The growth in quality architectural powder coatings specified to the QUALICOAT Specification is driven primarily by increasing expectations around durability and long-term performance. As buildings become more complex and client demands rise, architects and façade engineers are seeking guarantees that coated aluminium will maintain colour, gloss, and surface integrity for decades. QUALICOAT’s rigorous testing regime which covers pre-treatment, application, curing and weathering performance, gives specifiers confidence that the finish will perform consistently across projects and climates. This assurance is particularly valued as projects push for extended lifecycle efficiencies and reduced maintenance requirements.
A second major factor is the industry-wide shift towards greater transparency and accountability in material selection. With more emphasis on traceability, verified performance and proven compliance. QUALICOAT offers a recognised, independent benchmark that distinguishes genuinely high-quality coatings from unverified alternatives. The Specification sets clear, measurable standards for coaters and suppliers, helping architects avoid the risks associated with poor pre-treatment, inconsistent film thicknesses, or non-compliant powders. As façade failures and premature degradation become less tolerated in the market QUALICOAT’s stamp of quality offers essential reassurance.
A QUALICOAT Specification is vertically integrated:
QUALICOAT licenses pre-treatment systems by subjecting them to a rigorous programme of testing and ongoing auditing. Chemical suppliers submit their pre-treatment systems for evaluation where they are assessed for corrosion resistance, coating adhesion, reproducibility, and compatibility with approved powders. These systems undergo laboratory testing, real-world weathering trials, and performance checks against the QUALICOAT Specification. Once approved, the pre-treatment system is added to QUALICOAT’s list of licensed products, but approval is not permanent, suppliers must pass regular inspections and provide evidence that their formulations and manufacturing processes remain consistent.
Powder manufacturers are also licensed in a similar but equally demanding manner. A powder supplier must prove that their products meet QUALICOAT’s strict performance requirements, including mechanical robustness, UV resistance, colour and gloss stability, and long-term exterior durability. Independent laboratories carry out accelerated weathering tests and chemical analyses to verify compliance before a product can be classed as QUALICOAT approved. Like pre-treatment suppliers, powder manufacturers are also subject to continuous monitoring, periodic inspections, and random sampling to ensure ongoing conformity. This dual licensing system ensures that both pre-treatment and powder supplies are controlled, reliable, and fully compatible with QUALICOAT-licensed coating plants.
Sustainability pressures are accelerating the adoption of QUALICOAT-certified finishes. Powder coating is already a low-VOC, efficient, and recyclable finishing method, and QUALICOAT builds on this by promoting robust, long-lasting systems that reduce the need for re-coating or replacement. Manufacturers and coaters adopting QUALICOAT often invest in cleaner technologies, improved pre-treatment systems, and better process control, aligning with environmental certification schemes and whole-life carbon goals. As clients, developers, and regulators place more emphasis on responsible construction, QUALICOAT has become a clear indicator of quality, reliability, and sustainable practice in architectural finishing.
As we move into 2026, QUALICOAT UK & Ireland is experiencing a clear upward trajectory in membership and market influence. There has been a steady increase in license applications for powder coat applicators, powder manufacturers and pre-treatment system suppliers joining our ranks. Over thirty major powder coat applicators across the UK and Ireland are now licensed and regularly audited against the QUALICOAT Specification.
So why are more coaters joining? There are three main reasons. First, market demand, architects, facade contractors and systems manufacturers increasingly specify the QUALICOAT Specification because it offers recognised assurance of durability, quality and performance for architectural powder coated aluminium. Second, competitive differentiation, coaters joining QUALICOAT can make use of the QUALICOAT approved quality label, helping them win more premium contracts. Third, process and specification support, QUALICOAT doesn’t just licence, it supports members with training, technical updates and inspection regimes which help coaters raise their internal quality systems and demonstrate compliance.
The up-to-date QUALICOAT Specification, which includes QUALICOAT 3.0, is available on request through UK & Ireland Association website, qualicoatuki.org the website also offers an up-to-date list of licensed UK and Ireland Powder Suppliers, Pre-treatment Suppliers and Applicators including the applicators who carry the Seaside class accreditation. Telephone support is available from QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Head Office in the Midlands on 0330 240 9735, the Association can also be followed on Twitter @Qualicoatuki or on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/qualicoat-uk-&-ireland.
