G.James Glass and Aluminium offers a range of different ways to finish the surface of extruded aluminium, with your choice determined by the desired final appearance and application environment.
Aluminium is naturally protected from many environmental stresses by its readily formed transparent oxide coating. Aluminium can additionally be treated with a wide range of coatings wherever additional surface protection or an enhanced appearance is desired. G.James Surface Finishing options include:
Anodising
Anodising enhances the natural metallic lustre of aluminium while accepting durable and vibrant colour through an electrochemical process. Anodising is a more durable surface finish as the process involves controlled oxidisation of the aluminium's own surface which results in a much harder finish.
G.James Glass & Aluminium offers Anodising with clear, bronze, black, multi-colour and bright silver, gold, in either satin, brushed or media-blasted finishes. Anodising is available in various thicknesses from AA10 micron (um), up to AA25 micron (um) for more demanding applications.
Choose an Anodised finish from G.James' Aluminium Colour Range
View G.James' "Detailed Comparison between Powders and Anodising Finishes" to help you select the best finish for your requirements and specifications.
Premium Finishing
G.James offers you mechanical finishing options as a premium on mill finish or prior to further surface finishing coatings.
- Sisal Brushes - impart a semi-bright finish with a slight directional texture
- Cotton Buffs - polish to a highly reflective mirror finish (mostly used prior to bright dipping)
- Media Blasting - forcibly propels a stream of metallic media against the under aluminium, under high pressure, to produce a uniform, blemish-free, matt finish
Bright Dipping
Brightening is a chemical process that yields a bright, mirror-like finish (known as a specular finish). This is achieved by chemically levelling the microscopic roughness of the aluminium where the high points of a rough surface are attacked more rapidly than the depressions.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is an electrostatic process whereby electrically charged paint particles in the form of a powder are sprayed onto the surface of pre-treated aluminium. Once the paint is applied, the aluminium is then baked in an oven to achieve a highly durable, painted (powder coated) finish.
Standard & High Durability Powders & Paint
G.James Surface Finishing offers Powder Coatings & Wet Paint, supplied by Dulux and Akzo Nobel, available in an extensive range of colours, gloss levels, textures and metallic shades for your complete colour freedom.
Powder coated finishes are available in standard and high durability powders and wet paint. G.James is an Approved Applicator for Dulux and Akzo Nobel.
Standard Polyester Powder.
Extra High Durability Polyester Powder.
PVF2 Fluorocarbon Wet Paint.
PVF3 Fluorocarbon Powder.
Aluminium can be painted for both protection and aesthetic reasons. G. James can apply a variety of superior quality paint finishes and colours in both wet spray and dry powdercoat.
Choose a Powder Coat finish from G.James' Aluminium Colour Range
View G.James detailed comparison between powders and anodising finishes to help you select the best finish for your requirements and specifications.
Effecta® Timber Finish
Effecta® is a patented surface finishing process that replicates the colour and appearance of timber onto aluminium profiles. While still offering all the benefits of low maintenance aluminium, Effecta® is a practical and affordable option to real timber
The process of Effecta® involves the aluminium extrusion(s) passing through a series of powder application stations, curing oven and brush & roller booths.
The application of Effecta® works best on flat faced profiles e.g. louvres blades, box sections etc.
Choose an Effecta® finish from G.James' Aluminium Colour Range
Detailed Comparison between Powders and Anodising Finishes
| Property | PVF2/3 Fluorocarbon | Polyester Powder | Extra High Durability Powder | Anodising |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | KYNAR 500* | Polyester | Polyester | Electro deposit |
| Colour Range | Limited Stock Range made to order | Colour Card Colours | Limited Stock Range made to order | Clear Bronzes Black Blue Night Storm Grey |
| Colour Variation | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
| Gloss Range | 25 – 40 | 10 – 90 | 30 – 90 | 50 – 90 |
| Scuff Resistance | Good | Very Good | Good | Excellent |
| Flexibility | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Fair |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair |
| Pollution Resistance | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Stains |
| Years to First Chalk | 10 – 13 years | 1 – 2 years | 4+ years | 10 years |
| Mortar Stain | No | No | No | Yes |
| Guide to Service Life | 20+ years | 10 years | 10+ years | 15 years |
| Pencil Hardness | F min | 3H | H | 6H+ |
| Dry Film Build (Microns) | 30 – 60 | 40 – 60 | 60 – 80 | 10, 15, 20, 25 |
| Pretreatment | Chromate | Chromate | Chromate | Caustic Etch, Polish or Media Blast |
| Primer | Yes | No | No | No |
| Tough Up | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Applied Cost | Very High | Moderate | High | Moderate/High |
| Specification | AAMA 605.2 | AS 3715 | AS 3715 | AS 1231 |
| Warranty | 10 year on request | Yes | 10 year on request | 10 year on request |
| Applications | Monumental Buildings and Louvre Systems | General Domestic Use | Residential & Commercial Buildings | Harder wearing surface for all applications |
