Does aluminum railing require special coatings for salt-air corrosion protection?

Yes, while aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, a high-performance coating is absolutely essential to guarantee long-term durability and aesthetic preservation in the extremely aggressive salt-air environments found along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines. The ambient air in locations like Jeddah is saturated with chloride ions from sea spray, which are highly corrosive to almost all metals. Aluminum's natural defense is its oxide layer, but constant exposure to salt can challenge and attempt to break down this layer over time. This is why we don't rely on the raw metal alone. Our company exclusively uses architectural-grade powder coatings that are specifically formulated and tested for coastal applications. These coatings meet or exceed rigorous industry standards such as AAMA 2604 and AAMA 2605. The process involves electrostatically applying a specially formulated powder to the aluminum profile and then curing it under high heat. This melts the powder into a thick, uniform, and incredibly hard skin that is bonded to the metal's surface. This finish serves as a robust, non-porous barrier, completely isolating the aluminum from contact with salt, moisture, and UV radiation. It prevents any corrosive agents from reaching the metal, ensuring that the railing will not pit, peel, or degrade. It is this multi-layered approach—the naturally resistant aluminum substrate plus the high-performance powder coating—that allows us to confidently provide a railing system that will withstand the harshest coastal conditions in Saudi Arabia for decades without rusting or failing.