Posted by vinnie (68.78.44.159) on December 05, 2008 at 07:41:08:
In Reply to: Aging of aluminum without anodizing posted by Rick Piccolo on December 03, 2008 at 12:33:10:
: We will be using many (approx. 3000),large (approx. 1m x 1.6m bent mill-finish aluminum panels) as part of a curtainwall cladding system. As part of the design direction for the building, these panels are intended to age naturally, oxidizing in the outdoor environment.
: There have been some concerns from neighbourhood associations that this could give the building a "mottled" look.
: so, are there any ways on a large scale as this to achieve:
: 1. even aging of the aluminum surface.
: 2. pre-aging the surface through treatment before installation
Anodizing basically is oxidizing the surface except you stop the oxide and seal it. Just about every aluminum CT cabinet on electrical installations is just mill aluminum. The aging is more of a white powder that forms on the aluminum naturally, depending on your environment. The only way to keep it consistent is to make sure all the panels are cleaned consistently after installation. If you dont want to change the look or anodize the parts, I would suggest getting an aluminum safe cleaner and power wash the finished installation so it all ages at the same rate. The mottled look might be around where oil or hand prints are on the surface and it takes the environment longer to get thru that extra coating before starting to oxidize the aluminum. Of course an anodize board should tell you to anodize, but some people want that natural look.