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Superior Balustrade
Powder Coating or Anodising
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Powder Coating is the most
common and best method of painting aluminium joinery. The
process relies on electrostatically charging a fine powder
made up of resin and pigment that is sprayed on to the
extrusion and then baked in an oven where the powder flows
out and cures, and in
the process, crosslinks with a chromate pre-treatment to
give superior corrosion resistance.
Why powder coat?
Items that are powder coated last longer than wet painted
items because the finish is far more resistant to
scratching, chipping, harsh chemicals, fading and wearing
than other finishes. Powder coating doesn't last forever,
but usually lasts many times longer than any other form of
painting
(the "standard" powder we use has a blanket 10 year warranty
in most environments). It is also a much thicker coating
than can be obtained with paint. This thicker coating can
provide a pleasant "feel" to an item. This is especially
noticeable on hand railings and balustrades.
Colour choices are virtually unlimited, with high and low
gloss, matt and metallic finishes. However, to generalise,
gloss finishes deteriorate ahead of matt finishes and dark
colours are more prone to fading than light colours. The
"industry" is now moving to "matt finishes" and "cooler
colours", especially in full sun, as in balustrades, fences
and gates. Also some resins last longer than others, but are
naturally more expensive.
We can advise on "commercial powders" and their lasting
qualities in extreme or salt environments.
The powder coat plant we use belongs to our "supplier" (MCK
Metals Pacific) and is the most modern in NZ. It is ISO
Certified for both ISO9001 (quality) and ISO14001
(environment) and is certified by the Window Association of
NZ and has the "Enduro" Colour Certification.
Why Anodise?
We normally use silver, "natural anodising" and these
surfaces are harder and in salt environments often last
longer. Silver anodised aluminium rails are an alternative
to Stainless Steel rails and appear "softer" and are not
prone to "tea staining". However, other colours are
available.
As anodic film is porous, anodised aluminium can be coloured
in various ways. The preferred option for colouring at the
MCK Plant is electrolytic colouring. Electrolytic colouring
involves electrodepositing stable metal compounds from a
solution of metal salts deep into the pores of the
anodic film, away from the effects of sunlight and corrosive
elements. Electrolytic colours are limited to a range of
bronzes and black. Anodising itself is an electro-chemical
process that allows anodic film to grow on metal. The anodic
film is porous. So the oxidisation mechanism continues
reaching the parent metal and the film grows in a controlled
manner. The anodic film is therefore integral with the
parent metal from which it grows.
There is no bond, as for example, in the powder coat
process.
Care of your Balustrades.
Powder Coat manufacturers recommend regular washing with
clean water and mild soap solutions. This reduces staining
from salt or chemicals. Bird droppings are particularly
corrosive and should be washed off regularly. Mild scratches
and stains can be removed from powder coated products with
fine cutting polish and Dulux manufacture a product called -
Gloss-Up.
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