Metal components used near the coast face some of the most challenging conditions found in construction and industry. Salt in the air, high humidity and strong ultraviolet rays can accelerate corrosion and shorten the lifespan of coating systems including standard powder coating.
Because of this, the Seaside specification has been developed by Qualicoat specifically for these environments with an enhanced level of pre-treatment giving stronger protection for aluminium in high exposure locations.
C&O Powder Coatings hold both Qualicoat and Qualicoat Seaside certifications and have done since January 2024. Our equipment, processes and quality controls are regularly independently audited to ensure they meet the requirements for projects installed in coastal or harsh conditions.
Seaside Certification
One common misconception is that the Seaside specification is a different powder coating. In fact it uses the same powder coatings but has an upgraded pre-treatment process. This involves deeper cleaning and preparation of the metal before coating which removes contamination, improves adhesion and creates a more stable surface that gives greater long term powder coating performance.
The surface of the metal often contains contaminants from the forming process, if these remain on the surface they can interfere with the coating causing failure. Removing the contaminants from the aluminium is part of the pretreatment process undertaken by dipping into an acidic solution which etches the surface removing a minimum of 1g/m2 of aluminium. By using the Seaside certified pre-treatment process, the level of etch during cleaning is increased to 2g/m2. This deeper etch removes more contaminants and therefore offers a more robust pretreatment for areas where atmospheres carry corrosive salts (chlorides) and other aggressive pollutants.
Where Seaside Should Be Specified
Seaside is suitable for far more than coastal buildings. Any project exposed to aggressive conditions can benefit from the improved preparation. Typical examples include:
- Buildings located in coastal regions
- Marine and port facilities
- Industrial sites with airborne pollutants
- Rail stations or transport hubs with high humidity
- Installations where long service life is essential
Seaside certified preparation provides improved protection and reduces the risk of early coating failure.
The Seaside Process at C&O
Every Seaside project at C&O uses a Qualicoat certified and audited process:
- Pre Treatment
The aluminium is cleaned and etched in a seven stage process. This ensures that it is contamination free which improves powder coat adhesion and reduces the chance of failure. - Powder Application
After pre-treatment, the metal is suspended on the production line and passes into the spray booth for coating. The powder is sprayed onto the metal where it adheres evenly due to an electrostatic charge. - Curing
Once the powder coating has been applied the piece is passed into one of our 2 specialist tunnel ovens where it is cured according to the powder manufacturers guidelines. This process melts the powder and bonds it to the metal. - Inspection and Quality Control
At C&O we use a Total Quality Management (TQM) process which makes quality everyone’s responsibility. In addition, detailed checks are carried out at every stage before despatch to clients to ensure that the work complies with the Qualicoat standards.
The Benefits of Seaside Certified Projects
Seaside certified preparation provides several key advantages over standard Qualicoat powder coating when combined with a Class 2 powder. These include:
- High resistance to corrosion in harsh environments such as in coastal areas.
- Stronger coating adhesion making it more weather resistant
- Better retention of colour and gloss over time where there are higher levels of UV light
- A longer service life for coated components
Cost Considerations
Whilst Seaside certified preparation is slightly more expensive than standard pre-treatment the improvement in durability outweighs this difference. It means a more reliable performance which makes it better value over the life of the installation.
At C&O our in-house team of experts are on hand to support architects, fabricators and procurement teams in deciding when Seaside should be specified.
Qualicoat Seaside certification provides an enhanced level of surface preparation designed for metalwork in harsh environments. It improves adhesion, increases corrosion resistance and provides a more reliable long term finish.
To discuss whether Seaside certified is the right choice for your project contact our technical team at www.candocoatings.co.uk.