Why Powder Coat Aluminium Products?

When you’re ordering a gate, gate frame, fence panel or privacy screen through the Top Screens website, you’ll see a dropdown menu on the quote form that allows you to choose a powder coating colour. You can just from a wide range of colours, or simply go for the raw/mill finish, which isn’t powder coated.

Whether you’re ordering a gate or other aluminium product for your own property or fitting one for a client, deciding on powder coating is one of the first steps to take. It determines the look and plays a part in the durability too. 

It’s worth knowing why it matters and what options are on the table from Top Screens, so that’s what we’re going to go through today.

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is an electrostatic finishing process that applies a dry powder film to your product once it has been fabricated in our Virginia workshop. The coating is applied with a charged spray gun and then cured at high temperatures. 

The result is a thick, uniform film that is denser than conventional paint. There are no brush marks - just an even coating that improves the surface hardness, chemical resistance and adhesion. That’s why it's the industry standard finish in aluminium fabrication. 

Does Aluminium Really Need a Protective Finish?

One of the reasons we choose to work with aluminium at Top Screens is because it’s a solid and durable material. It’s natural oxide layer prevents corrosion and rust, giving it a longevity other raw materials don’t have. 

Your gate or fence is going to be sitting outside for many years though. The aluminium will be fully exposed to UV radiation, temperature changes and salty Queensland coastal air. Because of this, raw aluminium can develop a dull appearance over time. 

Powder coating is an additional physical and chemical barrier that stops that from happening. It protects the aluminium underneath from UV rays and moisture ingress. 

Aluminium - tough and durable. Powder-coated aluminium? Even more so. Let’s look at the specific benefits it delivers. 

What Powder Coating Delivers

UV Resistance

Polyester powder coats are formulated for outdoor exposure, slowing down the process that causes colour fade and surface breakdown. This is important in Queensland's UV conditions.

Corrosion Protection

The polymer film blocks moisture and oxygen from reaching the substrate. Combined with aluminium's natural oxide layer, that's solid protection. Worth keeping in mind for coastal and industrial environments.

Surface Hardness

Cured powder coat is noticeably harder than liquid paint. For gates getting put through their paces everyday that’s a big advantage. 

Colour Retention

Polyester powders fade gradually and evenly under UV exposure, rather than patchy. The gate stays looking consistent with the surrounding fencing and structures.

Low Maintenance

Aluminium is a low maintenance material, and powder coating it doesn't change that. All that’s required is periodic wash downs with mild detergent and water.

Service Life

A powder coated aluminium gate, installed correctly, will serve you well for decades in normal Australian conditions.

If you choose not to powder coat your aluminium product, it will be supplied in a raw silver-grey aluminium finish.

If you choose powder coating, you’ll have access to the full COLORBOND® colour range through Dulux Powder Coatings. Our standard pricing includes popular colours such as Ironstone®, Monument®, Surfmist®, Shale Grey™, Woodland Grey®, and Charcoal®, along with white tones including White Matt, Natural White™ Matt, Pearl White, Bright White Gloss, and warmer shades such as Classic Cream™.

We also offer a range of finish options depending on the selected colour, including:

• Matt
• Satin
• Gloss
• Textured

Many additional colours and specialty finishes are available beyond our standard range, however some may incur a premium powder coating fee. Dulux Duralloy® powder coats are available in a wide range of colours and finishes designed to complement COLORBOND® steel colours.

To browse colours available or order swatches, view the Dulux Duralloy® Solid Colour or the Protexture® Textured Ranges here:

Dulux Powder Coatings – Colour Ranges

With the wide range of colours and finishes, you’ll find the right tone to fit in with the property you’re working on. 

Should You Choose a Raw Finish or Powder Coating?

Your choice completely depends on the job at hand. 

A raw finish will make sense for applications where aesthetics isn't a factor. Or maybe the client wants to add their own finish post-install. It could also be a concealed or temporary structure, or the client could prefer the natural aluminium look. 

If your aluminium product is permanent and visible and needs to hold it’s visual appeal over time, powder coating is the way to go. Driveway gates, pedestrian gates, fence panels - these are all long term installs whether its a commercial or residential property. Powder coating will keep them looking sharp and performing well. 

A Consideration to Make

Something to consider is that powder coating happens during fabrication. If a client decides they want to go with a coating after installation, this adds extra costs and time and coordination for them. Getting it done upfront before the gate leaves our workshop can be the cleaner option. 

Ready to Order?

Whether you're pricing a job or ready to make an order, our custom quote form is the next step to take. Have your exact measurements and finish preferences ready, and we’ll be able to put together an accurate quote for your job.

Please remember that Top Screens is fabrication only. We don’t provide installation services or advice. If your job is in the inner city Brisbane suburbs, we can help with delivery. All other jobs can be picked up from our base in Virginia, North Brisbane.