Internationally recognised quality requirements for powder-coated aluminium used in architectural applications — helping deliver durable colour, consistent appearance and long-term surface performance.
Windows, doors and façades are continuously exposed to sunlight, humidity, temperature variations, pollution and, in coastal areas, aggressive saline environments.
The quality of the aluminium surface treatment is therefore an essential part of the long-term appearance and durability of an architectural system.
QUALICOAT provides a structured quality framework for coating aluminium intended for architectural applications, covering the preparation, coating and control processes required to achieve consistent surface performance.
QUALICOAT is an international quality label and specification system for coating aluminium used in architectural applications.
Its requirements apply to coating systems, pretreatment processes, application conditions and quality control procedures used by authorised coating facilities.
Architectural applications include aluminium elements such as windows, doors, façades, curtain walls, cladding, fencing and other permanently installed building components.
A premium powder-coated finish is the result of a controlled industrial process, not simply the application of coloured powder to aluminium.
QUALICOAT specifications define requirements and testing procedures across multiple stages of the coating process, supporting consistent architectural quality.
Correct preparation and pretreatment of the aluminium substrate before the coating system is applied.
Controlled coating application helps provide a consistent protective and decorative surface.
Testing evaluates the bond between the coating layer and the prepared aluminium substrate.
Production controls help maintain consistent colour, appearance and gloss across architectural components.
Approved coating systems are evaluated for demanding outdoor conditions and long-term architectural use.
Pretreatment and coating quality are fundamental to protecting architectural aluminium in challenging environments.
Surface quality becomes especially important when aluminium components are permanently exposed as part of the architectural envelope.
Mparolas manufactures architectural aluminium solutions using systems from leading European aluminium companies including ALUMIL, ELVIAL and Reynaers Aluminium.
Surface treatment options and certification scope depend on the selected system, colour, coating facility and project specification.
ALUMIL operates certified aluminium surface treatment processes and publishes QUALICOAT and SEASIDE certification information for its powder-coated aluminium profiles.
Certification and available finishing options should be confirmed according to the selected profiles, coating line and individual project specification.
ELVIAL operates QUALICOAT-certified coating facilities with SEASIDE capability and certified pre-anodising treatment for demanding architectural environments.
ELVIAL's current coating certification includes multiple vertical and horizontal lines as well as its pre-anodising treatment line.
Reynaers Aluminium systems are available with a broad range of architectural finishes, while its published surface guarantee documentation references QUALICOAT requirements for painted aluminium.
Available finishes and project-specific surface requirements depend on the selected Reynaers system, colour and technical specification.
Coastal environments, industrial atmospheres and other aggressive exposure conditions place additional demands on aluminium surface protection.
In such applications, enhanced pretreatment such as QUALICOAT SEASIDE and, where specified, PRE-OX pre-anodising can provide an additional level of surface preparation before powder coating.
Distance from the sea and local environmental conditions should be considered during specification.
More aggressive environments may require enhanced pretreatment before the final coating is applied.
Appropriate cleaning and maintenance remain essential throughout the service life of the installation.
Colour is an architectural decision. Surface treatment is also a technical decision.
We review the application, building type, exposure conditions and architectural requirements.
The aluminium system is selected according to structural, thermal, aesthetic and dimensional requirements.
Colour, texture, powder class and required surface pretreatment are defined according to the project.
The finished profiles are processed and assembled at our production facility under controlled manufacturing and quality procedures.
Architectural specifications often define a RAL colour while providing limited information about the actual coating process.
For demanding projects, the surface specification can also define the required coating quality, powder type, texture, gloss level, environmental exposure and, when appropriate, SEASIDE or PRE-OX treatment.
Powder-coated architectural aluminium with a QUALICOAT-compliant finish, with enhanced pretreatment where required by the project's environmental exposure and manufacturer's technical recommendations.
| Parameter | General Powder Coating | QUALICOAT-Controlled Process |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Preparation | Depends on the individual coating process and applicator requirements. | Defined pretreatment requirements and controlled production procedures. |
| Coating Quality | Quality can vary according to materials, equipment and production control. | Production is evaluated against documented specifications and testing requirements. |
| Appearance | Colour and gloss consistency depend on the specific production process. | Defined evaluation criteria support consistent architectural appearance. |
| Weathering | Performance depends on powder quality, pretreatment and curing. | Approved coating systems are evaluated according to defined exposure and performance requirements. |
| Quality Control | Depends on the applicator's internal procedures. | Structured inspection and testing requirements are part of the certification framework. |
A high-quality coating provides long-term protection, but maintenance remains an important part of preserving the appearance of architectural aluminium.
QUALICOAT is an international quality label and specification system covering the coating of aluminium for architectural applications. Its requirements address pretreatment, coating materials, application processes and quality control.
Not exactly. QUALICOAT primarily certifies coating processes, coating applicators and approved coating systems. A finished aluminium window or door includes many additional components and performance characteristics beyond the surface finish.
SEASIDE relates to enhanced surface preparation requirements intended for aluminium used in particularly demanding environments, including coastal locations. The exact treatment required should be determined according to the project and exposure conditions.
PRE-OX refers to pre-anodising treatment before powder coating. It can be specified as an enhanced pretreatment solution for architectural aluminium exposed to demanding environmental conditions.
Yes. Both ALUMIL and ELVIAL publish certification information relating to QUALICOAT surface treatment and enhanced SEASIDE options. Availability for a specific project should always be confirmed according to the selected profile, finish and production route.
Yes. During project evaluation, Mparolas can review the environmental exposure, selected aluminium system and required finish in order to determine the appropriate surface treatment specification in cooperation with the relevant system supplier.
Contact Mparolas Aluminium Systems to discuss aluminium systems, architectural finishes, coating specifications and project-specific surface protection requirements.
Certification scope, coating availability, powder classification, pretreatment and warranty conditions may vary according to the aluminium system, coating facility, colour, finish, environmental exposure and project specification. Project-specific technical documentation should be confirmed before final specification.