PHOS-PREP®

Solutions for Metal Treatment

We provide complete chemical processes for metal surface treatment and finishing. From selecting the right chemistry for each stage of the process, we help customers achieve consistent, high quality results while improving efficiency and performance.

Whether you require standard process chemicals or a tailored solution for a specific applications, our experienced team can provide the products, technical support, and process expertise needed to meet your production requirements.

Explore our product range below, or get in touch to discuss your specific needs.

Aluminium Pre-Treatment Processes

Our aluminium etch and conversion coating systems are designed for both spray and immersion applications, supporting multi-stage configurations (3+ tanks) to suit a wide range of production requirements.

Compact System

3 stage Acid Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 932 – Acid Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating

Standard System

4 stage Acid Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 932 – Acid Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: RO Rinse

Stage 4: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating

Enhanced System

5 stage Acid Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 932 – Acid Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: RO Rinse

Stage 4: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating
(Qualicoat solution available)

Stage 5: RO Rinse

Duel Etch System

8 stage Duel Etch Process

Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 931 – Alkali Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 4: Phos-Prep® PP 932 – Acid Etch

Stage 5: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 6: RO Rinse

Stage 7: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating
(Qualicoat solution available)

Stage 8: RO Rinse

Aluminium & Steel Pre-Treatment Processes

Our aluminium and steel etch and conversion coating system is designed for both spray and immersion application, supporting multi-stage configurations (3+ tanks) to suit a wide range of production requirements.

Compact System

3 stage Alkali Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 931 – Alkali Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating

Standard System

4 stage Alkali Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 931 – Alkali Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: RO Rinse

Stage 4: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating

Enhanced System

5 stage Alkali Etch Process
Stage 1: Phos-Prep® PP 931 – Alkali Etch

Stage 2: Mains Water Rinse

Stage 3: RO Rinse

Stage 4: Phos-Prep® PP 920 – Conversion Coating

Stage 5: RO Rinse

Iron Phosphate Pre-Treatments

We offer a comprehensive range of traditional iron phosphate systems, from lightweight to heavyweight coatings, suitable for both spray and immersion applications. These processes are designed to deliver effective cleaning, surface preparation, and corrosion resistance across a variety of substrates.

Phos-Prep® PP 991

Heavyweight Iron Phosphate
• Typical coating weight: 1.5 – 4.5 g/m²
• Integrated detergent for combined degreasing and phosphating in a single stage
• Suitable for mild steel substrates where post-forming is not required
• Designed for 2+ stage spray systems
• Also suitable for aluminium and galvanised substrates

Phos-Prep® PP 992

Light to Medium Weight Iron Phosphate
• Typical coating weight: 0.2 – 1.5 g/m²
• Integrated detergent for one-stage degreasing and phosphating
• Suitable for 2+ stage spray and immersion systems
• Ideal for mixed metal production, including galvanised steel, iron, zinc, and aluminium

Phos-Prep® PP 995

Inhibited Lightweight Iron Phosphate
• Typical coating weight: 0.2 – 1.5 g/m²
• Integrated detergent for combined cleaning and phosphating
• Designed for 1+ stage spray systems
• Suitable for mixed metal applications including iron, steel, zinc, and aluminium

Phos-Prep® PP 996

Aluminium Accelerator
Recommended where aluminium is a significant proportion of production. This additive promotes effective oxide removal, ensuring consistent surface preparation and optimal coating adhesion.

Phos-Prep® PP 973

Inhibited Rinse Sealer
Typically added to the final rinse stage to provide temporary corrosion protection and prevent flash rusting prior to powder coating.

Phos-Prep® PP 975

Detergent Additive
Can be introduced into the phosphate stage where additional cleaning is required, particularly for heavily soiled or oily substrates.

Galvanised Steel Pre-Treatment Process

We offer a range of chemical solutions specifically developed for the effective preparation of galvanised steel substrates. These processes are suitable for both automated systems and manual applications, ensuring flexibility across different production environments.

