Aluminium Frames
When customers ask us at Accend Aluminium & Glass in Roodepoort and Randburg whether aluminium frames can be painted instead of powder coated, the short answer is: yes, you can paint aluminium—but powder coating is usually the better option. In this post, we’ll explore when painting is viable, where powder coating shines, and what you should consider before choosing a method.
Understanding the Finishes: Paint vs. Powder Coat on Aluminium Frames
To decide the right finish for your aluminium windows, doors, or façades, you need to understand both methods.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating involves applying a dry powder—usually a thermoset polymer—electrostatically to a metal surface, then baking it so it fuses into a smooth, hard finish.
This process yields a durable, uniform coating that resists chipping, peeling, fading, and corrosion. (en.wikipedia.org)
On the 2AG (Accend Aluminium & Glass) website, you can see our Powder Coating Options for Aluminium Frames where we detail colour ranges, surface textures, and durability. (2ag.co.za)
What does “painting” aluminium mean?
Painting typically refers to wet coatings—liquid paint (acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, etc.) applied with a spray, brush, or roller, often over a primer. The paint dries or cures by solvent evaporation or chemical reaction.
Painting aluminium requires special surface preparation: degreasing, etching, and most importantly a self-etching or conversion primer to ensure adhesion, because bare aluminium is inert and resists bonding with paint. Without proper pretreatment, the paint will tend to peel or flake. (reddit.com)
Why Powder Coating is the Preferred Option at Accend Aluminium & Glass
While painting aluminium is technically possible, we prefer—and generally recommend—powder coating for our aluminium windows, doors, shopfronts, and façades. Here’s why:
Durability and longevity
Powder coatings create a thicker, tougher barrier than most liquid paints. Because the powder fuses chemically when heated, it adheres more strongly, resisting scratches, chips, and corrosion over time. (pbzmfg.com)
When frames are exposed to South Africa’s sun, heat, rain, and dust, durability is critical. A proper powder-coated finish lasts far longer under such conditions.
Better finish consistency and aesthetics
Liquid paint can suffer from drips, uneven layers, and visible brush or spray marks, especially over large surfaces. In contrast, powder coating gives consistent coverage, little variation between horizontal and vertical surfaces, and smooth textures. (3erp.com)
For large projects (e.g. aluminium shopfronts or curtain walls), maintaining a uniform, high-end look matters. (See our Guide to Aluminium Shopfronts for insight into design and finish expectations.) (2ag.co.za)
Environmental benefits and lower VOCs
Powder coating is solvent-free and emits almost no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Overspray can often be reclaimed. In contrast, wet paints release fumes and require stricter ventilation and waste handling. (en.wikipedia.org)
Efficient process and lower lifetime cost
Even though the initial equipment cost for powder coating is higher, it’s more efficient in production: one coat, faster curing, minimal rework, and lower wastage. In the long run, it tends to cost less per durable part than repainting or maintenance. (kramerindustriesonline.com)
Additionally, for large-scale aluminium windows and doors, Accend Aluminium & Glass factors powder coatings into our pricing (see our How Much Do Aluminium Windows and Doors Cost page for reference on cost drivers) (2ag.co.za).
When Is Painting Aluminium Still an Option?
Even though powder coating is our first choice, there are cases where painting makes sense.
Small repairs or field touch-ups
If a section of a powder-coated frame is scratched or damaged on site, applying a touch-up paint may be more practical than removing and re-coating the entire frame. The key is ensuring the damaged area is properly cleaned, primed, and matched in colour.
Very low-volume or DIY projects
For small custom items, prototypes, or artistic elements (aluminium trim, decorative elements), painting may allow greater flexibility in colour mixing or special effects. But the adhesive and preparation challenges remain.
Heat- or component-sensitive assemblies
If an assembly includes parts that cannot tolerate oven curing (e.g. plastics, seals, insulating materials), powder coating may be impractical. In such cases, one might selectively mask and paint parts, or adopt hybrid strategies.
When ultra-thin coatings are necessary
Powder coating has a minimum practical thickness. Some precision parts or tight-tolerance joins may demand thinner liquid coatings to maintain fit. However, for standard architectural frames, this is rarely a major constraint.
Best Practices & Considerations for Aluminium Frame Finishing
To ensure the finish performs well, follow these guidelines:
Surface preparation is critical
Whether you paint or powder coat, you must remove mill scale, oil, fingerprints, oxide layers, and contaminants. Techniques include degreasing, chemical etching, cleaning, and conversion coatings. If this step is skipped, adhesion will fail.
Primer & adhesion promoters for painting
When painting, use a self-etching primer or a chromate conversion coating as the first layer. This improves bonding. Then apply compatible topcoats (2K polyurethane, acrylic, etc.). Opt for coatings with UV stability.
Colour matching and batch consistency
One of the challenges in powder coating is that colours are premixed and fixed batches. If you need an exact colour match (to signage, branding colours, etc.), make sure the powder provider can match it. For painted finishes, you have more flexibility to tint on site—but you risk slight variations.
Maintenance & repair paths
Powder-coated finishes generally need less maintenance. But for any finishing method, clean gently with mild soapy water, and avoid abrasive agents. If repaints are needed, follow manufacturer guidance for surface prep before recoating.
Choosing a reliable coating partner
At Accend Aluminium & Glass, we carefully vet our powder coating vendors to meet industry standards. For aluminium windows, doors, shopfronts, and longer-life installations, we insist on robust coatings, warranties, and quality control.
Final Thoughts for Accend Aluminium & Glass Clients
So: aluminium frames can be painted, but it’s rarely optimal compared to powder coating. As specialists in aluminium and glass installations in Roodepoort, Randburg, and beyond, Accend Aluminium & Glass usually recommends powder coating for its superior durability, aesthetic consistency, environmental credentials, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
When you choose us for aluminium windows, shopfronts, doors or façades, you benefit from our deep knowledge in finish options, meticulous preparation, and access to the best powder coating systems. Explore more about our Aluminium Windows solutions here. (2ag.co.za)
If you’d like a deeper technical consultation—colour matching, special effects, or hybrid finishes—just let us know. We’d be happy to guide you toward the most suitable, long-lasting solution for your project.