Plastic Coating Applications
Plastic Coating Applications
Precision coating solutions that improve the appearance, durability, electrical performance, and environmental resistance of plastic components.
At Secondary Solutions Inc. (SSI), we specialize in applying high-performance coatings that improve the appearance, durability, electrical performance, and environmental resistance of plastic components.
Since 1996, manufacturers throughout North America have trusted SSI to apply specialty coatings that meet demanding performance requirements while maintaining exceptional cosmetic quality and dimensional accuracy.
Whether your project requires decorative finishes, electrical conductivity, chemical resistance, or environmental protection, our experienced team develops coating solutions tailored to your application.
More Than Paint
Specialty coatings do far more than improve appearance. Modern coatings can provide:
- Corrosion protection
- Chemical resistance
- UV protection
- Moisture resistance
- Electrical insulation
- EMI/RFI shielding
- ESD protection
- Abrasion resistance
- Wear resistance
- Improved aesthetics
- Surface lubrication
- Increased durability
Every application begins by understanding your product's operating environment, material selection, performance requirements, and production volume.
Our Plastic Coating Capabilities
Decorative Coatings
High-quality cosmetic finishes designed to enhance the appearance of plastic components.
Applications include consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial controls, automotive interiors, instrument panels, and handheld products.
Available finishes include:
Protective Coatings
Protect plastic components from harsh operating environments. Benefits include:
- Scratch resistance
- Chemical resistance
- UV stability
- Moisture protection
- Increased product life
- Improved surface durability
Conductive Coatings
SSI applies conductive coatings that convert non-conductive plastic housings into electrically conductive enclosures. These coatings are commonly used for:
- EMI shielding
- RFI shielding
- EMC compliance
- ESD control
- Static dissipation
Ideal for electronics housings where molded plastic must perform like a metal enclosure without the added weight or cost.
Functional Industrial Coatings
Many products require coatings that perform a specific engineering function rather than simply improving appearance. Examples include:
- Low-friction coatings
- Specialty barrier coatings
- Chemical-resistant finishes
- Wear-resistant coatings
- Customer-specified industrial coatings
Conformal Coating
SSI provides precision conformal coating services for printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies. Conformal coatings protect sensitive electronics from moisture, condensation, corrosion, dust, chemicals, and thermal cycling.
Our experience includes well over 100,000 coated electronic assemblies for industrial, commercial, and medical applications.
Precision Application Matters
Even the highest-quality coating will fail if applied incorrectly. SSI focuses on process control throughout every stage of production, including:
- Surface preparation
- Material verification
- Precision masking
- Controlled spray application
- Thickness verification
- Cure monitoring
- Visual inspection
- Adhesion verification
- Customer-specific quality requirements
Quality & Process Control
Consistent coating results come from controlled, repeatable processes. Every program is developed, validated, and documented before production, then verified throughout each run.
- First Article Inspection (FAI) and validation builds
- Documented process parameters and material specifications
- Controlled application environment and equipment
- In-process visual and dimensional verification
- Adhesion and coverage checks to customer specifications
- Full traceability and process documentation
Industries We Serve
SSI provides coating solutions for manufacturers in numerous industries including:
Why Manufacturers Choose SSI
- Over 30 years of manufacturing experience
- Specialty coating expertise
- Flexible production volumes
- Prototype through production support
- Quick turnaround times
- Competitive pricing
- Experienced operators
- Responsive customer service
- Minnesota-based manufacturing
- Consistent quality from first article through production
Production Experience
SSI has applied specialty coatings since 1996, producing more than one million coating application units across conformal coating, EMI/RFI shielding, plastic coating, UV hard coats, and functional industrial finishes. Our coating applicators have individual real-world experience of 25,000–30,000 hours and 28,000–35,000 hours. These are the totals we have tracked since we began recording—actual production numbers are higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plastic can be coated?
Most engineering thermoplastics can be coated when proper surface preparation and coating systems are selected. We routinely work with ABS, polycarbonate, PC/ABS blends, nylon, polypropylene (with appropriate surface treatment), and many other engineered plastics.
Can SSI help determine which coating is best?
Absolutely. We work closely with customers during the quoting and development process to recommend coating systems that match the product's environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations.
Do you provide masking?
Yes. SSI designs and performs precision masking for areas that must remain free of coating, including mating surfaces, connectors, grounding locations, threaded features, and critical sealing surfaces.
Can you support prototype quantities?
Yes. We support prototype builds, pilot production, engineering validation, and full-scale manufacturing.
What industries use specialty coatings?
Virtually every industry benefits from functional coatings, including medical, industrial automation, aerospace, automotive, defense, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and commercial equipment.
Why Partner with Secondary Solutions?
Choosing the right coating partner is about more than applying material to a part—it's about understanding your product's performance requirements and delivering consistent, repeatable results. At Secondary Solutions, we combine decades of coating experience with responsive customer service, flexible manufacturing, and a commitment to quality that helps our customers bring reliable products to market faster.
Whether you need a cosmetic finish, environmental protection, conductive shielding, or a highly specialized functional coating, SSI has the experience to help.
More in Plastic Coating Applications
EMI / RFI Spray Shielding
Conductive spray shielding to suppress electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.
Conformal Coating
Protective coatings that guard printed circuit boards against moisture, dust, chemicals, particulate and other contaminants.
UV Applications
UV-cured coatings and processes for fast, durable, high-performance finishes.
PCB Staking & Encapsulation
Liquid material such as silicone is dispensed beneath tall, surface-mounted components to anchor and protect them — a complement to conformal coating protection.