Colour & Finishes

Aluminium Colours & Finishes

At Rockin Rhino, all aluminium products can be supplied in a wide range of colours and finishes using a high-quality Polyester Powder Coating (PPC) process. Our coatings are applied to Qualicoat-approved standards, ensuring exceptional durability, colour consistency, and long-lasting weather protection.

What is Polyester Powder Coating (PPC)?

Polyester Powder Coating (PPC) is a modern, high-performance finishing process used as an alternative to traditional liquid paint. The powder is applied electrostatically to the aluminium surface and then cured under heat, creating a tough, protective coating.

Benefits of polyester powder coating include:

  • Excellent weather resistance
  • Long-lasting colour retention
  • Uniform, high-quality finish
  • Low maintenance requirements

This process provides a durable and attractive finish suitable for a wide range of architectural and construction applications.

Polyester Powder Coating Costs

The cost of powder coating varies depending on the colour, finish, and quantity required.

Standard colours are typically available at our standard coating rates, while specialist finishes may incur additional charges, including:

  • Metallic finishes
  • Stone-effect coatings
  • Textured finishes
  • Custom colour matches

Marine & Industrial Environment Coatings

For projects located in coastal or heavily industrialised areas, additional coating specifications may be required.

Properties located within 500 metres of the high-water mark should typically use marine-grade PPC finishes to provide enhanced protection against salt exposure and corrosion. Similarly, buildings exposed to harsh industrial pollutants may require specialist coating systems.

Please contact our team before placing your order to ensure the correct specification is selected. Additional charges may apply.

PPC Gloss Levels

Architectural-grade powder coatings are available in three gloss levels:

  • Matt – 30% Gloss
  • Satin – 60% Gloss
  • Gloss – 80% Gloss

The most commonly specified architectural finish is Matt (30%), as its lower sheen helps disguise minor surface undulations and provides a contemporary appearance.

Unless otherwise requested, Rockin Rhino recommends and supplies Matt (30%) PPC finishes as standard.

What is Mill Finish Aluminium?

Mill finish aluminium is the natural surface appearance of aluminium immediately after extrusion and before any protective coatings have been applied.

Characteristics of mill finish aluminium include:

  • Semi-dull appearance
  • Slightly reflective surface
  • Natural metallic look

However, aluminium naturally oxidises when exposed to the atmosphere. Over time, this can result in an uneven or patchy appearance.

For this reason, Rockin Rhino strongly recommends powder coating aluminium before installation. If the product is to be painted on-site, a suitable etch primer should be applied before any wet paint system is used.

Fire Performance of Powder-Coated Aluminium

Aluminium is classified as a non-combustible building material under BS 476-4 and does not burn.

Fire Ratings

Mill Finish & Anodised Aluminium

  • A1 Classification

Polyester Powder-Coated Aluminium

  • BS 476-6 Class 0 – Fire Propagation
  • BS 476-7 Class 1 – Surface Spread of Flame
  • EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0

These classifications ensure our aluminium products comply with Approved Document B and are suitable for use throughout buildings without restriction.

For further technical information, please refer to Guidance Note No. 6 – PPC and the Facts About Fire.

Colour Matching & Special Finishes

We offer an extensive range of bespoke colours and specialist finishes to meet architectural and project-specific requirements.

Available options include:

  • Metallic finishes
  • Textured coatings
  • Stone-effect finishes
  • Custom colour matching

We can also closely match existing materials, finishes, and textures to achieve a seamless design aesthetic. Availability and pricing will depend on colour selection and order volume.

Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.

Heritage Range Finishes

Our Heritage Range recreates the traditional appearance of cast iron while providing the benefits of modern aluminium construction.

Benefits include:

  • Authentic cast-iron appearance
  • Lightweight aluminium construction
  • Exceptional durability
  • Low maintenance
  • Long service life

The ideal solution for heritage buildings, listed properties, and traditional architectural projects.

Stone-Effect Aluminium Finishes

Our specialist stone-effect powder coatings allow aluminium products to blend seamlessly with surrounding brickwork and natural stone.

Benefits include:

  • Lightweight alternative to stone
  • Long-term weather resistance
  • Low maintenance finish
  • Wide range of colour options
  • Bespoke stone matching service

A small sample of your existing stone or brickwork is usually sufficient for us to identify and source a suitable match.

Coating Standards & Specifications

To ensure maximum durability, colour retention, and weather resistance, all architectural-grade powder coatings should comply with:

  • BS 6496:1984
  • BS EN 12206-1:2004

These standards help guarantee long-term performance in external environments.

Important Colour Disclaimer

Please note that colours displayed on screen may vary due to differences in monitor settings, browser configurations, and device displays.

For complete confidence in your selection, we strongly recommend requesting a physical powder coating sample and viewing it under different lighting conditions before making a final decision.