FINISHES : Whether you choose for a lacquered or anodized surface finish, you will enjoy the lifelong beauty of your windows without having to invest in paint or varnish. As opposed to other materials, powder coated or anodized aluminum is not affected by UV-radiation and will never start to rust or rot, making it extremely low maintenance. The surface finish of your windows does not only have an aesthetic value, it also provides extra protection for the aluminum.
Pure aluminum has a very good corrosion resistance, due to an oxide layer, which protects the metal against the outside environment. This natural, untreated surface was typical of the early aluminum windows. Nowadays however, new techniques are developed for the surface treatment of aluminum, which increase the durability and give the systems an extra design aspect.
Powder Coating : In the process of powder coating, the aluminum is first degreased and cleaned. A colored powder is then sprayed onto the statically charged profiles. These profiles are subsequently baked in ovens, allowing the powder to melt together into a stable and high quality finish of the aluminum. To guarantee maximum quality, this procedure is performed according to the strict guidelines of the European Qualicoat-standard.
Anodizing : The anodization surface treatment gives the profiles a controlled oxide layer, giving them a high level of protection in combination with a natural look. In the process of anodization, profiles are degreased and cleaned before being dipped into a chemical bath. This is where an artificial oxidation process takes place, allowing the pores of the aluminum to open. The profiles are then colored in a bath of metal oxide. Finally, the pores are closed again in a special steam bath. To ensure the very best quality, this specialized procedure is performed according to the strict guidelines of the European Qualanod-standard.
What should I choose?
There is virtually no difference in quality between lacquering or anodizing. The only subtle difference can be found in the aesthetics: with lacquering, the aluminum surface is covered with a top layer, while anodization preserves the original structure of the aluminum. However, some extreme or aggressive (polluted) environments -such as coastal areas or megacities- require an extra level of protection. Barema therefore advises pre-anodization of the profiles before being powder coated. The combination of these two techniques results in the most complete long-term protection of your building elements.
COLORS : Aluminum is without doubt the ideal material for the creation of contemporary building concepts. Colored windows and doors certainly bring an added value to your building. They can combine an impressive outside appearance with a pleasant living atmosphere on the inside.
Suppose you want to match the exterior color of your windows with your façade and choose an inside color that perfectly matches your interior. Barema can provide the interior and exterior of your profiles in almost every color you can imagine. Over 450 different shades and finishes are available: metallic or anodized, matt or gloss RAL-colors, or even a special low maintenance and scratch resistant Coatex finish. On top of that, your windows can even incorporate a realistic wood structure.
Colored accessories : Handles, hinges and other accessories can also be lacquered in exactly the same color as your windows. Even the drainage caps are available in all RAL colors. Opting for colored accessories results in a spotless integration of all accessories into your windows.
