Why Specify Qualicoat?

The Qualicoat standard has continued to develop over the last few years and is now one of the most widely specified standards for architectural finishes in Europe. With some of the latest revisions in the standard the finish quality goes far beyond the ‘British Standard’ and ‘European Norm’ 12206-1:2004.

Paul McCarthy of APA Systems Limited, currently Chairman of Qualicoat UK & Ireland, answers some typical questions regarding the Qualicoat quality label.
You've seen the Qualicoat logo you probably know what it’s about, but do you specify it on your orders?

“OK - so what is so special about Qualicoat?”

The Qualicoat standard is independent of any one country or government, instead the standard is compiled, written and regulated by members of the association. Members have a vested interest in ensuring the highest standards of powder coating can be achieved in the most cost effective and consistent manner.

Your choice of finish is not reduced as many of the powder manufacturers and pre-treatment suppliers are members of Qualicoat and offer Qualicoat approved materials and systems - the same full range of colours and surface finishes are available.

It is also important to note that applicator members of Qualicoat UK & Ireland only supply powder coating that meets the standard.

“So what about cost, it must cost more as I will be narrowing my choices?”

Over half of the powder coating applicators in the UK and Ireland are members of Qualicoat UK & Ireland, so there is a good possibility that you may already be using Qualicoat material. Even though Qualicoat is a standard that approves the powder, the pre-treatment chemicals and the process of powder coating, these are not sold at a premium. As the Qualicoat standard ensures process consistency this in turn effectively achieves additional efficiency which if fact keeps costs down. No one standard does this except Qualicoat and, most importantly, specifying Qualicoat encompasses all the British and European standards.

If you are the type of specifier or company who likes to offer a consistent and high quality finish to your clients, Qualicoat will certainly not cost you a premium.

“Is the Qualicoat standard monitored?”

Yes, unlike the British Standard Qualicoat is independently tested. The company responsible for this is Bodycote, a highly respected British based testing house who have many branches across the UK specialising in all forms of industrial testing techniques. Qualicoat UK & Ireland members are independently inspected at least twice per year, without warning, and yes, they will loose their Qualicoat status if they fail on any part of the routine testing. If you specify the ‘British Standard’ and ‘European Norm’ 12206-1:2004 you will need to employ a independent consultant if as a specifier you wish to have the finish independently tested.

“So what do members get out of Qualicoat?”

By being a member of Qualicoat UK & Ireland the supplier or producer is recognised as supplying the best quality architectural powder coating available, members may also use the Qualicoat logo on all their marketing communication. The long term benefit for applicator and user, is that the failure rate is dramatically reduced when powder coating is applied to the Qualicoat standard.

Regular member meetings offer feedback on emerging new standards and the business of Qualicoat technical groups who meet to further the Qualicoat standard. There is often a speaker who talks on a specific topic relating to powder coat or in the case of the recent members meeting at the Metal Forming Centre in Birmingham, members were offered a presentation from Michael Taylor of Gee & Co. Who presented an up to date review of where the regulations are with UK liquid effluent disposal via sewer systems.

The benefits to the customer of specifying Qualicoat is consistent finish and long life which I am sure is what we all expect from our architectural powder coat finishes, but sadly do not always get. A Qualicoat specification can only improve a companies credibility when fabricating and supplying powder coated aluminium systems and products.

“OK so I'm convinced, how do I specify the standard what is the latest issue, date, number, etc. to use?”

That’s just it, just use 'Applied to Qualicoat Standard by a Qualicoat approved applicator' on your specification. Doing so ensures that the powder coater is registered with Qualicoat UK & Ireland and uses Qualicoat approved powders and pre-treatment systems. By not having any date or references as a user you can be guaranteed that the coating, whenever undertaken, is always up to date.

With some of the recent updates to the Qualicoat standard even higher quality finishes are now available for specific uses such as ‘seaside class’ where salts can be problematic and pre-finishing techniques are changed in order to eliminate substrate corrosion.

To find a member go to the Qualicoat UK & Ireland website, you will also find that members are also very helpful and knowledgeable about their product.

Current news and information on architectural powder coating is frequently updated on the UK website at www.qualicoatuki.org. The European website offers the complete specification which can be found at www.qualicoat.net. Printed literature and telephone support is available from Qualicoat UK and Ireland Head Office in Birmingham on 0121 601 6746.