Coated Aluminum Foil

What is Coated Aluminum Foil?

Coated aluminum foil, often referred to as color coated aluminum foil, prepainted aluminum foil, or lacquered aluminum foil, is made by applying a layer of paint or resin to the surface of plain aluminum foil through precision roller coating or spraying processes.

The coating is usually low-viscosity and thin. After drying and baking, it forms a hard, durable protective layer. This layer not only protects the aluminum foil surface from corrosion, moisture, and wear but also provides excellent decorative colors and gloss.

Coated aluminum foil features outstanding water resistance, steam resistance, light resistance, odor resistance, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and low-temperature resistance, making it highly stable in various environmental changes.

Due to these excellent properties, it is widely used in food and beverage packaging, pharmaceuticals, building materials, home appliances, and decorative industries.

For prepainted aluminum coil and sheet products (thickness ≥0.2mm), please visit Prepainted Aluminum Sheet and Coil.

Worthwill's Coating Capabilities

Worthwill operates an advanced coating production line with integrated painting and drying systems, ensuring the temperature within the furnace remains stable and uniform for perfectly cured coated aluminum foil.

Through continuous tension control and closed-loop feedback technology, the tension of the aluminum foil at the input and output ends of the production line is kept strictly consistent, thereby achieving:

• Consistent paint thickness across the entire roll.
• No wrinkles, even at ultra-thin gauges.
• High-speed and efficient coating.
• No deformation and perfectly uniform color for color coated aluminum foil.

Worthwill's equipment can apply coatings to both sides of the aluminum foil simultaneously, resulting in:

• Improved process efficiency and significantly shorter delivery times.
• Highly competitive pricing for our clients.

Our coating methods include precision roller coating and spraying. We support a wide variety of paint types, including PE (polyester), PVDF, PTFE, epoxy, acrylic, and more. For unique visual effects, matte finish spray paint is also available.

Furthermore, Worthwill provides various surface treatments for coated and lacquered aluminum foil:

• Brushed finish.
• Embossed patterns.
• Mirror finish.

Specifications of Coated Foil

• Alloy: 1050, 1060, 1200, 3003, 3105, 5052, 8006, 8011, 8079 etc.
• Temper: Soft O (HO), H12, H14, H16, H18, H112.
• Thickness: 0.006mm - 0.2mm.
• Width: 10mm - 1340mm.
• Inner diameter: 76mm / 152mm.
• Color: Gold, silver, red, blue, black, gray, white, green, copper, brown, wood grain, or customized to your request.
• Service: Color coating, lacquering, brushed, mirror, embossed, lubricating, slitting and cutting, etc.
• Standard: EN, AW, ASTM, etc.
• Authentication: SGS, FDA, ISO.

Paint Thickness:

• Conventional paint thickness: 8 - 13 GSM.
• Gold/yellow coating: 5 - 6 g/m² for double-sided coating, 2 - 4 g/m² for single-sided coating.

Coating Structure Types:

• Double-sided transparent epoxy varnish (lacquered).
• One side transparent epoxy varnish, the other side color coated.

Classification by Paint Type

Depending on the resin used, coated aluminum foil can be divided into the following main categories:

PE Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Polyester (PE).
• Characteristics: Excellent color retention, hardness, flexibility, and adhesion; moderate weather resistance; highly cost-effective.
• Applications: Color coated aluminum foil for food containers, decorative foil, appliance panel laminates, and bottle caps.
• Data: Thickness 0.02mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -30°C to 150°C.

PVDF Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
• Characteristics: Superior weather and UV resistance, outstanding mechanical properties.
• Applications: High-end decorative prepainted aluminum foil, foil laminates for outdoor panels, and applications requiring long-lasting UV resistance.
• Data: Thickness 0.025mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -40°C to 150°C.

Epoxy Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Epoxy resin.
• Characteristics: Strong adhesion, exceptional corrosion and permeation resistance.
• Applications: Lacquered aluminum foil for food and pharmaceutical packaging, protective coatings in corrosive environments.
• Data: Thickness 0.015mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -40°C to 150°C.

Solvent-Free Epoxy Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Solvent-free epoxy resin and curing agent.
• Characteristics: Eco-friendly (no VOC emissions), excellent adhesion, wear, impact, and corrosion resistance.
• Applications: Premium food and pharmaceutical packaging.
• Data: Thickness 0.04mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -40°C to 150°C.

PTFE Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
• Characteristics: Extremely high heat and chemical resistance, very low friction coefficient.
• Applications: High-temperature industrial environments, medical devices, and aerospace insulation.
• Data: Thickness 0.02mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -200°C to 260°C.

Acrylic Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Acrylic resin.
• Characteristics: Good weather resistance, easy to clean, cost-effective.
• Applications: Indoor and outdoor decoration, appliance casings, vehicle interiors.
• Data: Thickness 0.02mm - 0.2mm, temperature resistance from -30°C to 120°C.

