Many of the products that True Blue produces receives a final manufacturing step of being coated or treated. This final step can be initiated for reasons such as appearance, protection or purification.

Epoxy Powder Coating

Epoxy Powder Coating is a popular choice for a final coat on our wire and metal products. It is typically used for appearance reasons but has obvious protection benefits as well. This coating is a durable coloured plastic like finish that is often found on items such as display fixtures. There is a large group of fixed colours available with generally a few shade choices in each primary colour group. Powder coating as well, has different texture choices on certain colours.

Chrome, Brass, Gold & Copper Plating

Plating is a process of applying a thin coating of metallic material to the outside of a product. This process is typically chosen for appearance benefits. Most popular plating finish alternatives include chrome, brass, gold and copper plating. These finishes can also exist as a “brushed” low reflective finish. As the actual coating is very thin these processes are highly sensitive to the actual quality of the underneath material. Only the highest quality base wire and steel products are chosen to give a premium quality plated product.

Wet Spray Coating

Wet Spray Coating is similar to the powder coating finish, however it is typically less durable and cost effective. The advantage however is that the colour choices are almost endless. With certain mixing techniques colours can be matched to any shade variations.

Zinc Plating

Zinc Plating is a typical plating process but is usually chosen for an economical rust protection instead of for appearance requirements. This process applies a primarily zinc based substance in a thin coating to the outside of the metal and wire product. This process is typically used on products primarily produced for industrial type applications. Items such as wood screws, nuts, bolts and washers are often zinc plated.

Hot Dip Galvanizing

Hot dip galvanizing is a process that applies a thick galvanized coating to the surface of wire and metal products. The typical thickness is in the order of 2.0 oz/sqft of surface area, but is variable based on the galvanizing classification required. This process is typical on products used in construction applications. The appearance and finish texture of products that are hot dipped galvanized are not important criteria compared to the protection of the product from environmental effects causing corrosion. Products with hot dip galvanized protection will benefit from a long service life in many different environmental situations.

Passivating (Stainless Steel)

The passivation process is a cleansing process that can be performed on stainless steel products. Although our manufacturing processes are very clean and the majority of stainless steel products we produce go through no post manufacturing cleansing process, passivating is an option that is used to purify and cleanse the stainless steel product. Products used in sensitive environments like laboratories, and food processing can be passivated to guarantee purity.

Electropolishing (Stainless Steel)

Electropolishing is also a electro-chemical process used on stainless steel to clean and polish it to a shine. This process is very similar to the passivation process however the final outcome is not only a clean and pure product, but a shiny product as well. The finish is often comparable to a chrome plated finish on a carbon steel product.

Cleansing Bath

Cleansing baths are a simple detergent bath that will remove most of the oil and dirt residue that may exist on unfinished products. Although this process can be used on its own to clean a bare or galvanized wire product, it is most often combined as a step before coating or plating. These processes demand a clean product before commencing.