While architects and specifiers across the industry have become increasingly familiar with powder coatings, many still mistakenly limit this versatile coating into just one or two sections of the project specification. Did you know that powder coatings can be specified into multiple sections of your project specification? Read on to find out which sections you could be specifying powder coatings.

Before diving into the specification sections, let’s review three key facts of powder coatings.

1. Shop-Applied Coating: Powder coating must be shop applied – so it cannot be applied in the field.
2. Metal Substrates Only: For architectural applications, the substrates are always metal – usually aluminum or steel.
3. Performance-First: When choosing a performance grade powder, consider the performance requirements of the project first – such as interior or exterior, UV exposure, salt spray, humidity, and corrosion resistance.

With these core concepts in mind, we’ll move on to the specification sections where you should consider adding powder coatings.

Section 05-05-13, a.k.a. Shop Applied Coatings for Metal, is the more common section that powder coatings are specified. However, there are plenty of other sections where powder can be added. Powder coating is a popular choice for added protection on curtain walls (Section 08-44), whether aluminum or steel.

When project elements require AAMA 2604-level performance and durability – such as aluminum storefronts (Section 08-43-13) which are regularly updated every few years – opt for a high-performance powder coating like IFS 400SD. Other AAMA 2604-level applications include railings and balustrades, which are found in Section 05-52-00 of the architectural specification. Exterior surfaces requiring AAMA 2605-level resistance to weathering and fading can be protected with a superior-performance architectural-grade powder coating, such as IFS 500FP.

A superior-performance architectural-grade powder coating like IFS 500FP offers strong resistance to weathering and fading for many kinds of exterior applications. Again, this formula is ideal for use on curtain walls – found in Section 08-44 of the specification – and other surfaces with high levels of exposure to the elements. Awnings (Section 10-71-13), window frames (Section 08-51-13), doors (Section 08-11-10), louvers (Section 08-91-00), panels and cladding (Section 07-41-00), and other exterior elements can take advantage of our superior performance powder’s durability.

The key takeaway is that powder coatings are incredibly versatile. Due to the nature of its formulation, powder is inherently durable, making it the ideal choice for a wide range of exterior applications. Although many specifiers are familiar with using powder on curtain walls to significantly enhance a project’s sustainability footprint, there are several more specification sections where powder can add value – especially when durability is a priority. To learn more about which sections of your project specifications could benefit from specifying powder, contact an IFS Coatings specification specialist.