Phos-Prep® PP 935

Multi-Metal Descaler
An acidic cleaner and deoxidiser formulated to remove surface scale and white rust from galvanised steel.
• Suitable for spray and immersion systems
• Effectively prepares the surface prior to further chemical treatment
• Must be followed by a thorough rinse with clean water before subsequent stages

Phos-Prep® PP TW40

Galvanised Surface Preparation (T-Wash Equivalent)
A mordant solution developed as an enhanced alternative to traditional T-Wash, with an improved solvent balance for superior performance.
• Suitable for spray and immersion systems
• Can also be applied manually using lint-free cloths, brushes, or swabs
• Chemically etches the zinc surface to promote coating adhesion

Process Guidance

Prior to PPTW40 application surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from oil and grease

Panel wipe (PPPW) is recommended as a first stage for manual or low-volume applications

Following the use of PP935, thorough rinsing is critical to avoid contamination of subsequent stages

Uniform application of PPTW40 is essential; visible surface darkening indicates successful treatment

Multi-Metal Nano Technology Pre-Treatment Process

Our nano technology pre-treatment systems provide a modern, chrome-free solution for multi-metal surface preparation. Designed to improve corrosion resistance and coating adhesion, this process offers an efficient, low-temperature operation with reduced environmental impact.

Phos-Prep® PP 971T

Zirconium Titanium Preparation
A low-temperature, chrome-free conversion coating suitable for a wide range of substrates, including aluminium, steel, and zinc-coated materials.
• Operating temperature: 30°C – 45°C
• Suitable for aluminium extrusions, aluminium components, white metal engineered parts, aluminium coil, steel, and Zintec
• Combines cleaning and conversion coating in a single stage
• Enhances corrosion protection and coating adhesion
• Minimises aluminium etching, resulting in low sludge formation and extended bath life
• Reduces processing time and operational costs
• Suitable for both spray and immersion systems

Can also be supplied as a ready to use solution for manual application using lint free cloths

Phos-Prep® PP 973

Inhibited Rinse Sealer
• Recommended for use in the final rinse stage
• Provides temporary corrosion protection
• Helps prevent flash rusting prior to painting or powder coating
• Enhances overall coating performance

Phos-Prep® PP 975

Detergent Additive
Can be introduced into the PP971T stage where additional cleaning is required, particularly for heavily soiled or oily substrates.

Laser Clean Pre-Treatment

Our laser cleaning pre-treatment process is designed to efficiently remove laser oxide while simultaneously providing a controlled iron phosphate conversion coating. This single-stage approach improves surface preparation consistency and enhances coating performance on post-finished components.

Phos-Prep® PP 983LC

Laser Oxide & Iron Phosphate Process
A liquid iron phosphate system specifically developed for the treatment of laser-cut components. It combines degreasing, laser oxide removal, and phosphating in a single operation.
• Designed for iron, steel, galvanised steel, and Zintec
• Suitable for mixed metal and batch production environments
• Simultaneously removes laser oxide, cleans, and phosphates the surface
• Enhances corrosion protection and coating adhesion
• Produces a uniform iron phosphate coating weight of 0.2 – 0.5 g/m²
• Improves adhesion and durability of powder coating and wet paint systems compared to solvent or alkali-only cleaning methods
• Suitable for integration into spray or immersion systems

Phos-Prep® PP 973

Inhibited Rinse Sealer
• Recommended for use in the final rinse stage
• Provides temporary corrosion protection
• Helps prevent flash rusting prior to painting or powder coating
• Enhances overall coating performance

Phos-Prep® PP 975

Detergent Additive
Can be introduced into the laser clean stage where additional cleaning is required, particularly for heavily soiled or oily substrates.

Hand Preparation

Our hand application pre-treatment solutions are designed for low-volume processing, maintenance work, rework applications, and areas where automated systems are not practical. These products provide effective surface preparation prior to painting or coating, improving adhesion and long-term performance across a wide range of substrates.

Phos-Prep® PP Zirconium Wash Wipes

Zirconium Wash Wipes
PHOS-PREP® PP Zirconium Wash Wipes are pre-impregnated wipes containing a highly refined preparation solution designed to improve coating adhesion prior to painting.
• Suitable for aluminium, steel, galvanised steel, and cast iron
• Provides effective surface cleaning and preparation in one step
• Helps improve adhesion of subsequent paint or coating systems
• Ideal for site work, maintenance, and low-volume applications

Phos-Prep® PP T-Wash Wipes

T-Wash Wipes
PHOS-PREP® PP T-Wash Wipes provide a convenient alternative to traditional liquid T-Wash systems, offering controlled application for galvanised and zinc-coated substrates.

