Metal Coating turns ordinary into extraordinary
PlateAll Metal Coating is a combination of a specialized polyester resin mixed with a composite metal powder and a catalyst. It may be cold sprayed onto most any substrate creating a seamless metal surface.
and processes to enhance their business and challenge their creativity. Such has been the case for Jerry Kidd, sculptor and owner of Creative Vision Construction near Sacramento, since he was introduced to a cold spray-on metal process called PlateAll. When he incorporated this process into his work of transforming concrete floors into works of art, new possibilities opened up in his world.
PlateAll Metal Coating is a combination of a specialized polyester resin mixed with a composite metal powder and a catalyst. When the mixture is put into a conventional spray gun, it may be cold sprayed onto most any substrate creating a seamless metal surface of aluminum, brass, bronze, chrome, copper, iron, nickel silver, or stanless steel.
“Working with metal was not new to me,” says Kidd. “However, applying metal to surfaces such as foam, cement, and earthenware was. Transforming a rather ordinary object into something that resembles solid cast metal and has many of its attributes provided access to the realm of the extraordinary.”
Kidd began by experimenting with many substrates, and he even sprayed embossed glass bottles with different metals. “Glass, because it is not porous, needs only to be sandblasted for surface teeth and cleaned off before applying the metal,” notes Kidd. “Finish with steel wool, emery paper, and metal polish, and like magic, you have a stunning object of increased perceived value.” In this case—embossed bottles dressed in shades of blue and green acid wash result in beautiful patinas as the final coat. Imagine high end art glass!
The magic of this metal coating is more than simply spraying metal onto a surface of an object so that it appears like ‘real’ metal. It is rather, ‘...the seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better,’ or alchemy, as the ancients would call it. Modern artisans call it unbelievable! Architects, builders, painting contractors, designers, and others in the industry envision PlateAll’s metal coating on stair railings, crown moldings, mantles, ceilings, furniture, signage, and doors to name but a few applications.
‘We have sprayed PlateAll successfuly onto every surface you can imagine, and silicone rubber is the only thing we have found so far that it will not adhere to,’ says John Edwards, the inventor and manufacturer of PlateAll Metal Coating in Maryland. ‘The process of using PlateAll can be accomplished with ease and creates a permanent bond with the substrate. The results we have seen speak for themselves,’ Edwards adds. ‘Think of having a magnificent bronze or brass design on a floor, a wall, a kitchen cabinet that is ‘real’ metal, not just a paint that looks like metal, but ‘real’ metal. You can also use our product outdoors; imagine a copper roof or garage door or a beautiful garden sculpture. We believe this is a designer’s or a painter’s dream.’
Len Gelardi and Ron Stevens of California Metal Spray in Santa Rosa, California have been pleased to add PlateAll Metal Coating to their main business of Arc Metal Spraying. They are experienced craftsmen who work with manufacturers, designers, architects, and other artisans. Reflecting upon some of their completed projects that range from designer lighting fixtures to life-size bronze figures for an internationally known artist, Len asserts that, ‘While this spray-on metal process obviously lends itself to artistic projects, PlateAll is also very adaptable to production coating.’ They are presently working with a manufacturer whose project calls for the application of copper onto aluminum. ‘We enjoy the versatility of this metal coating process, and we are always experimenting, learning shortcuts, and gaining new perspectives from our work,’ says Len.
“Our metal coating process is not rocket science,” quips Edwards. The process requires certain equipment and begins with a harmonious integration of resin, metal and catalyst. Edwards adds, ‘If you pay attention and follow directions precisely, you will create objects of great value with relative ease. We have a training manual and a new training video which features Jerry Kidd in his studio demonstrating the how to’s of the metal coating process.’
Kidd emphasizes that preparation is always the key to success! ‘First, check your equipment, and make certain you have everything you need. Which metal or metals does your substrate call for? Carefully prepare your substrate: Seal and primer porous surfaces such as cement, plaster, and earthenware; primer wood and foam. The sealer may be water-based; however, all primers should be catalyzed polyester or urethane. Sandblast and clean any residue from metal, glass, plastic or fiberglass. You are now ready for the metal coating application.’
The product is mixed using a gram scale capable of measuring 1/2 gram to five pounds, and according to Kidd, ‘For best results, work in an environment between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, using a high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray gun.’ An excellent gun to use is the HVLP gravity feed gun to ensure no waste. Also necessary is a compressor which can maintain a constant hundred pounds of pressure at the gun’s regulator. Pot life or life of product in the gun is 20 minutes, and both Edwards and Kidd assert, ‘ You can accomplish a lot in twenty minutes when spraying PlateAll.’
Finishing is accomplished using steel wool, emery paper, polishing compounds, and perhaps a polishing wheel, if a mirror finish is desired. Different finishes can be achieved with different metals— matt, satin, high gloss, and mirror. For an antique effect, an acid wash may be applied to create various colored patinas. Clear coats can also be added for effect or protection to the metal surface.
Customer service is PlateAll’s hallmark in the industry. And with the expert technical assistance in place for artisans to be trained in this innovative process of cold metal application, many artistic and industrial markets remain to be explored.
Currently, PlateAll is only available from the manufacturer. For more information about the array of metals, possible applications, applicators, and to order products, call (877) 862-7501, or in Maryland, call (301) 927-7701.
|
