Aluminum Frame Coating Problems

In this article, we will examine all the problems with aluminum frame coatings and how they can be addressed. What is discoloration of frame coatings and when does it occur? When does filiform corrosion appear and how is it treated? When is a dent or a scratch on a window or a balcony door acceptable and how is it treated? What do we do when our aluminum frames fade? How do we clean scratches on aluminum surfaces? We will examine these and many more below.

Discoloration of Aluminum Frames

The discoloration of aluminum frame coatings is one of the frame coating problems that rarely occurs and is mainly observed in wood imitation colors. The main cause, if this happens relatively early, is the low quality of paint used. This is usually observed in aluminum profiles that are exposed to increased sunlight. Unfortunately, there is no way to treat discoloration of aluminum frame coatings once it appears, only prevention.

Greece is a country with 60% more sunshine compared to Central European countries. This characteristic of our country makes the use of plastic frames almost prohibitive and at the same time necessitates the use of super durable coatings, in the case of aluminum frame construction exposed to increased sunlight. Super durable aluminum frame coatings (Super Durable paints) have 3 times greater durability compared to simple aluminum coatings and are the best protection against discoloration of aluminum frames. If you are going to buy and install aluminum frames in areas with very intense sunlight, the use of super durable powder coatings is something you must invest in.

Filiform Corrosion or Oxidation of Aluminum Frames

Filiform corrosion or oxidation of aluminum frames is one of the frame coating problems that mainly occurs in coastal areas (or on frames installed near swimming pools) and there are two causes for its appearance: the poor quality of electrostatic coatings applied to the aluminum frame bars and the processing method of aluminum profiles by aluminum frame manufacturers. It mainly appears at the miters – corners of the frames, at the points where the electrostatic coating has been removed due to processing, and takes the form of oxidation with blisters (blisters under the surface of the frame’s color).

In order to achieve the best possible quality of electrostatic coatings, which are usually applied by aluminum profile manufacturing companies, we should look for companies that are certified with Sea Side Class 2 coatings for protection against filiform corrosion or oxidation of aluminum frames (aluminum frame corrosion). An additional measure is the selection of super durable colors, Super Durable, which are 3 times more resistant compared to conventional or anodized coatings.

However, apart from the type of coatings we choose for our home’s aluminum frames and protection against filiform corrosion, additional measures must be taken by aluminum frame manufacturers. Specifically, when frame manufacturers take a six-meter aluminum bar and cut it to the dimensions of your windows and balcony doors, at the points where the bar is cut (miters), the electrostatic coating is inevitably removed. To seal the pores created during the cutting of aluminum frames, special sealing materials must be applied to the cuts – miters. The application of special sealing materials (BRUGAL IN-30) on the cuts – miters of aluminum frames closes the pores created when aluminum profiles are cut and effectively protects us against filiform corrosion or oxidation of aluminum frames. This specific measure is almost essential for frames installed near the sea.

Dents – Scratches – “Blemishes” on Frames

In all types of coatings, if we get very close and look, we will notice imperfections, such as dents – abrasions – scratches and even small “blemishes” on the frames. So, which dent – abrasion – scratch or imperfection on a coating is acceptable?

Legislation for scratches on windows – frames

An unacceptable coating and imperfection, according to legislation, is one that is visible from a distance of three (3) meters from the surface of the specific window. The same applies to glazing (spots), roller shutters, screens, and window shutters, as well as any other object.

TIP: How you can clean scratches – abrasions on aluminum frames – windows

There are four (4) ways you can clean scratches on windows and aluminum frames. Let’s look at the cleaning methods.

1. The most common and safest method is a paste for scratches and abrasions on aluminum surfaces. Such pastes are available in aluminum accessories stores, specialized for electrostatically painted aluminum doors and windows. The most common is Scoop cleaning emulsion. The emulsion can be used on any frame color.
2. A second and quite effective way to eliminate scratches and abrasions is to visit a paint shop or specialized paint store that produces electrostatic paint spray. In this case, you will need to know the color code of your frames (e.g., White Ral 9010, Brown Ral 8014, etc.). See the codes for the frame colors.
3. Another method is the use of permanent markers over the scratches, but in this case, there is a limitation on the colors you can find.
4. The last method for scratches and dents on windows – aluminum frames is nail polish! In this case, you can find all colors, but when you visit the cosmetics store, you should bring a sample of your frame color to match it.
5. Finally, you can order spray paint with the color of your frames from specialized paint stores (you will need to know your color code).

Peeling of Aluminum Frames

There are several reasons that cause peeling of aluminum frames. Some of these are:

• Peeling at joints that may result from the absence of sealant or special sealants for coastal areas
• Painting of frames in non-certified paint shops
• The use of low-quality powder in electrostatic painting

• The repainting of profiles (color over color) to a different color

In any case, for minor peeling, follow the Tips – instructions above to cover the peeling of the frames.

Dulling and Brightening of Aluminum Frames

The dulling and brightening of aluminum frames in electrostatic coatings is not a temporary problem as widely stated on the internet. If the dullness does not go away with simple cleaning of the frames and persists, then it is a coating failure, and the only solution is to repaint the frames. Brightening frames with special cleaners does not last long and in some cases completely destroys the coating. The most effective solution is the use of super durable aluminum coatings.

