Officially Qualicoat Accredited Since August 2025

We are proud to announce that AliDeck has achieved official Qualicoat accreditation as of 7th August 2025. This prestigious certification validates our commitment to the highest standards in powder coating quality and represents the culmination of nearly two years of preparation and rigorous testing.

Our journey to accreditation began with our initial application in August 2023, followed by comprehensive inspections including an announced inspection in September 2024 and an unannounced inspection in May 2025. This achievement reflects our dedication to excellence and positions us among the elite manufacturers meeting Qualicoat’s stringent international standards.

Why is Qualicoat important?

Qualicoat specifications ensure a protective barrier, shielding surfaces from detrimental environmental elements. It helps prevent corrosion, maintains structural integrity, and prolongs the lifespan of architectural components such as fences, facades, and other aluminium structures.

A high-quality coating for aluminium and its alloys in architectural applications is of utmost importance. Aluminium is widely used in the construction industry due to its lightweight, durability, and versatility. However, without proper coating, aluminium can be susceptible to various environmental factors.

We operate our Qualicoat accredited powder coating line etching to seaside standards of 2 grams per square meter to increase adhesion life and resistance to delamination. We apply Class 2 powder on every single project, which provides superior chip resistance and longevity benefits.

Benefits of Qualicoat include:

Superior Quality

Enhanced Durability

Optimal Protection

Aesthetic Appeal

Peace of Mind

Going Above and Beyond Qualicoat Requirements

At AliDeck, we don’t just meet Qualicoat standards – we exceed them significantly across every aspect of our powder coating process. Our commitment to excellence means we voluntarily implement enhanced procedures that surpass industry requirements, ensuring our customers receive products of exceptional quality and durability.

Enhanced Salt Spray Testing Excellence

While Qualicoat requires a minimum of 1,000 hours salt spray testing for approval, we regularly conduct testing to 2,000 hours and frequently achieve remarkable results exceeding 3,000 hours. We cooperate with chemical manufacturers by sending production samples every two months to an independent third-party for acetic acid salt spray resistance testing. Importantly, we send actual profile cut-offs rather than standard test samples, demonstrating the real-world performance of our finished products under the most demanding conditions.

Superior Pre-Treatment Process

Our comprehensive 7-stage pre-treatment process incorporates two additional rinse stages beyond standard requirements. These extra rinses ensure superior adhesion between the powder coating and the aluminium substrate while reducing chemical consumption in production. The additional rinses maintain exceptional tank cleanliness and purity, ensuring consistent results and prolonging the lifespan of our treatment tanks.

We employ enhanced preliminary pre-treatment using Type AA dual etching with dual rinses following each etch tank, achieving an etching degree of 2.0 g/m² to meet seaside requirements. This exceeds the standard 1.0 g/m² requirement for our current granting. Our tank monitoring includes constant conductivity measurement using Qualicoat-approved pH and conductivity readers, ensuring our final rinse drain remains below the required 30µS/cm standard for optimal coating performance.

Enhanced Testing Protocol

Beyond mandatory Qualicoat testing requirements, we conduct several additional tests for comprehensive quality assurance. Our cupping test uses the Elcometer 1620 Cupping Tester, providing gradual impact resistance testing that correlates with our mandatory impact testing but offers insight into coating performance under slower, progressive forces.

We also perform the MEK polymerisation test, which while optional for powder coating under Qualicoat standards, provides additional reassurance of coating cure quality. This test ensures complete polymerisation of our powder coating systems by evaluating any changes in gloss or surface integrity.

Additionally, we conduct slip resistance testing as an extra safety precaution, despite this not being a Qualicoat requirement. This testing ensures our textured Class 2 powder coating provides optimal grip characteristics for decking applications, giving our customers confidence in the safety performance of their installations.

Superior Impact Testing Performance

Our impact testing consistently exceeds Qualicoat requirements, achieving 2.7468nm impact energy compared to the required 2.5nm standard. This enhanced performance is achieved through testing at a slightly higher drop height, creating greater impact force and demonstrating superior coating adhesion under extreme conditions.

The 7-Stage Pre-Treatment Process

  • 1

    Cleaner / Etch: To remove greases, oils & preservatives from the metal surface and etch the metal, in order to produce a clean, oil free surface suitable for treatment.

