This painting process is called usually anaphoretic or cataphoretic, depending on whether, immersed in a water based paint solution and under the effect of an electrical field, the items to paint behave as an anode or as a cathode.

Cataphoretic painting is a process which improves the corrosion resistance of items made of iron, steel and other (electrically conductive) alloys by applying an even layer of epoxy or acrylic resin on all treated surfaces. Whilst ensuring a long term protection against corrosive agents, these first coats of paint also provide a stronger bondage to following coats, when needed.

During electrophoretic painting, pobjects of paint migrate under the effect of an electrical field to the metal parts immersed in the painting emulsion and acting here as an anode or a cathode. Once dry the pobjects blend together thus providing a uniform coat on all surfaces, even on the hidden ones.

Unlike epoxy, acrylic resins are used for direct contact with the outside environment keeping all their technical features unchanged with time. This treatment provides a better protection against rust and it is widely used in the automotive industry.