What are the advantages and disadvantages of powder ...
What are the advantages and disadvantages of powder-coated cast aluminium furniture?
We recently explored the benefits of our key material in the "Why buy cast aluminium garden furniture" article. In that piece, we examined the numerous advantages of using this material and frequently mentioned the special painted finish we apply.
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In this article, we delve deeper into the reasons behind applying a powder-coated painted finish to our cast aluminium garden furniture and why we believe it is an ideal choice for gardens and patios.
What is powder-coated cast aluminium?
Powder-coated cast aluminium refers to outdoor furniture products made from corrosion-resistant cast aluminium that has been coated with a layer of powder-coated paint.
We took a detailed look at "How is our cast aluminium garden furniture made?" this time last year, defining the process as follows:
“Cast aluminium patio furniture is made using a process, called casting, where molten aluminium is poured into a mould. This process produces the purest and most resilient form of aluminium, allowing for more intricate patterns and shapes.”
The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) describes the coating we subsequently apply and outlines the basic application process as follows:
“Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, levelling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are melted, mixed, cooled, and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. A process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is typically used to achieve the application of the powder coating to a metal substrate.”
The metal substrate for us is the cast aluminium parts (such as tabletops, chair legs, etc) we use to make our garden furniture (as shown in the photo below).
Once the parts are cool, hard and harvested from the sand casting mould (see above), the raw aluminium is checked and hand-finished to ensure there are no defects and excellent grain structure, resulting in a nice surface finish (see below).
When ready, the powder coating is applied using a spray gun, which introduces an electrostatic charge to the powdered paint particles, causing them to affix to the grounded (directing excess electricity to the ground) aluminium part.
The charged particles adhere to the surface of the aluminium, creating a uniform and durable coating that is resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading.
After the powder coating is applied, the parts enter a curing oven whereby, with the addition of high heat, the powdered finish chemically reacts to produce a tough, durable finish.
In our collection, we offer a choice of black with antique bronze, white, and a slate grey finish (as shown above), and we use the powder coating method as it gives us a hard finish that is more durable than other painting techniques.
The result is garden furniture that has a nice depth and texture, is fully weather-resistant, and has greater resistance to chips, scratches, and general wear, making it the perfect material for outdoor use.
Powder coating is also much more environmentally friendly than traditional liquid paint because it produces less waste and contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Advantages of powder-coated cast aluminium furniture
Powder-coated cast aluminium is perfectly suited to the UK climate. It is chosen for its classical style, durability, weight, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand most weather conditions, making it ideal for unpredictable climates.
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Here are the reasons why we think powder-coated cast aluminium is the best choice for gardens and patios in the UK:
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion, and the casting process further enhances its durability. The powder coating we apply acts as an additional protective layer, providing resistance to fading, rusting, and corrosion caused by the often damp climate here in the UK.Weather Resistance
Powder coating is known for its ability to withstand the elements. It provides a tough, weather-resistant finish that protects the underlying cast aluminium from rain, wind, and UV exposure. This is particularly important here in the UK, where the climate can include periods of rain and fluctuating temperatures.Low Maintenance
Powder-coated cast aluminium requires minimal maintenance to retain that weather resistance. The coating helps prevent chipping, cracking, and fading, reducing the need for any refinishing or repainting. Regular cleaning with a little warm soapy water is usually sufficient to keep the furniture in good condition.Durability
Cast aluminium is inherently durable and resistant to impact. When combined with a powder coating, the furniture becomes even more resilient, making it suitable for the day-to-day wear and tear associated with outdoor use in the UK.Temperature Stability
Aluminium has good thermal stability, and the powder coating further helps protect the furniture from temperature fluctuations. This is essential in the UK, where we can experience plenty (if not as much as we’d like) of sunshine in the summer but also many single-figure and minus temperatures.Environmentally Friendly
Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process. It produces less waste and uses fewer chemicals compared to traditional liquid painting methods. Additionally, aluminium is easy to recycle, making it a sustainable choice.Finish
Powder coating results in a smooth and even finish without drips or brush marks, providing a polished and professional appearance to our furniture with a lovely tactile feel.
Whilst powder-coated cast aluminium is well-suited to the UK climate, it's advisable to follow manufacturer recommendations for care and maintenance. Regular cleaning and proper care will extend the lifespan of your furniture.
Additionally, applying a light coat of car wax is a great way to add a nice lustre to the paintwork and provide a little extra protection.
In extreme weather conditions, particularly high winds, we recommend carefully stacking your furniture in a sheltered part of your garden, covering it, or storing it in a shed or garage to keep it safe and clean.
Disadvantages of powder-coated cast aluminium furniture
On the flip side, it would be remiss of us not to point out what could be perceived as some of the downsides to cast aluminium garden furniture.
Yes, it has distinct advantages over other materials, and we often refer to it as a great all-rounder, where the pros outweigh the cons, but the common misconceptions or question marks consumers have about it are as follows:
Cost
Powder-coated aluminium furniture will often have a higher initial cost compared to other materials, especially those found in DIY stores, etc. However, this cost is often justified by the longevity and durability of the furniture. It won’t need as much maintenance or replacement as soon or often, so it makes for a sensible long-term investment.Scratching
While powder coating reduces the risk of chips and scratches, it is not entirely immune to them. Sharp or abrasive objects can still cause damage to the powder coating. However, any scratches on our furniture can easily be repaired like new with our Touch-Up Paints.Weight
While aluminium is generally lightweight, some people might prefer heavier furniture for greater stability, especially if they experience a lot of high winds. Weight is often more a matter of personal preference than a disadvantage, as lightweight furniture is easier to pick up, move, and rearrange.
In summary, powder-coated aluminium garden furniture is a popular and practical choice for our outdoor spaces, offering a balance of weather resistance, durability, good looks, and low maintenance.
Shop our Cast Aluminium Garden Furniture collection.
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