Lessons in Powder Coating: Qualicoat

Lessons in powder coating: Qualicoat SEASIDE

What does Qualicoat actually mean? What does it represent and what benefits does it bring to an applicator with this certificate? In this post from our series on powder coating lessons, we offer an introduction to Qualicoat.

Introduction to Qualicoat
Qualicoat is an international quality standard and certification program focused on powder coating for aluminum. The goal of Qualicoat is to ensure the quality and durability of powder coating on aluminum surfaces through strict specifications and testing.

Powder coating processes that meet the Qualicoat standard have proven properties such as good adhesion, color fastness, corrosion resistance and weather resistance. The Qualicoat certification process involves testing samples according to established protocols and guidelines, as well as inspecting production processes and manufacturers' quality management systems.

By choosing a powder coater certified to the Qualicoat standard, customers can be confident in the high quality and performance of the process, regardless of where in the world they are produced or applied.

What does SEASIDE stand for?

Qualicoat SEASIDE is a specific certification within Qualicoat for projects in environments with a high level of exposure to salt air, such as coastal areas. Materials coated according to the Qualicoat SEASIDE specification have proven to be resistant to the corrosive effects of salt and moisture, making them suitable for long-term use in such conditions. This certification guarantees a high quality and durability of the coating system, even in aggressive marine environments.

SEASIDE refers to the pre-treatment process of 2 grams of pickling deposit per m², which is twice as much as the normal treatment according to Qualicoat. With a pickling deposit of 2 grams per m², the entire oxide layer is removed from the surface of the aluminium, plus some of the possible present disadvantageous coarse alloying elements. With a pickling deposit of 1 gram per square meter, the said result cannot be fully guaranteed. The heavier pickling deposit results in a clean surface on which the conversion layer can be applied. This layer not only improves the corrosion resistance, but also the paint adhesion of the powder coating.

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