BU634 Finishing aluminium (2019)

Aluminium is light and relatively strong, corrosion resistant, easily fabricated and suitable for a wide range of applied finishes and building-related applications. The most common finish for building applications of aluminium is powder coating. Other options are anodising, coil coating, painting and mechanical or chemical treatments.

This bulletin describes the finishes and their specification, their application and the risks to aluminium performance. It updates and replaces Bulletin 349 Finishes for aluminium.

This bulletin covers: 

• mill-finish aluminium
• standards and codes
• finish sytems
• risks to aluminium performance
• ensuring good in-service performance
• refurbishing aluminium.