Aluminum fences and railings from Ultra Aluminum™ offer a beautiful and durable option for your outdoor space. Each post, section, and gate is available in seven standard colors, applied with the PowerCoat™ finish.
What is PowerCoat™ Finish?
Ultra’s PowerCoat™ finish is a type of powder coat finish. Powder coating is a popular and advanced method for applying a protective and decorative finish to aluminum fencing and railing. The process of applying a powder coat creates a durable, weather-resistant finish that is far superior to traditional paint.
The Process of Applying a Powder Coat Finish
Let’s delve into the specialized technique of applying powder coating, exploring each step in detail.
Step 1: Preparation: A Clean Canvas for Perfection
Imagine painting a masterpiece on a dirty canvas. Just like art, the foundation for a successful powder coat is a meticulous surface preparation. This stage involves a two-pronged approach:
- Chemical Cleaning: Powerful detergents and degreasers remove any contaminants like grease, oil, or dirt that could compromise adhesion.
- Physical Cleaning: Sandblasting, a process that uses pressurized air to propel abrasive particles, further cleans and roughens the surface for optimal powder adherence.
Step 2: Electrostatic Attraction: The Powder Application
Now comes the exciting part: applying the powder itself. This is where an electrostatic gun comes into play. This device charges the powder particles with positive electricity, transforming them into miniature magnets. As the particles approach the negatively charged aluminum surface, an irresistible attraction draws them in, creating a uniform and consistent coating.
Step 3: Curing: The Fiery Transformation
Once fully coated, the coating must be cured. This occurs in a curing oven, where the finish is heated, reaching temperatures ranging from 325℉ to 450℉. This intense heat melts the powder, causing it to flow and fuse into a smooth, continuous film that bonds seamlessly with the metal.
This process is what creates the PowerCoat™ finish, which meets the AAMA 2604 specifications. AMA 2604 outlines the performance requirements that powder coatings must meet to be considered high-performance. These requirements cover various aspects, including:
- Adhesion: The coating must adhere firmly to the aluminum substrate, resisting peeling, chipping, and cracking.
- Colorfastness: The coating must retain its original color over time, showing minimal fading or chalking.
- Corrosion resistance: The coating must protect the aluminum from corrosion caused by moisture, salt, and other environmental factors.
- Chemical resistance: The coating must resist staining and damage from chemicals commonly encountered in architectural settings.
- UV resistance: The coating must be resistant to fading and degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
To meet these standards, PowerCoat™ finish was tested for thousands of hours in a wide range of environments. After five full years of exposure, the finish should show almost no signs of color change.
Ready to Invest in Ultra Aluminum™? Contact Our Team Today
If you’d like a custom fencing or railing quote, contact our team today at info@railingaluminum.com or call (610) 466-5482.
Leave A Comment