TI107 - Storage and Delivery of Coated Components

An IGP Pulvertechnik AG guideline to handling coated components. Components which have been carefully and expertly finished by coating require correspondingly careful handling after surface treatment.

Coating and metal construction companies have a responsibility to protect coated surfaces from damaging effects during transport, storage, and assembly.

  1. Mechanical stress (dents, scratches, grazing)
  2. Moisture stress (water marks, moisture trapping, traces of condensation)
  3. Dirt and alkaline stress (soiling, construction dust, mortar)

Transport packaging

Spacers

Spacers and securing blocks made of the following materials are not suitable: metal, wood, paper, hard foams such as polystyrene (humic acid, moisture absorption, water release, abrasive surfaces).

Suitable materials are: extruded, closed-pore, soft foams without plasticizers. Example: “Caro Point” spacers tested in dry heat up to 40°C or 4-mm PE foam film tested in dry heat up to 60°C.
Please note: wet spacers cause water spots.

Separating layers

Separating layers made of the following materials are not suitable: paper, synthetic fibers, blister foils.
The latter can leave marks if high pressure is applied. Suitable materials are: PP/PE nonwovens with non-absorbent properties such as PP nonwoven 2 mm and bubble wrap as outer packaging.

Protection films

Protection films may only be peeled off after complete assembly – before component approval or on the instructions of the construction manager. Highly adhesive films are not suitable. Removable self-adhesive films with UV protection are suitable.

Recommended adhesive films:

  • Tesa 50560
  • Tesa 4438 (www.tesa.ch)
  • 3M Tape 3903i (www.3m.com)
  • ROLLFIX 568-100 / 564-65
  • ROLLFIX 562-55 (only for high-gloss powder coatings)

Highly visible instruction labels (text examples)

During transport and at the construction site, protect the components from
Moisture and steam diffusion inside the film packaging.

Storage and covering

Palletizing

  • Sufficiently large pallets and warehouses with free safety spaces at the edges
  • Protect component ends and edges
  • Store palletized items slightly inclined so that water can run off.

Covers

  • Once packing units have been opened, install all the parts completely, or after removing individual components, re-close the packing units so that they are watertight, or cover with tarpaulins placed so that water cannot get underneath.
  • Avoid standing water, also on coated surfaces.
  • Also avoid trapped moisture due to unsuitable spacers.
  • All-round covers and film wrappings must allow vapor pressure equalization.
    (Danger of condensation and micro-climate formation)
  • Adding desiccants or silica gel is also a suitable precaution.
    Example: Desiccant bag (Dry & Save)

Storage areas

  • Dry storage areas and storage underneath protected roofs with good air flow (low incidence of condensation)

Handling

Avoiding grazing

Completely lift profiles or metal sheets off the storage unit; do not drag them off.

Scaffolding and construction site sheeting

Must not lie directly on coated surfaces (danger of grazing)

Contamination

Alkaline construction dust and mortar must be carefully removed within a few hours (risk of damage to gloss level, shade, and surface quality).
Never clean off contaminants with a dry cloth; use plenty of water and a soft sponge.

Quality assurance

Please observe the SZFF standards: SZFF 41.07: Coating aluminum and steel façade parts, SZFF 61.01: Upkeep and cleaning of metal façades.

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