Heat-Seal Coated Aluminum Foil

• Coating: Heat-seal lacquer (typically modified polyester or vinyl resin).
• Characteristics: Excellent heat-sealing performance at low temperatures, strong sealing strength.
• Applications: Food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic packaging where lid sealing is required.
• Data: Thickness 0.015mm - 0.2mm, heat-sealing temperature 120 - 200°C.

Paint Type Comparison

Classification by Surface Finish

Glossy Coated Aluminum Foil (Standard Finish)

• Applications: Building materials, food and pharmaceutical packaging, printing.
• Alloys: 1000, 3000, 8000 series.
• Temper: O, H12, H14, H16, H18.
• Thickness: 0.006mm - 0.2mm.
• Paint: Single or double-sided coating, available in standard colors like white, black, red, gold, and silver.

Brushed Coated Aluminum Foil

• Surface: Specially treated to create a strong metallic brushed effect before coating.
• Alloys: 1100, 1050, 1060, 3003, etc.
• Temper: O, H12, H14, H16.
• Thickness: 0.006mm - 0.2mm.
• Colors: Typically gold, silver, bronze, or other metallic shades.

Mirror Coated Aluminum Foil

• Description: A clear or tinted lacquer is applied over a highly polished mirror-like aluminum foil to create stunning gold or silver mirror finishes.
• Alloys: 1100, 1050, 1060, etc.
• Temper: H12, H14, H16, H18.
• Thickness: 0.05mm - 0.2mm.
• Colors: Gold mirror, silver mirror, bronze mirror, etc.

Classification by Industrial Application

Coated Aluminum Foil for Food Containers

• Alloys: 8011, 8006, 3003, 3105.
• Temper: H14.
• Thickness: 0.04mm - 0.2mm.
• Paint Structure: One side uncoated or white, the other side in plain color, white, color coated, or printed, with optional lubrication to assist in stamping.

Coated Aluminum Foil for Heat-Seal Caps

• Alloys: 8011, 8079.
• Temper: O.
• Thickness: 0.03mm - 0.05mm.

Coated Aluminum Foil for Pharmaceutical Blister Packs

• Alloys: 8011, 8079.
• Temper: O, H18.
• Thickness: 0.02mm - 0.05mm.

Coated Aluminum Foil for Bottle Caps (Closures)

Worthwill's coated aluminum foil is formulated with special resins capable of withstanding strict sterilization processes in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This ensures the highest hygiene standards and fully complies with FDA regulations for food contact.

• Pharmaceutical industry: Vials, secure bottle caps, and medical closures.
• Anti-theft closures (ROPP): Used extensively in the beverage and pharmaceutical industry for product safety.
• Cosmetic industry: Used to manufacture various attractive caps and containers.

Bottle caps are mostly made of lacquered 8011 aluminum alloy, often using epoxy varnish on the inner side and a decorative PE coating on the outside. When deeper drawing or punching is needed, alloy 8079 is highly recommended.

• Alloy: EN AW 8011A, EN AW 8079.
• Temper: O.
• Thickness: 0.018mm - 0.2mm.
• Coating method: Single-sided or double-sided coating.
• Color: Colorless lacquer or vibrant color coated.

Coated Aluminum Foil for Easy-Tear Covers

Lacquered and coated aluminum foils are essential for producing easy-tear covers used in milk powder cans, instant coffee cups, yogurt tubs, and similar packaging.

• Alloy: 8011, 1235, 8079.
• Temper: O.
• Thickness: 0.025mm - 0.05mm.
• Width: 150mm - 1000mm.

Yogurt cover films often feature a composite structure consisting of PET / coated aluminum foil / heat-sealing layer (Polyethylene or EVA).

Color Coated Aluminum Foil for Bottle Labels

• Alloy: 8011.
• Temper: O.
• Thickness: 0.04mm - 0.18mm.
• Width: 60mm - 300mm.
• Colors: Silver, gold, or custom color coated matching.
• Surface: Single or double-sided gloss.

Coated Aluminum Foil for General Labels

• Alloys: 1235, 1060.
• Temper: O.
• Thickness: 0.05mm - 0.15mm.
• Colors: Silver, gold, or custom colored foils.

Hydrophilic Coated Aluminum Foil for Air Conditioners and Radiators

• Alloys: 1100, 1200, 3102, 8011.
• Temper: O, H22, H24, H26.
• Thickness: 0.095mm - 0.20mm.
• Width: 140mm - 1300mm.
• Outside Diameter: 400mm - 1400mm.
• Colors: Typically blue, white, or gold.

