Environmental Considerations

Best Materials for Powder Coating

1. Aluminium (best overall for architectural use)

  • Excellent corrosion resistance (all surfaces are Acid & Chrome Converted)

  • Lightweight and strong

  • Ideal for architectural products (balustrades, fencing, facades)

  • Works very well with systems from Dulux Powder Coatings and AkzoNobel

> Best choice for exterior and coastal environments when properly pre-treated

2. Galvanised Steel (excellent for durability)

  • Steel coated with zinc layer for corrosion resistance

  • Very good performance in outdoor environments

  • Must be suitable for Powder coating. Some material has Polymer’s which are not compatible with powder coating. Please inform your steel supplier that you are intending to get the item powder coated to ensure the material is suitable. Polymers can be hard to detect and can react and have adhesion issues, so this is super critical.

> Ideal for fencing, structural components, and outdoor infrastructure

3. Mild Steel (most common, but needs blasting and priming)

  • Strong and cost-effective

  • Requires proper pre-treatment – blasing and priming (e.g. zinc phosphate or zinc-rich primer)

  • More prone to corrosion if coating is damaged

> Good for indoor or protected outdoor use; widely used in fabricated steel products

4. Stainless Steel (specialised use)

  • Very high corrosion resistance already

  • Powder coating is mainly decorative, not protective

  • Requires careful surface preparation for adhesion – sanding for etching

> Used when appearance or colour is the main requirement

TABLE

Best overall (all environments): Aluminium

This is why we have undertaken audits with both Dulux and Interpon, resulting in our approval as an Accredited Aluminium Powder Coating Supplier.

What Powder do I choose?

Standard and commercial powder coating systems mainly differ in durability, performance, and suitability for exposure conditions.

Standard powders (e.g. entry-level architectural systems from Dulux Powder Coatings or AkzoNobel) are designed for mild environments (typically C1–C2). They provide basic UV stability, aesthetic finish, and cost-effective protection, making them suitable for interior or low-exposure exterior applications where corrosion risk is minimal. Considered a “10 year powder”. Not suitable for commercial exterior projects.

Commercial powders are higher-performance architectural systems designed for more demanding environments (typically C3–C4 and above). They offer improved corrosion resistance, better UV stability, higher film durability, and longer service life. These systems are better suited to urban, industrial, and coastal conditions where weathering and environmental stress are more severe. Considered a “25 year powder”.

In short, standard powders prioritise economy and light-duty protection, while commercial powders prioritise durability, extended lifespan, and performance in harsher environments.

Download Environmental Considerations info sheet PDF