Powdertech (Corby) Ltd specialises in architectural powder coatings and is a market-leading supplier of high-quality powder coating solutions to the architectural, rail and marine markets.
“Working on the refurbishment of older buildings can be challenging but is always satisfying” says Richard Besant, Director, Powdertech Corby, “As powder coating is the usually the final task, we are privileged to add the finishing touch to the careful restorative work of the architects and builders. “
A bank situated on the seafront on Guernsey presented a particular challenge. The building façade had faced harsh environmental conditions of salt water sea-spray, sand particles and wind for many years and was looking worn and shabby. The entire facade needed to be removed in multiple phases, refurbished and re-fitted with a finish that could withstand harsh marine conditions. In addition, in order to replace each finished section in the correct place once re-coated, every piece needed to be uniquely identified. Sets of façade section could then be re-fitted across the building, as easily as a painting by numbers.
After unloading the container of old material, the first task for Powdertech was to permanently engrave an identification code on an unseen area of each piece. Paint, sealant, corrosion and even trapped sea water was removed from the aluminium mullion cappings, brise soleil and support arms using a combination of shot blasting, bead blasting and chemical stripping techniques. Rigorous chemical pre-treatment of the resulting bare aluminium followed as this ensures that all faces of the material have a first layer of protection. Chemical pre-treatment is essential; the longevity and performance of the powder coating layer relies directly upon the integrity of the metal preparation.
To maximise abrasion resistance from wind-born sand, high salinity and salt deposits present in coastal conditions, the latest waterproof primers were used in combination with high-quality polyester powder coating layer, AkzoNobel BS 10 A 01 30% gloss. In all, a total film thickness in excess of 160 microns was applied to the façade sections.
And painting by numbers back at the bank? The unique identification of each component meant that the material could be pre-packed by Powdertech into kits, sent back and re-installed into the original position on the building.
Powdertech always uses high-quality architectural powders with excellent weathering properties and colour retention, guaranteeing that the bank on the seafront on Guernsey will have a fresh and bright appearance for many years.
