Used for Decorative Architectural Products, Anodizing is the controlled oxidation of aluminum using an electro-chemical process to create a porous surface that is receptive to color dying. The aluminum sheet is chemical pre-cleaned followed by immersing the aluminum in a chemical to give the required finish. Phosphoric-acid solutions will give the aluminum a bright finish while a caustic soda based solution will give the aluminum a matte appearance.

A sealer is then applied, a hot water solution for clear anodized aluminum and a nickel acetate solution for color aluminum. This process forms a protective coating of aluminum oxide on the surface of the aluminum, creating a surface that is corrosion-resistant and hardened. The result is an abrasion-resistant material that will never peel, chip or flake.

Light Anodize Colors

With lighter colors, such as Clear, Champaign & Light Bronze, the human eye perceives more variations chromatically and in hue (two key components of color). This variation is far less noticeable with darker colors. Lighter colors also develop very quickly in the anodizing tanks. Sometimes, just a few extra seconds in tank will make a difference between a light and medium bronze color. Thus, the margin for error in anodizing these colors is smaller. The problems with anodizing lighter colors can be minimized if the orders are handled carefully.

Classes

Class I

Rated for exterior usage @ .7 mil Thickness
5005 alloy

Class II

Rated for interior usage @ .4 mil Thickness
5005 alloy

Universal

Rated for general purpose @ .00425 mil Thickness
5005 alloy

Most popular colors

Clear
Champaign
Light Bronze
Medium Bronze
Dark Bronze
Black

Color Anodizing

Available in a variety of colors
Not recommended for exterior applications as anodized aluminum colors may fade somewhat over time if exposed to direct sunlight.

Important Considerations

Use 5005 Alloy for best results.
Acquiring metal from a single source and one lot of material can improve color consistency.
Expect some degree of color variation.
Have a range of samples developed from same source and agree upon an acceptable color range.
Keep exotic colors from direct sunlight.

Painted Finishes:

Polyurethane Enamel

Automotive finish
Moderately durable
Unlimited color selection
Recommended for interior applications
Meets the performance criteria of AAMA 2603 specification for color retention and chalking
With proper maintenance, can expect 5 years of performance for exterior applications

Kynar Fluoropolymer

A spray applied finish that requires a chemical pretreatment and heat curing
Mostly used in coil coating process
Meets the performance criteria of AAMA 2605.2 specifications for color retention and chalking
With proper maintenance, can expect minimum of 10 years performance for exterior applications
Limited number of licensed applicators in the US

Air Dry Fluoropolymers

Spray applied high performance coating
Recommended for exterior applications
Chemical resistance, can expect a performance of 10 to 20 years or more on exterior applications. Written warranties are available for up to 15 years.
Minimum thickness recommended to 1.5 – 2.0 mils dry film thickness
Exceeds all aspects of AAMA 2605.98

AAMA 2605.98:

This is a voluntary Specification of performance standards developed by members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. The most stringent specification for spray coated aluminum used in architecture. An important aspect of this specification is the requirement for an actual 10 year exposure in South Florida.

Textures:

Semi-Transparent Finishes over Aluminum

Applied over pattern aluminum sheet
Available in Air Dry Fluoropolymer and Polyurethane Enamels
Recommended for vertical applications only
Patterned stainless steel is available for high traffic areas
Column covers, wall panels, signage, accents

Expanded Aluminum

Alternative to perforated aluminum
Can be back-lighted
Sound deadening can be applied for sound absorption
Great application for column covers, wall panels, air vents

Powder Coating

Liquid paint is composed of pigment, resin, and solvent. Powder paint is simply pigment encapsulated in a powdered resin and is thus thought of as “Paint without the solvent”. It is applied using an electrostatic spray. The powder particles are electrically charged and the object requiring the coating is grounded. The result is an electrostatic attraction adequate to allow the build-up of sufficient film of powder on the object. The electrostatic attraction holds the dry powder in place until melting occurs with subsequent binding to the surface.

