Powder coated aluminium
Aluminium is a metal offering an exceptional combination of properties. It is the materials most available on this planet and easiest to recycle.

Coated with a layer of aluminium oxide, it is by nature resistant to corrosion. This fine layer builds up as soon as the pure aluminium comes in contact with the atmosphere. Aluminium is never used in its pure state. The addition of a number of substances confers the material its required properties, depending on its use and the

treatments it must undergo.

Wide range of application
Aluminium has a very wide range of application. Currently, recycling provides approximately 35% of the overall aluminium consumption. It is among other things used for construction applications, storage tanks, cars, aeroplanes, cans, aluminium foil etc. but also for electric wiring and conductor rails for example.

Powder coating
Powder coating is the technique of applying dry paint to a part. The powdered paint is applied on the PicNik by the following technique: the powdered paint is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the PicNik. PicNik is then placed in an oven and the powder particles melt and coalesce to form a continuous film.

The powder used as the surface finisher for PicNik is Teodur PE Powder, a thermosetting powder that will not remelt upon reheating. Teodur PE powders are TGIC-free. During the curing process (in the oven) a chemical cross-linking reaction is triggered at the curing temperature and it is this chemical reaction, which gives the powder coating many of its desirable properties.

Once installed, maintaining the initial appearance of a powder coating is a simple matter. The soot and grime, which builds up on surfaces from time to time, contains moisture and salts which will adversely affect the powder coating and must be removed. Therefore PicNik should be washed down regularly (at least once each 6 months). The coating should be washed down with soapy water (use a neutral detergent) and rinsed off with clean water.

When PicNik is installed without damage to the powder coating and it is maintained regularly, the coating should be relatively permanent. The correctly applied coating, although not metallurgically bonded to the metal will not crack, chip or peel as with conventional paint films.

Maintenance

Anodised aluminium requires little maintenance. Cleaning with lukewarm water and a mild detergent once or twice a year is sufficient.

For persistent stains we recommend to use HG plastics, paint and wallpaper intensive cleaner.

If stains still persist, use a 'Miraclean sponge' in combination with the HG cleaner.