It is important that QUALICOAT lab technicians are properly trained to ensure that all coating processes and materials meet the rigorous standards required for architectural applications. QUALICOAT certification is a globally recognised mark of quality for architectural powder coating on aluminium and its alloys, and maintaining this standard depends heavily on the accuracy and consistency of laboratory testing of production output. Trained technicians understand how to correctly perform tests such as adhesion, gloss, colour uniformity, and resistance to corrosion or weathering, which are essential for confirming compliance with the QUALICOAT Specification. Their expertise ensures that any deviations or potential issues are identified early, preventing substandard products from reaching the market.
Trained technicians contribute to the credibility and reliability of the entire certification system. When technicians are knowledgeable and skilled, it minimises human error and variability in test results, leading to consistent, reproducible outcomes. This consistency reinforces trust between manufacturers, applicators, architects, and end-users specifying the QUALICOAT label. In an industry where product durability, aesthetic quality, and performance in harsh environments are critical, the role of well-trained lab personnel is fundamental to upholding the integrity and reputation of the QUALICOAT standard.
In July, QUALICOAT UK & Ireland, the regional General Licensee for the global QUALICOAT label, held a two day member training workshop for Laboratory Technicians at Bragborough Hall, near Daventry. Essentially setting up a complete temporary laboratory at the venue, over 60 delegates from the region attended the workshop, which is a prerequisite of maintaining a QUALICOAT licence. The first day’s training offered Laboratory Technicians who have not attended a training day before, the basics of production testing with hands on product testing using the recommended testing equipment and record keeping. The second day was for experienced Laboratory Technicians who have attended previous training days and concentrated on more advanced testing techniques and management issues.
Since the mandatory Laboratory training was added to the global QUALICOAT Specification a few years ago, all coating licensee’s must now ensure that their Laboratory Technicians attend a training session at least every two years. The training workshops set up by QUALICOAT UK & Ireland are recognised by QUALICOAT to be the most successful and best attended to date. Feedback from delegates has been very positive.
From Martin Froggatt, HSEQ Manager at Garnalex: “We always get very positive feedback from our employees who attend the QUALICOAT training days. The training not only shows how the tests are conducted but, importantly, why they are done. As a company, we support the continued professional development of all our employees and will always take advantage of having subject matter experts to deliver training. The QUALICOAT Technician Training, whilst mandatory for membership, is an essential part our employee training program. It also provides a good opportunity for attendees to meet and talk to others who do a similar role and share their experiences. The recently introduced advanced training (day 2) has been particularly well received, and we look forward to putting employees who have attended the basic course through the advanced course. We feel the knowledge gained from the basic and advanced courses has a very positive impact on product quality when applied in the workplace and ensures ongoing compliance with the QUALICOAT Specification.
Paul Ryan, Red Shift Paint Plant Process Leader at Kawneer UK Limited commented: “The training session was very informative, and well presented. The Qualicoat 3.0 presentation was very good, with a lot of detail and gives an insight to what may be needed from the extrusion side of the process. It will be interesting to have more information on this with regards to such things as expectations, specifications and any form of testing that will be required.”
QUALICOAT UK & Ireland would like to thank members of IFO, their independent test house and equipment suppliers for helping set up the two days of training, without their enthusiastic support these well received training sessions would not be possible.
If you are a powder coater, should you wish to attend a members meeting and apply for licensed membership of QUALICOAT please get in touch. All QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members are available to offer architectural powder coating advice and can be found on the Association’s website at qualicoatuki.org