  • 2

    First Water Rinse: To remove the majority of the dissolved aluminium, emulsified oil and etch residues without promoting precipitation.

  • 3

    Second Water Rinse: To remove the remainder of the dissolved aluminium, emulsified oil and etch residues without promoting precipitation. (Additional AliDeck measure)

  • 4

    Deoxidisation & Conversion: To deoxidise and further etch the surface, subsequently forming an inorganic conversion coating, which will enhance paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.

  • 5

    Acid Rinse: To remove the acid chemicals from the materials to stop the reaction occurring and etching to carry on.

  • 6

    Final Water Rinse: To remove any water soluble material and residual conversion coating process from the coated metal prior to painting. (Additional AliDeck measure)

  • 7

    Deionised Rinse: To remove last remaining water soluble material and residual conversion coating process from the coated metal, leaving a protected surface ready for powder coating.

In-House Powder-Coating for Decking, Cladding, Railings, Balustrades & Balcony Components

We operate an automatic seven-stage pre-treatment powder-coating facility in our warehouse, a game-changing shift in the way we operate. This means that we are able to now control even more of the overall production process, ensuring that project success is built into our range. A powder-coat finish allows our products to be fire rated to A2-s1, d0 standards which remains well within the current regulations and British Standards.

Qualicoat Seaside standard requires that aluminium be etched to 2 g/m² when using Class 2 powders. We at Alideck meet this standard which ensures that our products maintain the highest quality for a minimum of three decades. We also use class 2 powders across the board on all required products, which provides our customers with the best possible protection against the elements.

The 6-Stage Testing Process

We also operate a six-stage testing process that enables us to give you a robust 30-year adhesion warranty. Furthermore, our recent Acetic Acid Salt Spray result (accelerated weathering tests) has flown past 3000 hours!

AliDeck testing to ensure powder coated aluminium decking, railings, cladding durability and suitability for seaside areas.

The 6-Stage Process Includes:

  • 1

    Film Thickness Check: Using an Elcometer we will check the thickness of the coating, making sure it’s between 60 and 100 microns. To conform to A2-s2, d0, and A2fl-s1 fire certifications

  • 2

    Cross Hatch Test: Conducted using pressure-sensitive tape after cross-hatching process to verify perfect adhesion and durability, even under stress.

  • 3

    Impact Test: Conducted by dropping a vertically sliding weight to test the impact resistance of our coating. (exceeds 2.5nm requirement) Also uses tape pull test.

  • 4

    Bend Test: Placing our test panel inside the Mandrel, it is then folded to test the coating adhesion quality under the bending forces of folding. Also uses tape pull test.

  • 5

    Cupping Test: Similar to the impact test, but this time we slowly wind down and progressively punch into the test panel, to a 5mm indentation. (Additional AliDeck test)

  • 6

    Accelerated Weathering Test: For an hour under pressure, we cook the test panel to ensure we do not get any blistering on the coating at which point we repeat the cross-hatch test. This simulates over a decade of elemental exposure, verifying endurance

  • Watch our CEO, Mark Wood, as he takes you on a tour of AliDeck’s in-house lab testing for our powder-coating process. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality across our wide range of products, and this video will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we do it.

Maintenance of Qualicoat products

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of products finished with the Qualicoat system, it is important to follow proper maintenance and care practices. Here are some guidelines to help you maintain the beauty and functionality of your Qualicoat assured products:

  • Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean the coated surfaces using a mild detergent or soap and water solution. Gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any dirt, grime, or pollutants that may accumulate over time. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the coating.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials: When cleaning or maintaining the coated surfaces, refrain from using abrasive materials such as steel wool or abrasive brushes. These can scratch or damage the coating, compromising its integrity and appearance.
  • Inspections: Periodically inspect the coated surfaces for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Look for any chips, scratches, or areas where the coating may have been compromised. If you notice any issues, it is advisable to address them promptly to prevent further damage.
  • Touch-Up Painting: In the event of minor damage or scratches to the coating, touch-up painting may be necessary. View AliDeck’s guidelines or contact our support team for specific touch-up paint recommendations and instructions. Properly applied touch-up paint can help maintain the protective properties of the coating.
  • Follow AliDeck’s Instructions: Always refer to AliDeck’s maintenance instructions and guidelines for specific maintenance and care recommendations. These instructions may include additional details or precautions specific to your Qualicoat finished products.

