ELECTROPHORETIC LACQUERS
Electrophoretic lacquers are also some time described as EP or ED lacquers.
These are water thinable lacquers and when diluted have a very low viscosity. The deposition process essentially consists of migration of colloidal particles under the action of an applied electric field. The coatings can be deposited both from anodic and cathodic processes. However, anodic processes have not been very successful in depositing clear lacquer films (except on gold plated surfaces) because of their tendency to dissolve the metal substrate. The cathodic processes do not suffer from this, therefore adhesion between the lacquer film and the substrate is much improved and better image density and colour is obtained*.
Electrophoretic lacquers can also produce a variety of colours by incorporating a specific dye in the working solution or by dipping the clear lacquered film in to a dye solution prior to curing.
BENEFITS
The main benefits of the electrophoretic lacquers are, good gloss and image clarity, no 'sags' runs and tears, very much reduced health and fire hazard, very much improved plating shop environment, easy control of lacquer thickness, more even film distribution especially on edges and recessed areas, no costly rejigging of work after electroplating etc.
The coloured lacquers can replace some of the costly or difficult electroplated decorative finishes such as gold and brass.
APPLICATIONS
The applications range from anti tarnish finishes for decorative coatings to protection of polished metals and their alloys. The examples include: fancy goods and giftware, souvenirs, handbag and picture frames, light fittings including lamps, jewellery, wire work, door and window fittings, furniture and furniture fittings, buckles, spectacle frames etc.
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* S. S. Tulsi, Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing, 1983, Vol. 61