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Are you having a hard time deciding what type of finish to select for your new aluminum storefront? Do you want a finish that lasts a long time, looks good, and is easy to maintain? If so, read on to learn all about anodized finishes and why they're a great choice for an aluminum storefront coating.
What Is Anodizing Coating?
When you request that your aluminum storefront be anodized, the sheets of aluminum are submerged in a large bath of water and sulfuric acid. An electrical charge is then applied to the bath and then something magical happens.
As the electrical current pulses through the water and sulfuric acid mixture, the sulfuric acid releases oxygen atoms. These oxygen atoms bond with the aluminum atoms, creating a hard, uniform crust on the surface of the aluminum.
Essentially, anodized aluminum undergoes the same oxidation process that it naturally would when exposed to an outside environment, but with anodizing the process is controlled and expedited so your storefront is immediately protected from wear and uniform in appearance.
There Aren't Any Color Options?
As a matter of fact, there are a lot of color options. Anodized aluminum alone will produce a clear finish. The aluminum will show through the finish creating a lovely silver appearance. If you'd rather a different color, though, that can be achieved with another water bath.
This time, the already anodized aluminum will be placed in a bath containing water and tin, nickel, or cobalt. An electrical charge is then applied to the mixture, and atoms of whatever metal is suspended in the water will bind to the surface of the aluminum. Each metal can produce various shades of silver, bronze, or black depending on how long the aluminum is submerged in the mixture.
Don't worry about the chemistry of it all, though. Just tell your aluminum storefront supplier what color you'd like to see as a final product and they'll worry about the rest.
Yes, But Isn't Anodized Coating More Expensive Than Painting?
The upfront cost of choosing an anodized coating for your aluminum storefront is more expensive than just painting it, yes. But here's the thing -- the crust on anodized aluminum actually becomes one with the metal. An anodized coating will not come off and it won't ever flake or peel! Anodized aluminum also doesn't fade in the sunlight like paint is infamous for doing.
After several years of exposure to the elements, an anodized coating will develop a powdery appearance. When this happens, you can purchase a special abrasive cleaner that removes a very thin layer of the anodized coating and restores your storefront to a brand new appearance.
Just How Durable Is This Coating?
The aluminum oxide that forms as a coating when aluminum is anodized is chemically identical to sapphire -- one of the strongest substances known to man. When choosing your coating, keep in mind there are 2 architectural classes of anodized aluminum.
Class II anodized aluminum is most commonly used for storefronts. This coating is less expensive than the thicker Class I coating, and is usually plenty durable enough to hold up to the wear and tear the average storefront receives.
If your store is located in a particularly inclement weather-prone area, though, request that your aluminum storefront supplier use a class I anodized coating on it.
There are a lot of coating options when it comes to protecting your aluminum storefront and it can be difficult to decide for sure which will work best for you. If you want a coating that will be aesthetically appealing and durable for years to come, an anodized aluminum finish is a wonderful option. Contact your aluminum storefront supplier to discuss their available color selection and what architectural class of anodized aluminum coating works best for your region.
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