Surface Preparation Services
Industrial Surface Preparation for Coating Performance
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of long-lasting industrial coatings. Cowboy Painting Co. provides surface preparation services designed to create clean, stable, paint-ready substrates without unnecessary material removal or surface damage.
Our methods are selected based on substrate type, coating requirements, and environmental conditions to ensure coating adhesion and long-term performance.
Laser Surface Preparation
Laser surface preparation uses controlled energy to remove coatings, corrosion, and contaminants without abrasive media or chemicals. This method is ideal when substrate integrity, precision, or environmental control is critical.
Laser surface preparation is commonly used for:
-
Corrosion removal without surface profiling damage
-
Coating removal without embedding media
-
Sensitive substrates and tight-tolerance components
This method produces a controlled, repeatable surface condition suitable for high-performance coating systems.
Mechanical Surface Preparation
Mechanical surface preparation remains an effective solution for many industrial applications where access, surface condition, or coating requirements call for traditional methods.
​
Our mechanical surface preparation services include:
-
Grinding and sanding
-
Needle scaling and surface profiling
-
Edge preparation and weld cleanup
-
Localized rust and coating removal
Mechanical methods are often combined with laser cleaning to achieve the required surface condition efficiently.
Blasting Alternatives for Surface Prep
In many industrial environments, abrasive blasting is not practical due to containment requirements, environmental restrictions, or substrate sensitivity. Our surface preparation services provide effective blasting alternatives for surface prep without abrasive media.
Laser cleaning and mechanical methods allow for:
​
-
Reduced disassembly requirements — Eliminates the need to remove gaskets, seals, and sensitive components that cannot be abrasive blasted.
-
Faster project turnaround — Minimizes teardown and breakdown time, keeping projects moving and reducing downtime.
-
Minimal post-prep cleanup — No abrasive media to remove from crevices, threads, or tight tolerances before painting.
-
Lower risk of substrate damage — Controlled cleaning methods prevent warping, erosion, or profile damage common with blasting.
-
Reduced environmental compliance burden — Fewer EHS restrictions, permitting requirements, and disposal costs compared to abrasive media.
-
Superior cleaning precision — Effectively removes coatings, corrosion, and contaminants beyond what traditional blasting can achieve.
These alternatives are ideal where blasting is restricted or undesirable.
Laser Outperforms Chemical Stripping
Laser surface preparation often outperforms chemical stripping when precision, control, and surface integrity matter.
Chemical stripping presents significant drawbacks due to its reliance on aggressive chemicals that can damage underlying substrates, become trapped in seams and crevices, and create long-term corrosion risks if not fully neutralized. The process generates hazardous waste, increases environmental and regulatory compliance costs, and exposes workers to toxic substances and fumes. Chemical dwell times, rinsing, and cleanup also extend project schedules and increase downtime, while results can vary depending on coating thickness and surface conditions. In contrast, laser cleaning provides a precise, non-contact method that selectively removes coatings and contaminants without attacking the base material. It produces no secondary waste, requires minimal cleanup, reduces safety risks, and delivers consistent, repeatable results—making it a faster, cleaner, and more controlled alternative to chemical stripping across a wide range of substrates.
This makes laser surface preparation ideal for aerospace, industrial, and sensitive equipment applications.
Paint Ready Surface Preparation
Paint ready surface preparation ensures that surfaces are properly cleaned, profiled, and conditioned before coatings are applied. This step directly affects coating adhesion, durability, and service life.
​
Our Paint ready process focuses on:
-
Thorough removal of surface contaminants such as oils, grease, corrosion, salts, and residual coatings that can compromise adhesion and lead to premature coating failure
-
Surface preparation to coating manufacturer and project specifications, including required cleanliness levels, surface profiles, and compatibility with the selected coating system
-
Consistent, repeatable preparation across large or complex assets, ensuring uniform coating performance on structural members, tight geometries, and hard-to-reach areas
This approach reduces premature coating failure and improves long-term performance.
Facility-Based and Field Surface Preparation
Surface preparation services are available both in a controlled facility environment and in the field, depending on asset size and operational requirements.
​
Facility-based surface preparation offers environmental control and repeatable results.
Field surface preparation supports fixed structures, large assemblies, and active facilities.
We evaluate each project to determine the most effective preparation method and location.
Industries Served
Our surface preparation services support a wide range of industries requiring reliable coating performance and corrosion control.
Industries served include:
-
Energy, processing, and utility infrastructure
Each project is approached with industry-specific standards and safety requirements.
Surface Preparation Project
​Our surface preparation work includes coating removal, corrosion remediation, and clean-to-paint preparation across a wide range of industrial assets.
Before
Aerospace Cockpit Support Frame Restoration - Delaware
Cowboy Painting Co. performed facility-based laser cleaning and industrial painting on an aircraft cockpit support stand. We laser stripped epoxy coatings and corrosion, followed by priming and repainting to restore durability and provide long-term corrosion protection. Completing this work in our controlled facility ensured a clean surface, proper coating adhesion, and a professional, long-lasting finish for critical aerospace ground support equipment.
