Q-Panel Paint Test Panels

Aluminum test substrates minimize metal variability as a source of bias in critical tests. Made from high quality aluminum, they are clean, consistent, convenient, and economical. A wide range of panel sizes and types are available and are typically in stock. Panels are stored completely clean, and in most cases can be used right out of the box. Because they are lightweight and rust free, it is often more convenient to use aluminum panels in place of steel. Aluminum panels can be used to replace steel for sales samples, color standards, mailing and even for weathering tests.

• Bare Aluminum Panels (Type A) are our standard aluminum panels, made from alloy 3003 H14, and are 0.64 mm (0.025 in) thick. Alloy 3003 H14 is now the most widely used general purpose aluminum alloy from coil stock.
• Chromated Aluminum Panels (Type AL) are treated with a chromium conversion coating which improves paint adhesion and resistance to underfilm corrosion. Most aluminum is given such a pretreatment prior to painting. Type AL are made from alloy 3003 H14, and are 0.64 mm (0.025 in) thick.

Steel test substrates minimize metal variability as a source of bias in critical tests. Made from standard low-carbon, cold-rolled steel, they are clean, consistent, convenient and economical. A wide range of panel sizes and types are available and are typically in stock. Panels are stored completely clean and, in most cases, can be used right out of the box. Steel panels are made from standard low-carbon, cold-rolled steel complying with ASTM A 366, A 109 and QQS-698.

• Smooth Finish Steel Panels (Type QD, and DT) have a smooth, bright finish. Type QD are 0.020 in (0.51 mm) thick, and are our smoothest panel. They are recommended for testing gloss and color, and are the best buy for many general applications. Type DT are very thin 0.010 in (0.25 mm), flexible panels and are tin plated. These types are very inexpensive and are stocked in a limited number of sizes.
• Matte Finish Steel Panels (Type R) are a dull matte mill finish produced by roughened rolls. This matte finish is representative of general purpose sheet metal applications. Because they are thicker, 0.032 in (0.81 mm), Type R panels are more rigid than Type QD.
• Ground Polished Finish Steel Panels (Type S) are the same steel as Type R, with a thickness of 0.032 in (0.81 mm), but one side is polished by grinding it with an abrasive until the mill surface is completely removed. This imparts a smooth surface that looks similar to a “brushed” finish. The ground (or polished) surface frequently gives better adhesion results than a matte finish.