Anodised aluminium railings

Protecting aluminium railings and balustrades from the elements

Anodizing, as written in British English, is a process that used electrolytic passivation to grow the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of aluminium profiles. This oxide layer is a natural layer but this process used an electrical circuit conducted through the profile creating it into the anode of this circuit – hence calling it “Anodizing”.

Anodizing greatly increases wear and corrosion resistance. The created layer that protects the railings is actually a grown layer of Aluminium-oxide, to explain a bit aluminium oxide is the natural occurring substance formed when unfinished or raw aluminium alloy oxidises (reacts with the oxygen in the air). Aluminium oxide is the reason aluminium can be so resistant to the elements. Aluminium oxide is so strong and hard as a substance that it is actually used for sharpening knives! It is also known as “Corundum” for those who were listening in chemistry class.

So Anodizing is basically creating an aluminium oxide layer under a controlled process and sealing it. The process involves several stages of dipping the railing profiles in different baths containing chemicals and finally sealing the process using hot water so that all the pores left are sealed.

Royal Chrome anodizing

Royal Chrome anodizing is the process we at Balcony Systems use to create a special anodized finish that has all the traits of anodized aluminium yet has the finish which looks like polished stainless steel.

The process is proprietary but in essence is very similar to standard Anodizing with an added bath that includes a proprietary die. The process cannot be performed on all alloys of aluminium and requires a specific alloy type, with an extrusion process that gives the railing profiles an extra smooth surface finish when they come out of the extruder.

The unfinished surface when the profiles are cut

When a railing profile is used in the manufacture process of balustrades and handrails it requires to be notched, cut, tapped and drilled. These processes will of course penetrate the protective anodised layer. The beauty of using aluminium profiles for railings lies in the natural traits of the material. As explained above these areas will have formed on them a natural aluminium oxide layer that will protect them and not allow deterioration of the surface.

If the surface or railings are scratched 

Asides from aesthetic damage scratches will cause and unlike in metal balconies and mild steel painting where damage to the outer skin can cause rust to enter and de laminate the whole paintwork or locally show rust, again we thank the natural tendency of aluminium to oxidise and protect itself. Any scratch, whether deep or not will NOT cause and negative effect to the rest of the railing profile or anodised layer.

Next time you want to use a metal railing or balustrade, serious consideration should be given to the use of anodised handrails. If you like the look of stainless steel, yet still want to enjoy the traits described herein of the anodized aluminium then you should opt for the Royal Chrome anodised finish; it does not tea stain or rust and will give years of enjoyment.