Explore All Projects
Before
15,000 Sq Ft Fire Station Epoxy Floor Coating — Delaware
Cowboy Painting Co. completed a 15,000-square-foot epoxy floor coating project at an active fire station in Delaware, where the existing floor had become a slipping hazard. To keep the department fully operational, the project was phased in sections with a temporary wall, allowing emergency equipment to remain in service throughout the work. Our team removed baseboards, diamond-ground the concrete, repaired cracks and surface damage, and applied a four-stage epoxy coating system with a fully broadcasted, non-slip topcoat. The project also included up to four custom color layouts for safety markings, fire truck parking areas, and designated walking zones, resulting in a durable, safe, and highly functional floor built for emergency response environments.
Explore All Projects
_JPG.jpg)
Before
Ring Mold Laser Cleaning & Teflon Coating Removal
An industrial ring mold with a failing Teflon coating was laser cleaned to completely strip the coating back to bare metal. Abrasive blasting was not a practical option due to coating adhesion and surface sensitivity, making laser cleaning the preferred method. By fully removing the coating without damaging the mold, the component was prepared for re-coating and returned to service—extending its usable life and avoiding costly replacement.
Explore All Projects
Before
Military Tank Surface Preparation & CARC Re-Coating
A military transport tank was surface prepared to remove rust, chalking, and coating failure. Structural areas were repaired, welded, and pressure tested before priming and repainting with a military-approved CARC coating system. Identification and safety markings were painted on and reapplied to meet operational requirements. This re-coating process returned the tank to service, extending its usable life and eliminating the need for full replacement.
Explore All Projects
.jpg)
Before
Horse Trailer Repainting
Cowboy Painting Co. performed facility-based laser cleaning and surface preparation on a horse trailer, removing rust and deteriorated coatings from the structure. The trailer was laser cleaned and sanded to eliminate corrosion, then primed and painted with an industrial epoxy coating to restore durability and provide long-term protection. Completing this work in our controlled facility ensured proper surface preparation, coating adhesion, and a clean, professional finish built to withstand transport and outdoor exposure.
Explore All Projects
Before
Industrial Mold Laser Cleaning & Film Removal
Industrial molds from a manufacturing facility were received with heavy film buildup that interfered with proper operation and product quality. Using precision laser cleaning, we removed all surface film and residue, fully stripping the molds back to bare metal without altering critical dimensions or surface geometry. This non-abrasive process restored the molds to usable condition, allowing them to be returned to production and continue service life without the cost or downtime associated with mold replacement.
Explore All Projects
.jpg)
.jpg)
Before
Steel Boat Transom Laser Cleaning & Paint Removal – Delaware
Steel boat transom components were brought in with multiple thick layers of previous coatings, marine growth, and surface contamination. Using precision laser cleaning, we completely removed all paint and barnacles while preserving the underlying steel. This method allowed us to access intricate geometry and hard-to-reach areas that traditional methods struggle to clean, leaving the transom fully stripped to bare metal and ready for repainting.
Explore All Projects
Before
Truck Frame Laser Cleaning & Epoxy Coating — Facility Based
Cowboy Painting Co. performed facility-based laser cleaning and industrial coating on a fully stripped truck frame, with the bed and cab removed to allow complete access. The frame was laser cleaned to remove rust and corrosion, then primed and painted with an industrial epoxy metal coating to restore durability and provide long-term corrosion protection. Completing this work in a controlled facility ensured proper surface preparation, coating adhesion, and a professional, long-lasting finish.
Explore All Projects
.jpg)
Before
Food & Beverage Facility Painting
Inside this ammonia condenser, inches of rust, dirt, and leaks threatened both the equipment and the supporting steel structure 45 feet above the ground. Cowboy Painting Co. drained the condenser, removed all rust and debris, repaired holes, and applied marine-grade coatings to protect the interior from corrosion and water damage. This facility-based restoration ensured the condenser was safe, fully functional, and long-lasting, extending the service life of this critical industrial asset
Explore All Projects
_JPG.jpg)
Before
Boat Motor Repainting
Cowboy Painting Co. performed facility-based laser cleaning and repainting on a boat motor, removing old coatings and surface corrosion. The motor was laser cleaned, primed, and repainted to restore durability, improve performance, and provide a professional, long-lasting finish. Completing the work in our controlled facility ensured proper surface preparation and coating adhesion for superior results.
Explore All Projects
Before
Fiberglass Boat Hull Laser Stripping & Surface Preparation
A fiberglass boat hull and side panels were brought in with multiple layers of failed marine coatings that could no longer be properly repaired or overcoated. Using precision laser cleaning, we completely stripped the existing coatings down to bare fiberglass without damaging the underlying substrate. This non-abrasive process allowed for controlled removal across large flat areas and detailed contours alike. The hull was left clean, uniform, and fully prepared for repainting, ensuring proper adhesion and long-term performance of the new marine coating system.
Explore All Projects
Request a Surface Preparation Evaluation
Selecting the right surface preparation method is critical to coating success. Cowboy Painting Co. provides expert evaluation to determine the most effective preparation approach for your project.
​
Contact us to discuss your surface preparation needs and project requirements.