When it comes to protecting your home with security screens, aluminium is a popular choice due to its strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. But how do you ensure these screens not only provide security but also enhance your home’s aesthetics? The answer lies in powder coating. Let’s explore why powder coating is the finish of choice for aluminium security screens.
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What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a surface. The coated piece is then heated, allowing the powder to flow and form a hard, durable finish.
Benefits of Powder Coating Aluminium Security Screens
- Durability – Powder coating creates a finish that’s tougher than conventional paint. It resists chipping, scratching, and fading, making it ideal for security screens that face constant exposure to the elements.
- Corrosion Resistance – While aluminium naturally resists corrosion, powder coating adds an extra layer of protection, especially in coastal areas where salt air can be corrosive.
- Wide Colour Range – Powder coating offers an extensive palette of colours and finishes. Whether you want your screens to blend in or make a statement, there’s a powder coat option for you.
- Environmentally Friendly – Unlike liquid paints, powder coating doesn’t use solvents, reducing VOC emissions. Additionally, overspray can be recycled, minimizing waste.
- Uniform Finish – Powder coating provides a smooth, even finish without runs or drips, ensuring your security screens look professional and well-crafted.
- Low Maintenance – The hard finish of powder coating makes it easy to clean. A simple wipe-down is often all that’s needed to keep your screens looking fresh.
The Powder Coating Process for Aluminium Security Screens
- Preparation: The aluminium is cleaned and pre-treated to ensure proper adhesion.
- Application: Dry powder is sprayed onto the aluminium using an electrostatic gun.
- Curing: The coated screens are heated in an oven, allowing the powder to melt and form a skin.
- Cooling: As the screens cool, the coating hardens into a durable finish.
Choosing the Right Powder Coat for Your Screens
When selecting a powder coat for your aluminium security screens, consider:
- Colour: Choose a shade that complements your home’s exterior.
- Finish: Options range from matte to high gloss to textured.
- Performance requirements: Some coatings offer enhanced UV or chemical resistance.
- Certification: Look for powder coatings that meet industry standards for durability and performance.
To keep your powder coated aluminium security screens looking their best:
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers
ProwlerProof’s unique manufacturing process
Whenever two different metals interact there’s a risk of corrosion. So the fact that Prowler Proof screens and doors are welded instead of being held together by screws or rivets makes it more corrosion-resistant than other security screens.
How do we ensure our products resist corrosion?
The powder coating is a key element in the appearance of a security screen. The quality of the powder coating shines through – so to speak – both short term and long term. Prowler Proof has an in-house laboratory and conducts testing on our powder coating twice daily, to ensure it is to the highest standards. The long-term benefit is superior corrosion protection – as evidenced in the fact that Prowler Proof is the only security screen to pass the acetic acid salt spray test and the only manufacturer to offer a 10 year full replacement warranty.
Security Screens Proved to Last
ForceField, Guardian and Protec, as complete screens, have passed the 1,000 hour neutral salt spray test – most manufacturers only test the mesh.
Prowler Proof ForceField and Protec have also passed the 1,000 hour acetic acid salt spray test. With a pH similar to vinegar, acetic acid salt spray is 10,000 times more acidic than neutral salt spray.
ForceField and Protec’s mesh has survived a 10,000 hour neutral salt spray test, and Guardian’s stainless steel mesh has survived a 3,000 hour neutral salt spray test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a surface, then heated to form a hard, durable finish.
What are the benefits of powder coating aluminium security screens?
Benefits include durability, corrosion resistance, wide colour range, environmental friendliness, uniform finish, and low maintenance.
How does powder coating improve durability?
Powder coating creates a finish tougher than conventional paint, resisting chipping, scratching, and fading.
Is powder coating environmentally friendly?
Yes, it doesn’t use solvents, reducing VOC emissions, and overspray can be recycled, minimizing waste.
What is the process for powder coating aluminium security screens?
The process involves preparation (cleaning and pre-treatment), application of dry powder, curing in an oven, and cooling.
What factors should I consider when choosing a powder coat for my screens?
Consider colour, finish type (matte to high gloss), performance requirements (like UV resistance), and certification to industry standards.
How do I maintain powder coated aluminium security screens?
Clean regularly with mild soap and water and avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
How does ProwlerProof ensure corrosion resistance in their screens?
ProwlerProof uses a welded construction instead of screws or rivets and conducts daily testing on their powder coating in an in-house laboratory.
What tests have ProwlerProof screens passed?
ProwlerProof screens have passed the 1,000 hour neutral salt spray test and the 1,000 hour acetic acid salt spray test.
How long is ProwlerProof’s warranty?
ProwlerProof offers a 10-year full replacement warranty.
What makes ProwlerProof’s powder coating process unique?
ProwlerProof conducts twice-daily testing in their in-house laboratory to ensure the highest standards of powder coating.
How do ProwlerProof screens perform in corrosion tests compared to other manufacturers?
ProwlerProof is the only security screen manufacturer to pass the acetic acid salt spray test, which is 10,000 times more acidic than the neutral salt spray test.