22nd May
Architects and designers understandably focus first on the form, material, and fabrication of a project. Fabricators are then commissioned, aluminium or steel is ordered, manufacturing begins, and only later is the powder coater contacted with the chosen specification. At that point, there can sometimes be an assumption that the selected powder is already sitting on the shelf ready to use.
In reality, many powder coaters do not stock every colour, texture, gloss level, or specialist finish. While standard architectural colours may be readily available, more unusual shades, metallics, textured coatings, matt finishes, or bespoke effects often need to be ordered specifically for a project.
This is particularly important now that customised colours and distinctive finishes are becoming more common. This will introduce additional lead times if the coating requirement is only confirmed at the final stage.
A simple way to avoid delays is to treat the powder specification as an early procurement item rather than a finishing detail. We always urge clients to involve us early in the finish selection process, ideally at the same time that the fabrication is commissioned and the metal ordered. This then allows the powder to be ordered in parallel with manufacture.
The advantages of this approach can be summarised as follows:-
- Reduced risk of programme delays
- Time for a review of the project specification
- Greater certainty around colour availability
- Time for approval panels or sample matching if required
- Better coordination between fabrication and finishing schedules
- Less pressure on the final stages of the project
At Powdertech Corby we are always happy to advise on powder availability, lead times, and alternative options where necessary. Early collaboration simply helps projects run more smoothly, particularly when the chosen finish is something distinctive.
