The Environmentally Responsible Choice
Architectural coatings - what does it take to apply them?
The simple answer is a great pretreatment system, careful and skilled application and high quality oven management. Ok, so that’s not so simple. But for many exterior applications a Registered Applicator may be required. So, to help explain what’s required and why, we spoke to Dave, an experienced applicator of powder coatings.
Q: What does it mean to be a Registered Applicator?
A: In the metal coatings industry, being a Registered Applicator means that a coating application company has had its pretreatment, coating and curing processes audited and tested by a certified technician and has had both panels and parts put through chemical, mechanical and weathering tests outlined in the AAMA coating standards and all have passed. They have proven results that they can perform quality work to the highest industry standards, and their finished coating projects will meet and exceed the testing and performance requirements of AAMA 2603, 2604 & 2605. Once they have passed the audit and testing, to prove they can apply coatings that will meet the coating standards and warranty conditions, and are then retested every 18 months – 2 years.
Q: Do all powder coatings need to be applied by a Registered Applicator?
A: In a word, no. Most interior applications for powder don’t need to be applied by a registered applicator. In fact there are a huge number of coaters who aren’t Registered Applicators who are doing an excellent job and producing high quality powder coated pieces. However there are several scenarios where you would need a Registered Applicator to do your coating work. If you need a warranty on the work (and remember, warranties are only offered on aluminum when applied by a registered applicator), then you need a registered applicator – and warranties are available for both super durable powder coatings used on things like commercial storefront and low rise windows and curtain wall, and also Fluoropolymer powder coatings used on curtain wall, façade, windows and doors. Even if you don’t need a warranty for the work, to really get the performance out of an exterior grade high performance powder, then a registered applicator is a good way to ensure that you are getting the quality you need. If you are looking at high performance fluoropolymer powders, (like a 70% Kynar level performance – or better – but much better for the environment) then most good powder coating companies don’t sell Fluoropolymers to non registered applicators.
Q: Why wouldn’t every coater want to be a registered applicator?
A: It’s a big investment. You need a certain quality of pretreat, line and oven, and the ability to regularly check and run QC tests on your coated parts. Also, many coaters don’t want to offer a warranty – it’s a big financial commitment and not everyone is willing to take that on. Also, many custom coaters apply different types of powder coatings for many more industries than just architectural – though architectural projects may make up a portion of their work – and so have different application requirements. The good news is there are hundreds of coaters and many Registered Applicators – and that number just keeps on growing!
Q: You keep mentioning the AAMA coating specifications. What kind of testing does AAMA require?
A: Some of the toughest tests include severe salt spray, extreme humidity, harsh chemicals, intense UV light exposure to name but a few. You can rest assured that when your building curtain wall, façade, railings, screens and such are coated by a Registered Applicator they WILL perform. Check out our free ebook (available on the IFS website) which has loads more information, including good explanations of the AAMA specifications.
Q: But we are discussing powder coatings; aren’t AAMA standards written for liquid paint?
A: Quite the contrary. AAMA standards define the performance requirements of coatings – ALL COATINGS. If your project requires AAMA 2605 coatings on curtain wall, the coating, whether is it powder or liquid, must meet the performance requirements of AAMA 2605. Period.
Q: Why should I care if my metals are coated by a Registered Applicator?
A: For starters, it is the only way to receive a warranty for your products. Most warranties are based on one of the AAMA coating specifications. In order to become a registered applicator, part of the process includes testing coated parts to ensure that at a minimum they pass the performance requirements outlined in the relevant AAMA coating specification. It means you can be confident in the coater’s ability to apply the coatings to recognized standards, and also in some cases, receive a warranty. in a series of tests defined by AAMA.
Q: Why do different powder coating companies have their own programs?
A: Each powder coating manufacturer has its own testing requirements – though to be fair they are usually very similar – and each company wants to check for themselves that the coater can apply the coating to meet and exceed the required test levels. In addition to this, the coating warranty is actually provided to the coater, and then they provide a warranty to the project – which may include things other than just the color and gloss of the coating. As warranties are particular to the individual company, each company has its own program. You will often find the same applicator is registered with several different powder coating manufacturers!
Q: How much does it cost to become a Registered Applicator?
A: There is no charge to become a Registered Applicator. This is great news for architects and designers because you can be confident that the only way to become a Registered Applicator is to earn it – with quality processes that are tested and proven to perform!
Q: Okay, I see the benefit of a project being coated by a Registered Applicator, but how can I find registered applicators, or help my GC find Registered Applicators for the project?
A: As you know, the best way for you to ensure that your project parts are being coated to specific standards is to state the AAMA coating specification level you require, and we encourage you to write it into the spec, as well as any product types, brand names and colors. Finding a Registered Applicator that can do the coating work you need is pretty simple. Just contact your IFS representative, or email flevin@ifsocatings.com and we can provide you with Registered Applicators close to your project or where the application will occur. To be honest, some areas of the country are better served than others however there are certain coaters doing so much architectural work, for example curtain wall applications, that it is actually more cost effective to have large projects coated by them, even if it’s not local, and ship to the project site for installation.
