Surface Finishes
Marine windows are subjected to the most harmful of all the planets
natural force's. The sun, salt, sand and wind all work together
to eat, blast and bully their way into the surface eventually getting
to the metal and working on that. There are a number of ways the
metal can be protected. You can basically paint it, powdercoat it
or Anodise it.
Painting and Powdercoating basically forms an applied film to the
surface which relies on surface adhesion to stay in place. This
film forms like a 'glad wrap' or shrink wrap effect with the metal.
So long as it adheres 100% and absolutely no scratching or cracking
of the surface happens, the metal is protected. Should the film
be broken or scratched, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible
as water getting between the two surfaces very quickly eats its
way along causing all sorts of damage to the underlying metal.
Anodising is in the metal, not on it. It is a controlled form of
oxidization. The pores of the metal are opened and colour introduced
and then sealed. This process is done by dipping the metal entirely
in a number of baths while charged with electrical current. Should
the finished surface be scratched, it is impossible for the water
to get between the two surfaces. The raw aluminium will simply re-oxidise
itself over time, and little or no harm is done. Other than the
scratching!
We have had many people try and apply different types of paint to
our windows. It is our recommendation that Anodising is used as
all other types of finish have a tendency to break down.
|
