Corrosion Protection

Corrosion Protection; Clearcoat Anodizing, Hardcoat Anodizing, Kynar Paint, Baked Enamel, Anodic Coatings, Decorative Applications, Corrosion Resistance, Hard Anodize Coatings

Paint and anodic (anodize) coatings from Superior Metal Technologies provide varying levels of corrosion protection for aluminum parts. While highly decorative, some paints offer only minimal protection against the elements.

Conversely, modified hard anodize coatings provide virtually indestructible corrosion resistance, but their decorative applications are more limited. Below are brief descriptions of the various coating options and their corrosion resistance properties.

Corrosion Protection: Anodize Coatings

Clear Anodizing

Anodized aluminum finishes (Architectural Types I and II) provide excellent corrosion protection. They won't peel or flake, while offering a wide range of color choices that lets the luster and natural beauty of the metal show through. We can even create custom colors to match a clients' specifications.

Hardcoat Anodizing (Hardcoating)

Hardcoat Anodizing (Architectural Type III) provides additional protective properties. They are an excellent choice for parts in "high wear" environments. Hard coatings have a Rockwell Hardness Scale rating of C-60 / 70, hardness second only to diamonds.

As well as being virtually corrosion-proof, hardcoating resists:

Hardcoat color choices include black, grays, and clear.

Corrosion Protection: Paint Coatings

Not as hard and durable as anodize coatings, painted aluminum surfaces provide varying levels of corrosion protection, from excellent to fair, but are more vulnerable to scratches and wear that can affect the paint's corrosion resistance properties.

The primary advantage of paint coatings is the ability to create virtually any color, using our state-of-the-art color spectrometer and in-house paint mixing facilities.

Kynar® Based Paints

	Kynar® Painted Parts  Click for larger image

Wet paints containing Kynar 500® resin are rated as excellent corrosion barriers. They are guaranteed for up to 20 years for outdoor and exterior applications, Kynar paints are also:

• Resistant to most chemicals and solvents
• Resistant to ultraviolet and nuclear radiation
• Resistant to weathering and chalking
• Resistant to fungi
• Resistant to direct sunlight and UV radiation

Baked Enamel Coatings

While harder than wet paint coatings, baked enamel is not as corrosion resistant as Kynar resin based paints. Baked enamel coatings are only rated at 5 years for outdoor applications. Their primary uses are for long lasting interior applications like:

• Column covers
• Ceiling trim
• Gratings
• Hand railings