For more information on installation and maintenance of AliDeck’s products, please use the button below:

Here’s what the Managing Director at Extreme Balconies had to say after the tour at our factory recently

“The hospitality provided by AliDeck is consistently outstanding, and the excellence of your staff shines through in their exceptional support and ongoing innovation. The facility itself is remarkable, yet it’s the quality of the product that truly captures attention.

With a magnificent on-site powder-coating facility and the use of Qualicoat 2 as a standard, offering a 30-year warranty, AliDeck’s products distinguish themselves from competitors. It’s a privilege to work with you.”

  • Damien – Managing Director, Extreme Balconies

Standard Powder-coating Colours

We offer 8 colours as standard, with the option to match bespoke requests of any colour at an additional cost. We offer class 2 which brings a rougher texture to provide a grippier finish. It is worth noting, however, that our class 2 rough texture is not available on our balustrade systems.

AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours
AliDeck Aluminium Decking and Balcony Components Standard Powder Coating Colours

  • Confirm colour selection with a RAL colour swatch before purchase. Any non-standard RAL colour is available on request as special order.

Qualicoat is a quality label organisation committed to maintaining and promoting the quality of coating on aluminium and its alloys for architectural applications!

See below for how we meet the qualicoat standards

BS 6496:1984: Specification for powder organic coatings for application and stoving to aluminium alloy extrusions, sheet and preformed sections for external architectural purposes, and for the finish on aluminium alloy extrusions. Alideck extrusions are finished using the following EN standards:

EN 12206-1:2004: Paints and varnishes. Coating of aluminium and aluminium alloys for architectural purposes. Coatings prepared from coating powder

EN ISO 2409:2013: Paints and Varnishes, Cross Cut Test. Our quality department also perform the following tests on our powder coated profiles.

Oven curing temperatures are checked and recorded daily. To obtain the requirements for different powders we calculate these using the powder suppliers data sheets.

ISO9227: Acetic Acid Salt Spray Test

EN ISO 3231: Resistance to humid atmospheres containing Sulphur Dioxide

EN ISO 11341: Accelerated weathering test

EN ISO 2810: Natural weathering test (Florida Test). (Carried out on Powder type)

EN ISO 12206-1: Resistance to mortar (Carried out on Powder type)

EN ISO 6270-2: Constant Climate Condensation Water test Our aluminium is sent through a variety of pre-treatment chemical baths that remove a very fine layer off the surface before powder coating.

QUALICOAT 2.1: Visual inspection at 3 metres for internal and 5 metres for external extrusions (Our Inspectors visually inspect at 1 metre as standard)

QUALICOAT 2.2: Gloss level check to within 5% +/- of the AliDeck’s stated level. [EN ISO 2813]

QUALICOAT 2.3: Thickness checks to see that the material is coated with at least 60 microns of powder, average. [EN ISO 2360]

QUALICOAT 2.4.1: Cross Hatch cuts are made at 2mm spacing with one being at 90° to the other cut, tape is then applied, left for 1 minute and removed to check for adhesion of paint. [EN ISO 2409 2013]

QUALICOAT 2.6: Cupping test is carried out to check for adhesion with the substrate [EN ISO 1520]

QUALICOAT 2.7: Bend test on a 5mm Mandrel to ensure adhesion after bending [EN ISO 1519]

QUALICOAT 2.8: Impact test with an energy of 2.5Nm to ensure that the coating adheres to the substrate [EN ISO 6272 / ASTM D2794]

QUALICOAT 2.11: Machu test (Accelerated corrosion test) in a solution made up of Sodium Chloride, Acetic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide at 37°C. Duration 48 hours. This is inspected and tested by an independent third-party.

QUALICOAT 2.14: Polymerisation test (Wipe with MEK for 30 seconds)

QUALICOAT 2.16: Resistance to boiling water in an open pan. Duration 2 hours.

QUALICOAT 2.18: Sawing and drilling to ensure that there is no flaking after cutting (using sharp tools)