When it comes to architectural powder coating, quality is no longer just a “nice to have”. It’s now a critical part of long-term building performance.
Across the construction industry, architects and façade contractors are under increasing pressure to specify finishes that don’t just look good on day one, but continue to perform for years to come. That means better durability, greater consistency, stronger corrosion resistance and a reduced risk of premature coating failure.
It’s exactly why the QUALICOAT specification is being specified more widely across the UK and Ireland.
At Tomburn, we see this shift first-hand. As a Portsmouth-based specialist powder coater and licensed QUALICOAT applicator, we believe this growing focus on quality is a positive development for the industry – and a real benefit for our customers.
In simple terms, the market is becoming less tolerant of risk.
When aluminium components are used in architectural applications, specifiers need confidence that the coating system will retain its colour, gloss and surface integrity over the long term. They also need reassurance that the finish has been applied under tightly controlled conditions, using approved materials and independently audited processes.
That is exactly what QUALICOAT is designed to provide.
The increasing adoption of QUALICOAT is being driven by three key factors:
For Tomburn customers that translates into something very practical: greater confidence in the coating finish, the process behind it and the long-term performance of the final product.
One of the most important things about QUALICOAT is that it doesn’t only assess the final appearance of a coated component. It covers the entire coating process.
That includes:
QUALICOAT is a vertically integrated specification, meaning it does not just focus on the coater. It also covers approved pre-treatment systems and powder manufacturers, helping to ensure compatibility and consistency throughout the whole process chain.
For a company like Tomburn that matters enormously. It supports our approach of using proven systems, high-quality powders and tightly controlled production processes to deliver reliable results on every batch. In other words, QUALICOAT doesn’t replace good workmanship – it reinforces it.
For customers the value of QUALICOAT is not just technical. It affects procurement decisions, project risk, maintenance planning and long-term cost.
Better assurance of quality
When you choose Tomburn for QUALICOAT-approved architectural powder coating you’re not simply buying a colour finish. You’re buying into a process that is independently audited against a recognised industry specification.
That gives specifiers and manufacturers greater assurance that the coating has been applied correctly, using approved materials and controlled methods.
Reduced risk of premature failure
Poor pre-treatment, inconsistent film thickness or non-compliant powders can all increase the risk of coating issues later on. QUALICOAT exists to reduce those risks by setting measurable standards at every stage.
For Tomburn customers that means greater confidence in the longevity of the finished product.
Stronger support for premium projects
Many higher-value architectural and commercial projects increasingly expect independently verified quality standards. QUALICOAT has become a recognised badge of confidence where performance, durability and reputation are critical.
For Tomburn, being licensed helps us support customers bidding for or delivering projects where quality expectations are particularly high.
Improved lifecycle value
A durable, properly applied powder coating can help reduce maintenance, rework and early replacement over the life of the asset.
That means better whole-life value for building owners and contractors alike.
Sustainability is another reason QUALICOAT is becoming more important.
Powder coating is already a highly efficient finishing method. It is solvent-free, low in VOCs and can be a more environmentally responsible alternative to many liquid paint systems.
QUALICOAT then takes that a step further by promoting long-lasting, well-controlled coating systems. If a coating lasts longer and performs as intended, it reduces the likelihood of:
That’s why QUALICOAT is increasingly associated not only with quality, but also with more responsible long-term construction choices.
As the market demands more from powder coating, standards matter more than ever.
QUALICOAT is growing because specifiers, contractors and manufacturers want greater certainty: certainty that coatings will perform, certainty that processes are controlled and certainty that quality is being independently verified.
For Tomburn that aligns perfectly with the way we already work – with a focus on durability, consistency, technical excellence and customer confidence.
Our QUALICOAT accreditation supports the high standards we set for every project and gives our customers the reassurance that when quality matters, Tomburn is equipped to deliver.
Find out how Tomburn has helped transform our clients buildings, products and projects.
