Astro Shapes joins PPG Certified Applicator Program

PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business announced that Astro Shapes, Inc., Struthers, Ohio, has achieved PPG Certified Applicator Program (PPG/CAP) accreditation as a premier member.

Astro Shapes is part of a select group of commercial coating applicators certified by PPG to apply high-performance fluoropolymer coatings to aluminum architectural components. As a premier PPG/CAP member, Astro Shapes is certified to apply both liquid and powder DURANAR(R) coatings.

Bob Cene Jr., vice president, Astro Shapes, said PPG/CAP membership formalizes the close working relationship his firm has maintained with PPG for many years. “We consider ourselves to be one of the top suppliers of aluminum extrusions in the country,” he said. “We have been able to grow our business, even in a down economy, due to the quality of our products, our people and our relationships with leading outside suppliers such as PPG. PPG Certified Applicator Program accreditation further demonstrates our commitment to these principles and to meeting the needs of our most important partners – our customers.”

To qualify for PPG/CAP membership, applicators undergo rigorous auditing that encompasses all aspects of the coating process, from cleaning and pretreating the metal substrate to application of the coating. The audit also contains a continuous training and education component and specifies paint application parameters and cure schedules, as well as how finished products should be handled, packed and shipped.

PPG/ CAP membership enhances the ability of coatings applicators to meet building industry demands for value-added products and solutions. The program offers architects, general contractors, glazing contractors and other customers the highest levels of quality, reliability and performance. PPG/CAP members also have the exclusive ability to purchase and apply Duranar powder coatings for their customers.

Working with a PPG-certified applicator ensures the enhanced color harmony of coated aluminum architectural components on a building. PPG/CAP guidelines establish protocols to help minimize color variance across coated aluminum building components, such as:

?   a digital global database of colors that are stored numerically,

?   mandated use of common software and hardware to measure color reproduction and uniformity,

?   a uniform, systems-oriented approach to matching colors and making paint, and

?   PPG’s color and coatings knowledge, experience and resources, especially regarding metallic color production.

PPG-certified applicators provide regional sourcing of aluminum-coated components, well-trained people, fast-track service to meet tight construction deadlines and state-of-the-art technology through well-managed certified application centers.

Founded in 1971, Astro Shapes manufactures superior custom-finished aluminum extrusions for the building and construction markets. Its products are used to make a diverse range of building components, including windows, doors, enclosure rooms, solariums, railings and fences. The company serves both commercial and residential markets, as well as the recreational vehicle/leisure industries.