"How long is it going to last?" The honest answer: it depends on the preparation of the metal, the type of powder and where the part will live. To compare powders with one another, the industry relies on standards based on real exposure to the sun, especially for architectural aluminum.
Three levels: good, better, superior
In North America, the reference is the AAMA 2603, 2604 and 2605 series, published by FGIA, which updated all three documents in May 2026. Each level requires outdoor exposure in South Florida: one year for 2603, five years for 2604, ten years for 2605.
At the end of the test, what is left gets measured. According to a summary written by the manufacturer IFS Coatings, 2604 requires keeping at least 30% of the gloss after five years and 2605, at least 50% after ten years, with limited colour change in both cases. In Europe, the Qualicoat label follows the same logic with its classes 1, 2 and 3.
Each level has its chemistry
These levels correspond to powder families, explains Products Finishing: standard polyester for 2603, superdurable polyester for 2604, fluoropolymer for 2605. Price goes up with performance. For an indoor part, paying for ten years of Florida sun makes no sense; for a facade or outdoor furniture, it is the right call.
A test is not a guarantee
Ten years in Florida is a test duration, not a service life: a well-maintained finish generally lasts longer. These standards mostly measure how colour and gloss hold up. They do not make up for a poorly prepared surface, which remains the leading cause of finishes that peel. That is why, at our shop, every part is degreased, rinsed and pretreated with zirconium before it gets its powder.
If your part is going outdoors, say so in your quote request: we will choose a powder designed for outdoor use.
In summary
- The AAMA 2603, 2604 and 2605 standards require one, five and ten years of exposure in Florida.
- They correspond to standard polyesters, superdurable polyesters and fluoropolymers.
- They measure colour and gloss; adhesion depends first on preparation.
- Always say whether the part will be exposed to the sun.
