- 01 May 2007 -
Stripping Organic Coatings—and Recycling Them, Too

Miles Chemical Solutions of Rochester Hills, Mich., has devised a process designed to chemically strip organic coatings while at the same time allow coaters to recycle paint rework back to original, pre-paint, virgin condition and still obtain first-pass, zero-defect quality. Another benefit, according to Sam Miles, the company’s owner, is the process does not negatively affect the original condition of the parts substrate.

Miles, who has 30 years' experience in metal pre-treatment and coating removal, and holds two U.S. patents in the field of proprietary formulations for the removal of cured organic coatings, explained how it works: The process utilizes an insulated, heated immersion strip tank with a lid, local exhaust and mixer. The chemical solution is heated to moderate temperatures ranging 180F–200F. Organic coated rework and e-coat hooks, racks and fixtures are immersed in Miles proprietary solution usually 15-30 minutes. Strip time is predicated by cured paint film-build; chemical strip is effective for removal of cured organic coatings that have a maximum paint film build of 1-10 mils. Once removed from the chemical strip solution, the parts are then warm-water rinsed, dried and returned to pre-treat and the paint finishing line.

According to Miles, the process is field tested. A Rhode Island-based custom coater and a New Jersey manufacturer that has e-coat and powder coat processes in-house recently implemented new technology to chemical strip organic coatings such as e-coat, powder coat and liquid-applied finishes. Both finishers fabricated their own process strip tanks in house.

For more information, contact Miles Chemical Solutions, LLC, at 3143 Crooks Road,

Rochester Hills, MI 48309 . Ph: (248) 765-9946; Web site: www.mileschemicalsolutions.com; or e-mail: E-mail: sam@mileschemicalsolutions.com.

Miles provides free paint strip evaluations as well as free process tank fabrication services.