See more about cleaning frames

Rust on Aluminum Frames

Rust on aluminum frames is usually not due to a problem with the electrostatic coating but to the damage of a metal element. These can be:

• False frames rusted
• Metal mechanisms

• Metal screws
• Various metal elements (e.g., railings, grates, etc.)

Color Variations in Aluminum Frame Coatings

Color variations in aluminum frame coatings can be attributed to many causes (frame coating problems). The most frequent cause is the use of different powders in electrostatic coatings. Small deviations can also occur if the aluminum profiles are painted in different paint shops or even on different days. To avoid the problem of color variations (two-tone frames) in aluminum frame coatings, the aluminum profiles of our frames, screens, roller shutters, and all paintable aluminum profiles should be painted on the same day (the order should be placed as a whole) and in the same paint shop. If you receive new aluminum frames that are two-tone or have a problem with their coatings, you should immediately call the aluminum profile manufacturing company for a technical inspection (see technical inspection of frames).

Fading of Aluminum Frames

If you notice fading (discoloration) of the paint on the surfaces of aluminum frames, you should immediately call the aluminum profile manufacturing company for a technical inspection (see technical inspection of frames), especially if they are new aluminum frames. The fading of aluminum frames, i.e., part of the color – paint coming off when cleaning the windows or balcony doors of your house, may, if the frames are new and it occurs to a small extent, be absolutely normal (when it happens for a very short time and only at the beginning), but it may also be a serious failure of the company that painted the frames and create huge problems in the future. Therefore, the company in question should be called immediately so that we are covered for any future problems.

Scratches – Abrasions on Aluminum Frames (Aluminum)

All frame manufacturers purchase ready-painted aluminum bars. Their painting can be done either at aluminum profile manufacturing companies (e.g., Europa, Alumil) or at external paint shops, which are usually more economical. Most paint shops, and especially those of extrusions, have specific certifications for the quality of their coatings. However, they often deliver to aluminum frame manufacturers damaged aluminum bars or aluminum bars for windows and balcony doors that have scratches – abrasions. Based on the certificates, an acceptable dent or scratch (abrasion) is one that is not visible from a distance of three (3) meters from the surface of the specific profile.

Specifically, the largest paint shops worldwide apply the Qualicoat standard which states the following for all imperfections on painted aluminum profiles: The appearance should be evaluated on the significant surface. Edges and secondary surfaces are not included in the significant surface. The coating on the significant surface must not show scratches that reach the metal.

When the coating of significant surfaces is examined at an oblique viewing angle of approximately 60 degrees, none of the following defects should be visible from a distance of 3 meters:

roughness (wrinkles), tearing, blistering, orange peel appearance, inclusions (trapped objects), craters, spots (stains), pinholes, abrasions, scratches, scoring or other unacceptable defects.

The coating must also exhibit uniformity of color and gloss with good coverage. When observation is made on the unit, the following criteria must be taken into account:

For outdoor objects: examination is performed from a distance of 5 meters.

Any new product you buy (car, mobile phone, etc.), if examined from a close distance, will have some imperfections in its paint. For new aluminum frames (doors and windows), aluminum profiles that do not have imperfections in their paint, according to the above standard, are acceptable.

Which frames are more resistant to scratches – dents and how they do not discolor

The climatic conditions in Greece are such that they affect the coatings of aluminum frames (doors and windows). The prevailing high temperatures and high-intensity solar radiation alter the coatings of frames, as in most areas of the country, as in Southern Europe – Greece, there is 60% more solar radiation than in the rest of Europe.

The solution to the above problem is the use of super durable aluminum frame coatings – super durable colors which offer:

• Three (3) times greater durability than simple Ral coatings
• Greater resistance to scratches and dents
• Long-term retention of shade and gloss

Read more about the durability, tests (Florida test), prices, certifications, and warranty provided for super durable frame colors.

Dark-colored frames and the bowing effect

What is the bowing effect that appears in dark-colored thermal break sliding frames? Thermal break frames (glass panes) are divided into two parts, the inner part and the outer part, with insulating material (e.g., polyamides) in the middle, which provides thermal insulation (see more in thermal break frames). When we have dark-colored thermal break frames that are directly exposed to intense heat and sunlight, they expand from the outside due to the heat. However, inside the house, a different temperature prevails (air conditioning, etc.), causing the aluminum to contract. This makes it difficult to lock the glass panes (due to linear expansion of only the outer side of the hybrid leaf) and often causes them to rub – hit. This only happens during the hours when the sun hits the aluminum on some very hot days and with dark-colored frames. The phenomenon does not appear when there is adequate shading or when the frames are painted in light shades. The cast handle – leaves with a bar prevent this phenomenon as they do not allow linear expansion.

How to keep your frames for many years

Many of the above problems can be avoided if our frames are properly maintained (e.g., salt deposits on aluminum frames). See simple instructions for proper maintenance of aluminum frames

How to clean aluminum windows and screens

See instructions, photos, and materials for cleaning aluminum frames – doors and windows.

Download from our library, as a PDF file to your computer, the following color chart and all Europa frame colors