Milwood Group’s In-House Powder-Coating Line Achieves Qualicoat Certification
At Milwood Group, every veranda, canopy, carport, glass room, and fencing system we manufacture is designed to last for decades, and our in-house powder-coating line has the certification to prove it. Our seven-stage pre-treatment powder-coating facility is officially Qualicoat Certified, meeting the highest global standards for quality and durability in architectural aluminium coatings.
By bringing this process in-house, we have complete control over the quality and consistency of every coated component. This means our Trade Partners can deliver installations that not only look exceptional but are built to withstand even the harshest conditions.
Why Qualicoat Certification Matters
Qualicoat is the internationally recognised benchmark for architectural powder coating. Achieving certification requires strict compliance with preparation, application, and testing processes, all of which are now managed and verified at our Hinckley facility.
The 7-Stage Pre-Treatment Process
Before powder is applied, every aluminium profile undergoes our meticulous 7-Stage Pre-Treatment Process:
- 1
Cleaner/Etch: removes greases, oils, and preservatives while lightly etching the surface for optimal adhesion
- 2
First Water Rinse: flushes away most dissolved aluminium, emulsified oils, and etch residues
- 3
Second Water Rinse: eliminates any remaining contaminants before further treatment
- 4
Deoxidisation & Conversion: further etches the surface and applies an inorganic conversion coating to boost paint adhesion and corrosion resistance
- 5
Acid Rinse: halts the etching reaction and neutralises the surface
- 6
Final Water Rinse: removes any residual chemicals, leaving a clean and stable base
- 7
Deionised Rinse: the final polish, removing all soluble material and ensuring a perfectly prepared surface ready for coating
The 6-Stage Testing Process
Our Qualicoat Certification requires every batch to pass a comprehensive 6-Stage Testing Process in our in-house laboratory:
- 1
Film Thickness Check: measured with an Elcometer to ensure coatings are between 60–80 microns, meeting A2-s1, d0 fire certification
- 2
Cross Hatch Test: assesses adhesion by scoring the coating, applying pressure-sensitive tape, and removing it to check for any loss
- 3
Impact Test: measures the coating’s resistance to sudden impact from a dropped weight
- 4
Bend Test: folds the coated panel using a mandrel to check adhesion under extreme flexing
- 5
Cupping Test: progressively indents the panel to a 5mm depth, assessing coating performance under pressure
- 6
Accelerated Weathering Test: simulates more than a decade of elemental exposure, followed by another Cross Hatch Test to confirm endurance
This rigorous testing means our Trade Partners can trust every product leaving our facility meets the same exacting standard.
Sustainable Powder-Coating Technology
Our facility includes a 95% recovery and recycle booth, capturing and reusing overspray powder. This not only reduces waste but ensures that our production process remains as efficient and environmentally responsible as possible.
With our in-house Qualicoat-certified powder-coating line, we have raised the bar for finish quality, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. This investment means your customers get a premium finish that has been tested, verified, and proven to last for decades.
For more details on our powder-coating process or to see our finishes in person, contact us on 0333 305 5272 or [email protected].