Designed specifically for galvanised steel preparation.
• Suitable for all galvanised and zinc-based surfaces
• Enhances paint adhesion through controlled surface etching
• Ideal for site repairs, touch-ups, and small-area preparation
• Reduces risk associated with bulk chemical handling

Phos-Prep® PP 971TRTU

Ready-to-Use Conversion Coating
A ready-to-use, chrome-free wipe-on conversion coating for multi-metal applications.

PHOS-PREP® PP971TRTU is a zirconium-titanium based surface treatment designed to improve corrosion resistance and coating adhesion in a single application stage.
• Suitable for aluminium, aluminium extrusions, white metal components, aluminium coil, steel, and Zintec
• Chrome-free conversion coating system
• Combines cleaning and conversion in a single stage
• Minimises substrate removal for improved surface integrity
• Reduces process time and operational costs
• Suitable for wipe-on hand application using lint free cloths

Degreasing

Effective degreasing is a critical first stage in any pre-treatment process, ensuring the removal of oils, grease, and contaminants prior to chemical treatment or coating. We offer both aqueous and solvent-based cleaning solutions to suit a wide range of substrates, contamination levels, and application methods.

Below represents a selection of our degreasing range. We offer a wide variety of cleaning solutions tailored to specific applications, from light-duty cleaning to heavy industrial degreasing.

For advice on selecting the most suitable product for your process, please get in touch with our team.

Aqueous Degreasing

PP LQ196 – Inhibited Spray / Immersion Cleaner
PHOS-PREP® PP LQ196 is a medium-duty liquid cleaner designed for steel, zinc, and aluminium, suitable for both standalone and multi-metal production lines.
• Suitable for spray and immersion systems
• Effective across a wide temperature range, including low-temperature operation
• Inhibited formulation to protect sensitive substrates
• Compliant with DEF STAN 03-2 – Cleaning & Preparation of Metal Surfaces

Solvent Degreasing

PHOS-PREP® PP VPSA – Low Temperature Solvent Cleaner
A fast-acting solvent designed to remove grease, smut, and oily residues from metal components
• Suitable for spray, wipe, brush, or immersion application
• Applied neat at room temperature
• Low boiling point (46°C – 48°C) for efficient cleaning
• Leaves surface clean and ready for further processing

PHOS-PREP® PPG1B – Non-Aqueous Cleaner & Degreaser
A powerful solvent-based cleaner formulated with a blend of terpene and highly refined paraffins.
• Non-emulsifiable (cannot be diluted with water)
• Removes heavy contaminants including tar, grease, carbon, and bitumen
• Effective on waxes, adhesives, uncured paints, varnishes, and oil-based inks
• Suitable for cleaning oils from hard surfaces, engines, and machinery components
• Proven performance in specialist applications such as electrical insulator cleaning

PHOS-PREP® PPPW – Panel Wipe
A solvent-based cleaner used as a pre-treatment stage prior to coating or chemical processes.
• Removes light oils, grease, and surface contaminants
• Typically applied by wipe using lint-free cloths
• Fast-drying and easy to use
• Ensures a clean, dry surface prior to treatments such as T-Wash or coating

Process Considerations

• Selection of degreaser depends on substrate type, contamination level, and process method
• Solvent-based cleaning is ideal for heavy oils or where water use is restricted
• Aqueous systems are better suited to high-volume or automated production lines
• Surfaces must be clean and dry before progressing to pre-treatment stages

Paint Stripping

We offer a range of high-performance paint stripping systems designed for the removal of industrial coatings from both ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. These products are suitable for immersion, brush-on, and controlled application processes, depending on the system selected and the coating type being removed.

