Aluminum Fence Powder Coating Q & A
Have you ever wondered what all of this talk about powder coating means? Everything you need to know about the important coating on your aluminum fence is right here.
When it comes to fencing, especially those with a strong material like aluminum, having anything made of powder doesn’t sound like it would be too effective. After all, powdery substances such as baby powder or flour would seem like an unlikely material to keep a metal fence safe from the elements. However, that is exactly what the special powder coating on an industrial, residential or commercial aluminum fence does. It keeps the metal safe from anything that begins the corrosion process, allowing the tough aluminum metal to be its best.
How does the powder coating stay on the fence?
The powder part of the powder coating on your aluminum fence does begin as a powder. Coating a fence panel in powder might seem tricky, but it’s actually done in a unique scientific process. The fence is first deep-cleaned with different chemical solutions, then it is fully dried with heavy-duty air dryers and hot temperatures to ensure absolutely no moisture is remaining. After drying thoroughly, the special protective powder is then evenly distributed to the fence’s surfaces with an electrostatic charge. Once it has been applied all over, the powder is set to the aluminum with heat.
Will my fence need to be re-coated in the future?
Powder coating is made to last for the lifetime of your fence. It is a surprisingly powerful substance covering the surfaces of your commercial aluminum fence. The interesting thing about aluminum itself is that it does not rust or even disintegrate the way other metals might that haven’t been treated. Aluminum has a different rusting process when exposed to water where it actually creates an extra layer that makes the metal stronger! The powder coating stops this from happening. Although it might sound like a positive thing having a fence that gets tougher, it isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing process. The coating, which lasts as long as the fence, keeps everything looking the way it did on the first day, with no re-coating necessary.
What happens if my coating is scratched?
The great news is that the powder coating actually helps the surfaces of the fence to avoid getting chipped or scratched. That is part of the purpose of the coating! With other fence materials, there is a real possibility of having the fence break down in parts due to wear and tear from weather elements, impact and abrasions, and even ultraviolet light. Powder-coated aluminum fences stay clear of these problems. If a large impact or repeated scratching in one area leaves you with quite a gash in your fence and you feel the coating has been compromised, just contact your fencing specialist to see what your options are. Remember that aluminum won’t rust the same way other metals will, so there is no need to panic.
Powder coating is more than just an extra layer of paint on an already beautiful fence. Powder coating lasts a long time, doesn’t need any upkeep, and comes already magically sealed to your aluminum fence panels. The “magic” is actually an electrostatic and heat curing process, but the result can easily be described as magical. After all, who wouldn’t want a fence that can withstand as much as an aluminum fence can?