Fin Coating Aluminum Foil

• Alloy: 1050, 1060, 1100, 8011.
• Temper: H22, H24, H26.
• Thickness: 0.09mm - 0.20mm.
• Width: 50mm - 1200mm.
• Colors: Blue, gold, or as required.
• Surface Treatment: Polished / epoxy coated / hydrophilic.

The Coating Process

The manufacturing process varies slightly depending on the end use, but a typical coating and lacquering process for aluminum foil involves the following critical steps:

Step 1: Pretreatment before coating

1. Hot water cleaning to remove surface oils and rolling impurities.
2. Hot alkali degreasing to prepare a clean, bright surface.
3. Passivation treatment to dramatically increase coating adhesion and facilitate coloring.

Step 2: Roll coating (Single coating process)

1. Primer or base layer roller coating.
2. Oven drying and curing.
3. Cooling.

Step 3: Topcoat roller coating (Double coating process)

1. Topcoat or color-layer roller coating.
2. Final oven drying and curing.
3. Cooling and rewinding.

Coating Performance & Quality

• Adhesion: High-quality epoxy and PE paints demonstrate excellent adhesion to the aluminum foil substrate (highly resistant to cross-hatch tape tests).
• Solvent Resistance: Excellent.
• Abrasion Resistance: High resistance to scratching during forming processes.
• Heat Resistance: Stable for 2 minutes at 240°C.
• Corrosion Resistance: Easily passes ASTM B117 neutral salt spray tests, with resistance times >500 hours (and some premium products exceeding 1000 hours).
• UV Resistance: Passes the rigorous ASTM G154 test for outdoor and extended exposure applications.
• Alkali Resistance: No blistering or peeling after 3 minutes in a 20°C, 20% NaOH solution.
• Heat Stability: Maintains original performance and color after 5 minutes below 200°C.
• Oil/Fat Resistance: Safe for food contact; no blistering after immersion in volatile oil for 24 hours.

Product Advantages

• Weather Resistance: Paints are professionally formulated to provide exceptional defense against UV rays, moisture, and oxidation.
• Highly Decorative: Available in high-gloss or matte finishes with a vast array of vibrant colors (color coated aluminum foil).
• Functional Barrier: Provides excellent resistance to water vapor and gases, strong insulating capabilities, and prevents flavor loss, which significantly extends food shelf life.
• Processability: Flexible coatings guarantee easy forming, stamping, and deep-drawing without cracking or peeling.
• Food Safety Assured: Completely complies with European directives and FDA regulations for direct and indirect food contact.
• Sustainability: Aluminum is a 100% recyclable material, making coated foil an environmentally responsible packaging choice.

Key Points for Choosing Aluminum Foil Paint

When evaluating or requesting paint for aluminum coating projects, consider the following key characteristics:

• Base adhesion strength to aluminum.
• Resistance to abrasion during manufacturing.
• Flexibility for stamping and shaping.
• UV resistance (for outdoor or exposed applications).
• Chemical and acid/alkali resistance.
• Temperature resistance (both high heat for sealing, and freezing for storage).
• Clear (lacquer) vs. pigmented (color coated) formulation.

Packaging and Transportation

• Inner Packaging: Each roll of coated aluminum foil is securely wrapped with high-strength polyethylene film, fitted with protective plastic core plugs, and placed in moisture-proof bags.
• Outer Packaging: Strong wooden or carton packaging, stretch film wrapping, and firmly secured to export-standard wooden pallets.
• Transportation: Rigorous packing ensures that the coating and edges are not damaged or scratched during long-distance maritime or overland transport.

FAQ

What is the difference between coated aluminum foil and plain aluminum foil?

Plain aluminum foil is bare metal with no surface treatment. Coated aluminum foil (sometimes called lacquered aluminum foil) has a protective or decorative layer of paint or resin (such as polyester, epoxy, or PVDF) applied to one or both sides. This coating adds corrosion resistance, visual appeal (color coated), food safety compliance, and improved functionality like heat-sealability.

What paint types are available for color coated aluminum foil?

Worthwill offers a comprehensive selection including PE (polyester), PVDF, epoxy, solvent-free epoxy, PTFE, acrylic, heat-seal lacquer, and hydrophilic coatings. The choice depends entirely on your end-use requirements, such as flexibility, temperature resistance, weatherability, and FDA compliance.

Can coated aluminum foil be used for food packaging?

Absolutely. Worthwill manufactures coated and lacquered aluminum foil using food-grade, solvent-free, or fully cured resins that strictly comply with FDA regulations and European food contact directives. Common food packaging uses include semi-rigid food containers, yogurt lids, bottle caps, and pharmaceutical blister packs.

What is the minimum order quantity for coated foil rolls?

Please contact us for specific MOQ details based on your project. We fully support custom specifications, including specific alloys, tempers, thicknesses, widths, coating types, and bespoke color matching.