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SteelAge Range - Blackened-Effect Finishes

Verified by manufacturer 19 days ago

SteelAge for aluminium

Bradleys Architectural Metal Finishes Variant:

SteelAge - A superior range of highly popular blackened-effect finishes formulated for external and internal use, designed to capture chemical-blackened steel finish.

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Application

Intended for use on architectural metalwork, external and internal, including stainless steel, mild steel, cast metals, galvanized and zinc sprayed substrates and aluminium.

Suitable for the following environments: Interior Dry (C1), Rural (C2), Urban (C3), Industrial (C4), Coastal (C5).

Typical applications include:

  • Architectural metalwork, balustrades and railings, balconies, feature steelwork handrails, Juliet balconies, cosmetic steelwork, staircases, facade cladding, architectural cast iron, gates, sculptures, public realm furniture, feature structural steel, curtain walling, canopies, planters, landscape edging.

Unlike chemical blackening this range of finishes can be used in an external environment without the risk of staining and premature corrosion.

Description

Designed to capture the traditional chemically blackened or chemically browned metal finish through a multi-stage surface conversion process, to retain an outstanding decorative finish which is highly protective and more durable than traditional chemical blackening - suitable for both internal and external use.

Finishes include: Fired Steel, Burnished Copper and Aged Bronze Stipple.

Features and benefits:

  • Improved aesthetics: it is a hand-finished process so you can expect variances which will only add to the authenticity of the finish. Due to the application process, SteelAge reduces fabrication marks, such as welds and pitting, often found in steel colouring.
  • Chemically stable: unlike chemical blackening, there are no toxic chemicals or fumes involved in the application of the finish. SteelAge is chemically stable which means there is no damage or weakening of the substrate.
  • Sealed and stainproof: with SteelAge finishes there is no risk of staining or damaging property such as paving or clothing - it is the perfect alternative to chemical blackening.
  • Versatile application: the great advantage of SteelAge over traditional chemical blackening and chemical browning is that it works externally as well as internally.
  • High performing finish: excellent for aesthetic architectural applications and well suited to high-traffic areas, both internal and external, due to its superior resistance to wear and tear. It offers long-term cosmetic and functional protection, assuring a long-lasting high performance finish.
  • Enhanced durability: it is easy to clean, durable, repairable and and low maintenance, with good resistance to scratches and marking.
  • Weather resistance: has excellent weather resistance, good resistance to scratches and marking, it's easy to clean, durable and repairable.
  • Environmentally-friendly: SteelAge is a range of non-toxic, environmentally-friendly finishes which support your sustainability requirements.
  • Pretreatment compatibility: it is compatible with a variety of anti-corrosion treatments including Bradleys Qualizinc Ultra-Life Arc Metal Spray.

Sustainability:

SteelAge offers several environmental benefits compared to traditional Chemical Blackening and Chemical Browning finishes.

  • Reduced VOC emissions: SteelAge finishes emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air compared to chemical blackening. VOCs contribute to air pollution and can harm human health.
  • Minimal waste generation: SteelAge finishes minimize waste because they don't involve solvents. Chemical blackening processes generate more waste.
  • Elimination of hazardous substances: SteelAge finishes eliminate hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) found in chemical blackening. This contributes to cleaner air and safer working conditions.
  • Energy efficiency: SteelAge finishes require less energy during application. Reduced energy consumption benefits the environment.
  • Enhanced durability: SteelAge-finished surfaces are more durable, reducing the need for frequent repair. Longer-lasting finishes mean fewer resources used over time.
  • Promotes sustainability: SteelAge-finished products are more sustainable due to their durability, reducing the demand for new raw materials.

In summary, SteelAge aligns with sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term resource conservation.

General information

Color

Grey

Bronze

Other

Guidance for specification option:

Bespoke (on request).

Finish

Metallic

Aged

Material

Polymer

Shape

Formless

Length

Bespoke

Width

Bespoke

Height

Bespoke

Warranty description

30 year

Guidance for specification option:

Up to 30 years dependent upon environment; consult manufacturer for details.

Uniclass

Ss_40_90_60_85 Special coating systemsPrimary

CAWS

M60/195 Special coating

M60/18 Special coating

Specification data - Special coating systems

Description

Blackened-effect finish.

System performance

Interior Dry (C1).
Rural (C2).
Urban (C3).
Industrial (C4).
Coastal (C5).

Manufacturer guidance

  • Expected life to first maintenance up to 40 years depending upon environment.
  • Warranty up to 30 years dependent upon environment.
  • Suitable for both interior and exterior environments including C5.
  • Suitable for use on mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel and zinc-coated steel.

System manufacturer

Bradley Stowmarket Limited.

Preparation

Chromate pre-treatment or Chromate-free pre-treatment near equivalent.

Guidance for specification option:

Insert requirements.

Initial coats

Not required.

Guidance for specification option:

Applied directly to undercoat.

Undercoats

Bondaguard polymer base layer.

Guidance for specification option:

For projects that have been specified with a Industrial (C4) or Coastal (C5) system performance requirement.

Not required.

Finishing coats

Atomized polymer.

Sealing of internal movement joints

Guidance for specification option:

Insert requirements or omit.

External pointing to existing frames

Guidance for specification option:

Insert requirements or omit.

Colour

Fired Steel.

Burnished Steel.

Aged Bronze Stipple.

Adhesion

Achieved the ultimate Class 0 in accordance with ISO 2409.

Chemical resistance

Good resistance to acid, alkalis and oil at ambient temperatures.

Dry film thickness

Approx. 80–100 µm.

Fire classification

Fire rating not required.

Rated to A2-s1,d0.

Guidance for specification option:

All SteelAge finishes are available in fire-rated versions on prior request; consult manufacturer for details.

Gloss level

Deep matt (<12 GU).

Maintenance

Simple and easy to clean with pH neutral water and soft cloth or sponge.
Repairability: damage repair systems available for onsite application.

Test results

Accelerated weathering: tested to ISO 16474-2.
Acetic salt spray resistance (aluminium): to ISO 9227 - Passed 1000 hrs.

Sustainability data

Material

Polymer

Embodied carbon

A1-A3 (production stage) as defined in BS EN 15804

4.34 kg CO₂ eq/kg

Recyclability

Does not compromise the recyclability of the underlying material.

Expected Life

-

Manufacturer guidance

Expected life to first maintenance: up to 40 years depending upon environment.

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