Practical guide to specifying color-coated aluminium

Start with the end use

The same visual finish can behave differently when it is roll-formed, laminated, punched or used as a flat decorative surface. Begin the enquiry with the finished component, the forming steps and whether the material will be used indoors or outdoors.

This context lets both sides identify which inputs require technical confirmation. It is more useful than starting with a color name alone.

• Finished product and application environment
• Forming, bending, stamping, laminating or bonding process
• Visible face, reverse-side requirements and expected service conditions
• Any project standard, certification or restricted-substance requirement

Define the base metal and dimensions

List the known material parameters and mark any that remain open for supplier recommendation. A range is often more useful than a nominal value when the downstream process has a genuine tolerance window.

Make the finish measurable

Color descriptions can be interpreted differently across screens, lighting conditions and coating systems. Use a recognized reference such as a RAL number when suitable, and provide a physical master sample when appearance matching is critical.

Qihao's usual gloss target is 30, while high-gloss finishes are available at 85 or above. The measurement method, tolerance and approved sample should be recorded in the order.

For Qihao's standard offer, PE and high-performance polyester use a single-coat top finish of 15 μm ± 1 μm. The standard backing coat is a single coat of 10 μm ± 1 μm.

PVDF is a primer-plus-topcoat system with a nominal 25 μm total dry film thickness. A typical two-coat build is about 23–28 μm in total; project performance and acceptance must still be confirmed rather than inferred from film thickness alone.

Name the test method

A measurable order names both the target and the method. EN 1396:2023 provides a product specification framework for coil-coated aluminium, while the EN 13523 series provides individual test methods.

Agree how the result will be verified

Before production, identify the sample, document or test result that will be used for approval. Requirements should match the application rather than relying on a generic list copied from another project.

• Approved color or finish sample and viewing conditions
• Required dimensional, mechanical or coating test records
• Batch identification and any retained-sample expectation
• Inspection point and acceptance method for the first production batch

Include delivery information in the first RFQ

Destination, packaging method, target timing and trade-term expectations can affect the workable coil size and quotation. Qihao's regular export loading is through Qingdao Port, China; the packing method, Incoterms and sailing plan are confirmed for each shipment.

For a faster technical review, send the application, dimensions, finish reference, quantity and destination together. Qihao Aluminium can then confirm which points are fixed and which require a sample or further discussion.