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What is surface treatment?

Surface treatment improves how a material interacts with its environment. It can:

• Enhance corrosion resistance
• Improve paint and spray coating adhesion
• Provide a uniform surface finish
• Increase wear resistance or hardness
• Clean the substrate of contaminants or residues

Ultimately, good surface treatment is essential for ensuring long-term performance and appearance, especially when applying a surface coating or using materials in demanding environments.

There are many types of surface treatments, each suited to different materials and project goals. Here are some of the most widely used:

• Abrasive blasting: Also known as grit blasting, this method involves propelling abrasive particles at high speed to clean and profile a surface. It’s widely used for removing rust, old paint, or scale, and is a key preparation step before applying a surface coating.
• Shotblasting: Shotblasting uses steel shots or beads instead of abrasive grit. It’s commonly used in heavy-duty industrial applications to clean, harden, or polish metal surfaces, often leaving a uniform texture ready for finishing.
• Spray coating: This surface treatment technique applies coatings such as paint, powder, or other protective finishes using a spray system. It’s essential for adding aesthetic value, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting protection.
• Chemical treatment: Processes like passivation or phosphating alter the chemical composition of the surface to prevent corrosion or improve paint adhesion.
• Mechanical finishing: This includes grinding, polishing, or brushing to create a specific surface appearance or texture before or after other treatments.

The right surface treatment method depends on your application, material, and end-use. Ask yourself:

• What is the substrate? (Steel, aluminium, composite, etc.)
• What are the environmental conditions? (inside a blast room, on an offshore oil rig, outside in a residential area, etc.)
• Is the surface being coated, painted, or welded?
• Do you need a specific surface finish for aesthetics or performance?

Our team can help you match the process – be it abrasive blasting, shotblasting, or spray coating – to your specific needs.

Surface treatment is used in a wide range of industries including:

• Manufacturing: For preparing metal parts before painting or assembly
• Infrastructure: For steel frameworks or architectural finishes
• Aerospace and defence: Where durability and corrosion resistance are critical
• Marine and offshore: For long-term resistance to saltwater and extreme conditions

Whether you’re applying a spray coating to structural steel or using abrasive blasting to remove rust, the goal is the same: achieving a clean, durable, and effective surface finish.

Q: Is surface treatment necessary before painting?
A: Yes, proper surface preparation like abrasive blasting ensures coatings adhere well and last longer.

Q: What’s the difference between abrasive blasting and shotblasting?
A: Abrasive blasting uses grit for aggressive cleaning and profiling, while shotblasting uses steel beads for polishing and strengthening.

Q: Can surface treatment prevent corrosion?
A: Absolutely. Many surface treatment methods remove contaminants and apply coatings that protect against rust and wear.

We supply a full range of equipment and materials for surface treatment, from abrasive blasting and shotblasting machines to high-performance spray coating systems. Explore our surface treatment solutions, or contact our team for expert advice.