Frequently Asked QuestionsiStock_000008416382XSmall
  • What are the %age gloss levels of matt, satin, and gloss powders?
    Gloss levels can vary considerably, but the following is a useful guide:

    Matt     is 25% ±5% (Tiger); or 30% ±5% (Interpon, Syntha Pulvin, Dupont, Inver).
    Satin (a.k.a. Semi-Gloss) is 65% ±5% (Inver); 70% ±5% (Interpon, Syntha Pulvin, Dupont); or 75% ±5% (Tiger).
    Gloss is 80% +5% (Dupont, Inver); 80%-95% (Tiger); 82% ±5% (Syntha Pulvin); or 85% ±5% (Interpon).
    Syntha Pulvin's High gloss is 90% ±5%, and their Satin- and Gloss metallics are visual gloss only.

    If you require specifics for a given powder, then please contact us.
  • What is your SIC code?
    25610 under SIC2007, 28510 under SIC2003.
  • How can I find out the closest RAL colour to a BS reference?
    In general there is rarely a perfect match but rather a match with a ΔE value indicating how close to the original BS colour the RAL colour is. We have a document giving those matches and ΔE values available at our Downloadables page. Please note that this is information is supplied in good faith with a warranty neither expressed nor implied, and that detailed colour sampling and matching is always advised.
  • My product must be independently inspected. Can you help?
    We can point you in the direction of Clive Plant, although this does not constitute a recommendation.
  • Do you have a quick 'rule of thumb' on whether marine coating should be used for a particular contract?
    We do, although this is for guidance only and is made with the caveat that each powder manufacturer has a different opinion on this issue. If there is any doubt whatsoever, we recommend that you apply for a marine guarantee at the outset.
  • Didn't you used to offer thermal break as a subcontract service?
    We did, when our own machinery was being repaired. That machinery has since been decommissioned, though we continue to offer thermal breaking as a subcontract service but only on orders with a value of more than £500 before VAT.
  • I can't find any contact names on this website...
    We know. This is deliberate, to stop salespeople looking us up and then cold calling us to sell us things. Sorry about that. If you're a salesperson and you're here doing research with a view to calling us tomorrow, I really wouldn't bother - our staff can repeat the words, "We don't accept unsolicited calls" until they're blue in the face and they enjoy it.
  • Can you supply me with a sample panel?
    We actually order these from the powder manufacturers and the process can take a week or more. If you have a particularly urgent requirement, then you can order sample panels direct from the manufacturers:

    Interpon - order from Chromadex, 0191 438 4738 or by email
    Syntha Pulvin - 0800 250 251 or by email
    Dupont Performance Coatings - 01325 355 371
    Inver S.p.A. - 0151 486 0486
    Rohm & Haas - 08000 320 430
    IGP - 01454 800 020 or by email
    Tiger UK - 01564 778 866 or by email
  • How big is your oven?
    We can accommodate up to 1550mm high x 595mm wide x 6700mm length, subject to volume. More information on our capabilities can be found here.
  • Do you have a RAL colour chart I can look at?
    We have swatches available. which we can send to you. If you are looking for a quick, descriptive guide that you can access online, then take a look at our RAL colour table page.
  • How can I keep track of the orders I have placed with you?
    Contact us and ask to receive Status Reports. These will be faxed or emailed to you twice weekly and give a comprehensive overview of all orders placed with us and the stage that each order is at.
  • Do you coat steel?
    Not mild steel, sadly; this requires a different chemical pre-treatment to aluminium. We can coat galvanised steel, though.
  • Can you coat my motorbike parts/bathroom radiator/fence railings?
    Yes, we can... but at a price. Whatever it is you are looking to be coated, the minimum we can coat at any one time is a full flight bar so you have to pay us for that, which depending on the finish you want will mean a minimum order charge of anything up to £250. Generally, for items such as motorbike parts, architectural grade coating is unnecessary, so you're better off trying a general powder coater such as this one.
  • Do you sell aluminium?
    Not as such. We do keep stock of aluminium sheet (2.5m x 1.25m and 3.0m x 1.5m) which we can supply in mill finish or coated to your requirements.
  • Can you coat dual colour?
    Unfortunately not.
  • Can you overcoat anodised aluminium?
    We can overcoat anodised aluminium, but the end result varies and does not carry a guarantee. We prefer to strip the anodising and then coat the material, which gives a very good result and which carries our usual guarantee of up to 30 years.
  • Do you have a list of stock powders?
    Unfortunately not - our stock changes daily, and we constantly carry out checks on that stock to ensure only useable powder is retained. We can however give you pretty much an instantaneous answer to any specific question you have - just give us a call on 0191 4990770, or email us.
  • Do you guarantee coated stripwork?
    We do: coated stripwork carries the same guarantee as would coated mill finish material, up to 30 years.
  • Does your coating meet BS EN 12206-1: 2004?
    It does, although this standard has some serious limitations, and so we work to the more stringent BS 6496: 1984 (1991).
  • "Goosewing grey"?
    BS 10A05.
  • Can you provide me with a RAL colour swatch?
    We can. Please contact us and we will arrange to have one posted to you.
  • Can I buy a stillage from you?
    You can, or you can rent one if you're looking for a short-term storage solution. Contact us for our present rates.