What is E-Coating?

E-coating stands for electrophoretic coating, also called electrophoretic lacquering, e-coat, electrocoating, electropainting. And sometimes known as electrodeposition coating.

Let's dive deeper...

E-coating is a term that is used to describe the process of depositing certain particles onto the surface of a piece of metal. It's a procedure that requires paint and demineralized water. After submersion, an electric current is applied. Once this happens, the resulting chemical reaction allows the paint to adhere to the surface.

This process is also referred to as paint deposition. The E-coat process is a dipping (immersion) system very similar to what is used in metal plating, except the finish uses organic paint particles instead of metal particles.

All pieces are hypoallergenic, non-tarnish, and free of any toxic metals. All jewelry comply with CPSIA (United States) and EU standards.

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Let's breakdown the benefits

Long Lasting

The newer e-coatings are much more durable and more securely bonded to the metal than the older-generation. Through the years, this has also evolved just like PVD. E-coatings can last 5 up to 10 years (or even more!) with proper care.

Scratch & Corrosion Resistant

Manufacturers choose electrocoating to provide their products with a durable, long lasting finish that can withstand natural occuring elements, and day to day activities such as showering, washing dishes, laundry, bath, swimming, and sweat from working out.

Environmentally Friendly

Yes, e-coating is environmentally friendly. Many manufacturers use e-coat because the electrocoat process produces little or no HAPS (Hazardous Air Pollutants), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and is RoHS, OSHA and EPA compliant. Making it safe not just for our environment but for humans too!

Efficient

Virtually all unused paint is recovered. So it's a guilt-free process! The post-rinses are filtered and any paint collected in the rinse stages is re-introduced back into the application bath. This method uses ultrafiltration technology, meaning the extracted liquid can be 100% recycled.

Since most e-coat systems are automated, the amount of paint applied to a product can be precisely controlled, yielding minimal waste unlike powder or paint overspray.

This maximizes material usage and minimizes costs.

Affordable

So sparkly it's hard to tell it's not super expensive! Falls within the majority of people's budget, without sacrificing quality.

The E-Coat Process

  • Step 1. Polishing

    To ensure that the jewelry is smooth, first step is to polish the metal to be e-coated. Depending on the type of base metal, everything has to be polished to ensure the base is smooth for coating.

  • Step 2. Cleaning

    The jewelry is professionally washed in an industry-grade jewelry cleaner. This device is a large tank filled with either water or cleaning solution, ridding dirt that cannot be reached by human hands.

  • Step 3. Rinsing

    After all the scratches and dirt are removed, the jeweler will rinse the item several times in distilled water and neutralizer in order to ready it for the upcoming chemical process.

  • Step 4. Submerging

    The jewelry then gets submerged in an e-coating tank, sometimes called "bath solution". The electrical currents running through the water causes the e-coat reaction.

  • Step 5. Curing

    After getting a bath from the e-coat tank, the items are now sent to get baked in a kiln. This allows the coating to cure.

  • Step 6. Finishing

    Tada!!! The last step is to take out the pieces from the kiln. Fresh and sparkly results that can last for several years with proper care.

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