s lifespan under exposure to harsh conditions
- Improve salt spray performance and environmental durability
A well-applied conversion coating can be the difference between a coating that lasts 100 hours in salt spray vs. one that lasts 1,000 hours or more
When and Where They're Used
Conversion coatings are used across nearly every industry we serve—automotive, military, aerospace, commercial, and beyond—because longevity and performance matter everywhere.
Before any coating is applied, the part must be free from contaminants like oils, machining fluids, or debris. Once clean, a conversion coating is applied to chemically prepare the metal. From there, powder coating, electrocoating, or liquid painting can proceed with full confidence in adhesion and durability.
The Giering Approach
At Giering Metal Finishing, we don’t cut corners on surface prep. We understand that how you treat the metal before coating is just as important as the coating itself. Every part is carefully cleaned, conditioned, and treated based on its material, geometry, and end-use application.
Our team follows strict quality control standards to ensure every surface is ready to perform—because we know our customers count on coatings that won’t just look good, but last.
Need Help with Corrosion Protection?
Whether you're coating parts for outdoor use, harsh industrial environments, or long-term storage, our conversion coating processes are designed to give your finish a strong foundation.
Contact us today to learn how our pre-treatment solutions can improve your coating performance.
