Surface Preparation

Columbian TecTank's incomparable process begins with a hot wash and an in-line centrifugal blast with high quality abrasive to ensure maximum uniformity of a near white metal surface and a consistent 2 to 3 mil profile. This level of precision in surface preparation is feasible only in a controlled factory setting.

Initial Coat Application

An initial coat of Columbian’s Trico-Bond 478, gold in color, is applied to the interior and exterior surfaces. For Z-Bond 493 applications, a zinc-rich primer is applied to the exterior. All coatings are applied using electrostatic spray equipment and exacting specification providing the most consistent coverage in the industry and edge coating not feasible with non-epoxy coatings.

Partial Cure

The initial application of the Amine cured Trico-Bond 478 epoxy is then partially cured in a carefully controlled gas fired curing oven. Rigorous control of initial curing parameters ensures an excellent bond to the blasted surface and provides for the cross link cure with the final coat for the ultimate in corrosion protection.

Second Coat Application

Under the same demanding specification as the initial coat, a second coat of Trico-Bond 478 is applied to the interior and a finish coat of our standard tan acrylic enamel is applied to the exterior. As an option, and in Z-Bond 493 applications, the finish coat is a aliphatic urethane.

Cross Link Cure

The final stage creates a thermal cross link cure providing maximum inter coat adhesion. With precision control of curing parameters, Columbian’s Thermo Tron X high temperature oven provides maximum bonding characteristics which can only be matched in a factory environment.