When it comes to coating metal, two options are at the forefront: pre-painted (coil) and post-painted (extrusion). Coil coatings are applied to coil-formed metal sheets by a continuous, automated process that can happen at up to 700 feet per minute. Also referred to as post-paint, this extrusion coating process occurs on a vertical or horizontal line that consists of cleaning and pretreating aluminum preformed extrusions, through a spray process, and then thermally curing the coating to set the system. Both options have similar benefits such as being sustainable, durable as well as providing a limitless selection of colors, finishes and special effects.
To begin your coating specification process, review your project, consider the following factors, and ask questions along the way.
Location and Climate
- Where is this project geographically located?
- How will sun exposure and weather elements affect the building product?
- Does it require added protection against corrosion?
- What is the end application?
Keeping your project’s final destination top of mind throughout the specification process is key. Beyond the aesthetics and building type, it’s critical to consider if it will be exposed to UV light, moisture, humidity, high temperatures and temperature fluctuations. These extreme conditions often lead to changes in color, fading, chalking, blistering, rust and many other physical factors that can affect the performance and protection of the metal coating.
Project Sustainability Requirements
- Are there sustainability requirements?
- LEEDv4 or Living Building Challenge?
- Solar reflective?
- Material transparency?
Sustainable products and coatings are table stakes and architects expect and demand options to help their customers achieve these very important goals. Architects are seeking long-term solutions that not only aid the environment today, but that will meet sustainability standards of the future.
End-Use Application
- Is damage resistance a requirement for your building?
- Is your building a work structure?
There are countless end uses for coated metal building products—from roof and wall panels, to aluminum extrusions for curtain walls. Depending on the project and application, it can weigh into choosing a coating finish. The customer’s input is incredibly valuable here. What do they want this building to stand for or say about their organization? Do the coatings being used help them achieve their own sustainability goals? Each organization and owner are different. Learn and understand how the building’s end use can be enhanced with the right coating.
Achieving Your Aesthetic
- What color is desired?
- Do you want to a bright vivid color?
- A metallic or wood look?
- Custom color?
- Effect coating?
- Is the selected color part of the brand/style of the building?
Determining what the look and feel for your finished product is an important next step of the process. Coating providers often offer limitless design possibilities. They can inspire you to create a memorable design with the correct use of color and special effects. With color-shifting, intense sparkle and textured finishes, color gives new depth and distinction to building products. By working directly with a manufacturer or coatings consultant, architects can better understand the most effective way to specify coatings to make the correct decision on a finish that will turn out to be exactly what was envisioned for your project.
Choosing the Right Partner
When it comes to coatings, there are limitless possibilities. Start by looking for a partner that is constantly developing new coating formulations that deliver beauty and long-term performance, along with meeting specific market needs.
Jeff Alexander is vice president of sales, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, Minneapolis. For more information, visit coil.sherwin.com.