When choosing railing finishing and finishes for handrails and balustrades, the decision is often based on purely aesthetic considerations. Visual appeal is undoubtedly an important factor, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. In many cases, feeling is just as important as appearance.
Many subject issues can arise. How does he react to sunlight? How well does it conduct temperature? How well does it resist abrasion or corrosion? Is he completely impenetrable? Does it contain toxins? We often discuss these considerations with architects and designers in the context of a project. Stainless Steel Projects are able to provide expertise on railing finishing with its own finishing range that covers all areas of performance, including aesthetics. We support powder coated handrails and handrails because of their many advantages as finishes.
How is powder coating used?
To obtain a powder coating, dry powder is electrostatically applied and fired at high temperatures to harden and harden the powder. This process creates a smooth and even finish. Powder coating is an ideal finish for aluminium handrails and balustrade as it bonds to the metal.
POWDER COATED FINISHES VS PAINTED FINISHES
For all sorts of reasons, powder coating is a superior choice of finish in comparison to the most common alternative, spray painting:
Efficient application
It is estimated that around 70% of powder is used in its application and the rest can be collected within the factory for re-use. The electrostatic process reduces waste by around 95%. In contrast, it is estimated that up to 70% of spray paint can be lost during application because any that fails to reach the surface of the handrail/balustrade will disperse into thin air. Powder coating is also a faster and therefore a more productive process: paint may need hours or days to fully dry, whereas powder will fully cure within 20 minutes. uniformity
Spray paint may drip, smear, or run unevenly. In contrast, the powder coating process guarantees a uniform coating with a smooth surface and no traces of application.
Non-toxic
Powdered polymers are inert and therefore do not contain toxins. It does not emit greenhouse gases when used. Conversely, spray painting releases toxins into the atmosphere. Toxic solvents can be harmful if inhaled, so painting is also less safe and less environmentally friendly.
Durability
Powder coating has higher strength and flexibility than coating coating. This means that unlike paint, it will not crack, peel, or peel. When the surface starts to deteriorate in this way, the handrail/balustrade becomes more susceptible to damage from moisture ingress and causes corrosion.
The powder coating is also very resistant to chips and scratches, making it virtually maintenance-free. Most powder coatings also have superior colour retention to paint.
Temperature regulation
Powder coating has low thermal conductivity. That is often an important quality for handrails and balustrade, especially in external installations. In extreme temperatures, metal can become very hot or cold, affecting its safety and comfort to the touch, so this can be avoided with a protective powder coating which is a poor conductor of temperature.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWDER COATING
Having established that powder coating offers many advantages over other common finishes, it`s also worth noting that there are two different types of powder coating which offer their own advantages: nylon and polyester. We’ll look at the differences in more detail here, but the benefits can be summarised as follows:
Polyester
Best choice for UV resistance and colour stability. Easy to apply and lower film thicknesses are available. Reduces overall coverage costs.
Nylon
The best choice for abrasion resistance, abrasion resistance and chemicals. It can be produced from renewable resources. Provides greater flexibility at lower temperatures.
Stainless Steel Projects offer nylon and polyester powder coatings. We can advise the best option for your built environment.
Powder Coated Colour Recipe
One of the few benefits that a painting finish offers is that it is easier to mix and match more precisely to get the correct colour. However, thanks to experienced manufacturers and state-of-the-art equipment, powder coating can also be specialised and accurate. We can powder coat all RAL colours and can supply special formulations tailored to individual requirements. We also use powder paints in a variety of metallic colours, from champagne to graphite.
Can I get a wood effect coating?
Railing finishing is rarely discussed in the context of wood railings and railings, as many people prefer not to hide the rich texture of the wood grain and natural beauty. The traditional wood style has a timeless charm that can be completed with a modern touch when paired with metal railings and uprights. Unfortunately, the use of natural wood presents a variety of problems. Because the surface is susceptible to damage, it is less safe to touch and requires regular maintenance. Wood needs continuous treatment to maintain its aesthetic appearance, prevent absorption of bacteria and fight infection. The use of wood in a housing estate can also have legal implications. Recent building codes prohibit the use of combustible materials for exterior features such as balconies.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. Stainless Steel Projects have developed special finishes for aluminium balustrades and balustrades that reproduce the intricate details of natural oak texture. Our Timberline systems capture the aesthetics of wood while offering several practical advantages over real-world materials. It does not absorb moisture, feels safe to the touch, is very durable and does not form chips. Available in matte or glossy finishes, the wood-effect Timberline option is now one of the most popular specifications in our balustrade range.
Stainless Steel Projects Melbourne are specialists in railing finishing, design, manufacture and installation. In fact we will tailor them to suit your specific application. To find out more contact your Melbourne Balustrading team now.