Powder Coating

The earliest powder coatings go back to the late 1940’s with commercial use of electrostatic spraying commencing in the United States and Europe in the mid 1960’s.

Throughout the 80’s and into the 90’s, powder coating continued to develop and worldwide use spread for both economic and environmental reasons.

The electrostatically charged paint particles are blown in a low speed air stream towards the metal article to be painted. The article is earthed and the electrostatically charged particles are attracted to the article to give excellent coverage with minimal wastage of the paint powder. The attraction holds the particles on the product until the powder is baked at elevated temperatures. At this time the powder develops its full adhesion and durability characteristics, taking on the appearance of a painted finish.

Today Powder Coating is the normal treatment for both window systems and balustrade systems and is recommended ahead of anodising on the basis of cost, durability and colour variety. More than 80 colours are available and colour matching to existing joinery is excellent. Up to 25 year written guarantees are available now for many of the powders in common use.

Your agent can advise you on the suitability of powder coatings and colour for your balustrade but there are a few basic principles that you should observe and be aware of:

• High Gloss colours don’t retain their gloss – matt colours may last longer in direct sunlight.

• Light colours last better than dark colours.

• Dark and muted colours detract less from a view if you are looking past or through a balustrade.

• Some colours and pigments are noticeably harder and more durable in service than others.

• Regular cleaning and removal of salt spray on powder coated installations will enhance the life of the finish.

See also  Powder coating

Anodising

Anodising is an electrically induced thickening of the natural oxide film that forms on the surface of aluminium. Aluminium oxide is one of the hardest substances known and even in its naturally thin state, this layer affords aluminium good protection from corrosion. 

Anodic film thicknesses can be specified and are coloured by a variety of methods. Conventional sulphuric acid films are microscopically porous and organic and inorganic dies and pigments may be incorporated and sealed in the film. The colour range however is limited, particularly if compared with powder coatings and anodising small quantities of material is not practical or desirable as colour matching of job lots may vary.

Companies that manufacture powders have now produced coatings which closely match most of the anodised finishes. We prefer powder coating our products because it can be recoated if damaged, there are a greater variety of available colours available, small job lots are practical and colour matching is very good.