When shopping for equipment for surface treatment, buyers should have specified goals in mind. Several sub-categories reside under the umbrella of surface treatment, with cleaning, preparation and coating being three of the most common. Some surface treatment equipment, such as blasting units, can be used for both cleaning and prep purposes.

There are many companies to choose from that specialize in the field of surface treatment, be it coating, protection or industrial-caliber cleaning. A few things to consider when shopping for surface treatment equipment:

1. Understand the variety of equipment and systems designed for industrial cleaning.

2. Find versatile machinery to aid in preparation surface treatment.

3. Give surfaces the ultimate in coated protection with advanced surface treatment equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use surface treatment equipment for industrial-strength cleaning

Indoor and outdoor surfaces often succumb to the elements and byproducts of daily wear and tear. Over time, grease, grit and rust can damage surfaces and diminish their appearance. Purchasing and using surface cleaning equipment can eradicate grime and keep surfaces in good working order.

I recommend: There are several options for surface cleaning equipment. Terex offers various dry ice blasting machines designed to clean surfaces such as metal, wood and rubber effectively and with environmental consideration. Kelco has several surface treatment packages from economy to deluxe. Their blast cleaner packages come complete with accessories and safety hoods. For surface treatment supplies and abrasive media, try N.T. Ruddock. Their blasting media ranges from environmental soda shot to glass beads and steel shot.

Find a surface treatment machine for professional preparation

Before paint, primer and other surface coatings can be applied, the surface needs to be prepped. This means the surface should be smooth and free of rust, grit and debris. Sanding, shot peening and other blasting treatments are ideal for this type of surface preparation. While these surface preparation treatments can be outsourced, some find it more economical to obtain the equipment and do the work in house.

I recommend: SPE International carries different surface treatment machinery to satisfy different surface preparation needs. Buyers can purchase grinders, stripping machines, blasters and pneumatic tools. Shot peening, wet blasting and dust collection equipment is available at International Surface Preparation. They provide new and used surface treating equipment in addition to providing surface treatment services.

Purchase specialized coating equipment for advanced surface treatment

For full surface protection, many buyers opt to purchase systems that will coat the surface. Specialized coatings come in many forms from plastic and powder paint coatings to precious metal plating. These systems are designed to keep surfaces fully functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

I recommend: Powder coating equipment and services can be obtained at Sundial Powder Coatings. Their surface treatment materials provide a durable, scratch-resistant electrostatic coating that leaves an attractive finish. For metal plating, try Becker Industries, which carries a variety of gold, chrome and silver plating equipment. The Walgren Company offers various electroplating kits for copper, bronze, nickel and chrome as well as powder coating equipment and anodizing systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most surface treatment supplies should be handled with caution. Always be sure to have the proper safety equipment and clothing in place before starting a surface treatment system.