PHOS-PREP® PP60S

Organic-Based Paint Stripper (Methylene Chloride Free)
PHOS-PREP® PP60S is an organic, methylene chloride-free paint stripper designed for the removal of polyester paint finishes from metal substrates.
• Suitable for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Effective on polyester coatings, and some epoxy–polyester systems with low epoxy content
• Safe for multi-metal applications (site testing recommended for sensitive substrates)
• Operating temperature range: ambient to 60°C
• High boiling point formulation (approx. 200°C) ensures low volatility at elevated temperatures
• Contains alkaline accelerators to enhance stripping performance
• Designed to minimise attack on aluminium despite alkaline chemistry

PHOS-PREP® PP200

Non-Flammable Brush-On Gel Stripper
A concentrated, viscous gel stripper designed for controlled application on vertical and complex surfaces.
• Non-flammable, non-caustic, and non-acidic formulation
• Suitable for use on metal and wood substrates
• Removes a wide range of coatings including cellulose, enamel, polyurethane, and modern acrylic paints
• Excellent cling properties for vertical surfaces
• Water washable after use
• Capable of penetrating multiple coating layers
• Also suitable for graffiti removal from masonry, metal, and wood surfaces
• For industrial use only

PHOS-PREP® PP218

Cold Immersion Paint Stripper
PHOS-PREP® PP218 is a high-strength immersion system developed for the removal of difficult and multi-layered coatings.
• Suitable for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Effective on stove enamel, powder coatings, and heavily built-up paint systems
• Ideal for jig stripping and component rework applications
• Commonly used in alloy wheel refurbishment processes
• Breaks down coatings with minimal attack on base metal when correctly controlled
• Not suitable for plastic substrates

Guidelines & Considerations

Guidelines for liquid strippers:
• Supplied ready to use – must not be diluted with water
• Water contamination should be avoided, as it may lead to substrate corrosion or etching
• An oil seal layer (approx. 5 cm) is recommended to reduce solvent loss
• Components should be immersed and gently agitated where possible to accelerate stripping
• Parts should be removed once coating is loosened and finished using high-pressure rinsing

Process Considerations:
• Product selection depends on coating type, substrate, and production method
• Immersion systems are best suited for high-volume or heavily coated components
• Gel systems are ideal for controlled, manual, or vertical surface applications
• Always carry out compatibility testing on sensitive or high-value components

Additional Products

Our supporting chemical range includes neutralising agents, system maintenance solutions, and process additives designed to improve operational control, extend bath life, and support compliant waste handling within pre-treatment and coating environments.

pH Neutralising Solutions

PHOS-PREP® PP DM1 & PP HCL32%
PHOS-PREP® PP DM1 and PP HCL32% are complementary pH control solutions used to neutralise process effluents prior to discharge or system maintenance.

PP DM1 – Alkaline Neutraliser
• Mildly alkaline solution
• Used to neutralise acidic effluents with a pH below 6
• Suitable for process control and effluent balancing

PP HCL32% – Acid Neutraliser
• Hydrochloric acid-based solution
• Used to neutralise alkaline effluents with a pH above 8
• Supports controlled pH adjustment prior to discharge

Applications & Compliance Notes:
• Used prior to discharge to foul waste systems
• Customers are advised to obtain the appropriate Consent to Discharge from their local water authority before disposal
• Can also be used for regeneration and cleaning of de-ionised water cylinders after use

Tank Maintenance Descaler

PHOS-PREP® PP SADS
PHOS-PREP® PP SADS is an inhibited acidic descaling and cleaning solution designed for maintenance of pre-treatment systems.
• Removes phosphate scale and process residues from tanks and equipment
• Suitable for system cleaning during solution changes or routine maintenance
• Inhibited formulation reduces attack on mild steel components
• Helps maintain consistent system performance and longevity

Spray Booth Denaturant Additive

PHOS-PREP® PP DBC
PHOS-PREP® PP DBC is an alkaline liquid additive designed for use in spray booth water systems.
• Treats paint overspray in water-backed spray booths
• Reduces solid debris build-up
• Minimises frequency of manual cleaning
• Improves ease of maintenance and operational efficiency

Anti-Foam Agent

PHOS-PREP® PP AFS1
PHOS-PREP® PP AFS1 is a defoaming additive formulated for pre-treatment systems and water-backed spray environments.
• Reduces foam formation in low-temperature process solutions
• Suitable for Phos-Prep® process tanks and spray booth systems
• Creates a surface film to prevent foam build-up during agitation
• Helps maintain stable process performance and consistent operation