Available in both interior and exterior grades
Very hard and very durable
Recommended thickness is 2.5 – 3.5 mils dry film thickness
Limited to stock colors. Custom colors can be very expensive and long lead time
Finish can be prone to “Orange Peel” giving a textured appearance
The real advantage of power is the reduction in air pollution compared to liquid. When powers are cured in an oven they emit no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds)

Claddings:

Plastic Laminates:

Advantage is no warping, swelling due to moisture
Very durable, able to take higher impacts without cracking
Interior applications only
Finished product must be stored in a temperature controlled environment to prevent cracking or bubbling
Plastic laminates can expand and contract a 1/8” or more in both directions
Available in 3 basic grades

Standard Grade

Counter Tops, Cabinetry

Forming Grade

Heat-forming for tight radiuses on counter tops and small diameter column covers

Vertical Grade

Wall panels, Column Covers and Elevator Interiors

Decorative plastic laminate sheeting is made by taking five or six layers of brown Kraft paper in large rolls and running this material through vats of resin and driers. The results are then cut into sheets and impregnated with resins. The pattern sheet is also run through resins the same way. These layers of resin-coated Kraft paper are fed into a press. Then a resin-coated pattern sheet is put into the mold. Last, a clear melamine overlay is put on top of all the layers where heat and pressure actually make the resins flow.

When applying plastic laminates to a radius aluminum surface, both plastic laminate and the aluminum substrate should be heated for maximum bonding power. This will eliminate the memory of the laminate from constant tension and wanting to straighten back out. Once the two materials are bonded and cooled, the laminate actually hugs the aluminum substrate.

Wood Veneers

Advantage to applying wood veneers to aluminum is it’s a hard substrate that will withstand higher impacts than a wood substrate
If the veneer has to match other furnishings, make sure the veneers are bought from the same source and lot
Specify a foil backed veneer to prevent adhesion failure
Finished product should be stored in a temperature controlled environment to prevent cracking and bubbling

Vinyl’s

Flexible vinyl overlay resurfacing is a great option for today’s environment

High Strength Integrated Adhesive forms a permanent bond to aluminum
Unaffected by moisture, humidity or extreme temperatures
Available in both interior & exterior grades
Anti-corrosive film layer that makes it resistant to direct UV sunlight, rain, snow, ice, smog and other perils of nature
Large selections of finishes

Wood Grains
Marbles
Granites
Textures
Metallics
Solid Colors

Colored Transparent Vinyls

Can be applied over aluminum or stainless patterned sheets
Available in a variety of colors
Economical alternative to transparent paints or color anodizing
Low maintenance
Very durable, excellent for high traffic areas

Ceramics Coatings:

Porcelain Enamel

Glass like, non-porous material made up silica, borax, soda and various metal oxides that are fused to steel sheets.
A spray applied liquid to a heavy gage steel that is fire cured and hardened in a kiln.
Mainly used for exterior surfaces, it is unaffected by sun, rain, snow, dust or industrial atmospheres.
The color is permanent and will not oxidize, fade, peel or blister.
Maintenance free
Available in custom colors
Very heavy
Size limitations, typically no more than 20 square feet are recommended due to high possibility the material may warp in the kiln process.
If not sealed properly, can rust from the inside out.

Ceramic Steel

Alternative to Porcelain Enamel
A thin gauge steel (28 ga.) bonded to a .090 aluminum
Used as a cladding for Marker Boards, Wall Panels and Column Covers
Gives all the advantages of Porcelain Enamel but lighter weight
Larger panel sizes available, up to 80 square feet
Limited color selections in small quantities
Resistant to;

Bacteria
Paint
Scratches
Acid
Fire
Graffiti

Stainless Steel Polished Finishes

#4 Brushed
#8 Mirror
#9 Bead Blast
Embossed
Hand Patterned

Fine for high traffic areas

Mechanically Patterned

Alternative to Bead Blast is an embossed product “Softex” that gives the bead blast look while less apt to show fingerprints.

Bronze

70 % Copper 30 % Zinc
20 Gauge to 1/4" 24" wide, 36" is available in .125" ASTM B 36 Alloy 220
Used as a trim & cladding
Polished Finishes are available
Larger panel sizes available
Extruded is available

Bacteria
Paint
Scratches
Acid
Fire
Graffiti

Muntz Metal

60 % Copper 40 % Zinc
36" x 96" avaiable
Excellent Formability
Brushed through Mirror Finish, Old Rail Road Car