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A closeup of a piece that endured 20,000 hrs and is doing excellent

For years, here at Compass Ironworks, we had relied on outside testing labs to provide us feedback on the durability of our powder coat finishes, especially as it pertains to the harsh elements at the shore. In 2013, Compass created our own in-house salt spray testing within the guidelines of ASTM B-117, but with added UV exposure and variable temperature. Temperature varied from below freezing to as high as 138 degrees Fahrenheit. Ocean Water Salinity is typically 3.2 to 3.8%. Our salinity was kept at 5%, which subjected the test pieces to harsher conditions than real life.

The industry test standards are based on ASTMB-117, AAMA 2603 (1,500 hours of resistance) AAMA 2604 (3,000 hours of resistance) and AAMA 2605 (4,000 hours of resistance). Some of our test pieces took all this abuse in stride and looked as pristine as they started after an amazing 20,000 hours! All the pieces were scribed (the finish was cut to allow the harsh salt composition an access point under the finish). The real test is when the salt has ready access under the finish, to see if the finish is tight enough to the substrate below that there is no creepage.

There were a whole host of materials tested: Cor-ten, ductile Iron casting, gray Iron casting, Marine Grade Aluminum casting, Aircraft Grade Aluminum, and Hot Dip Galvanizing. Various pretreatment processes were also tested, as well as blast vs. no blast, and physical etch vs. chemical etch.

“This salt spray test lab has given us incredible insight in surface preparation, pretreatment chemical composition and powder coating application. It really gives us the assurance that we can provide cutting edge quality for our client’s project,” says Amos Glick, President of Compass Ironworks. Compass Ironworks customers can be assured their projects will withstand the elements for a much greater time length than is typical!

Salt Spray meter at 20,000 hours- many times longer than most testing

AAMA 2603 is typically an interior specification, such as ceiling panels and supports and interior windows. 2603 powders offer good resistance to abrasion, scratching and scuffing, but should be applied where color retention is not required.


AAMA 2604 is an “intermediate” specification. This finish will provide good color and gloss retention for approximately five years of exposure.

AAMA 2605 is the high-performance exterior specification. These finishes are resistant to moisture, weathering, ozone and UV radiation. An application for this finish would include architectural projects that require long term cosmetic and functional protection.

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We love our front porch railings! They certainly add a lot of beauty to our home and they fit the period of our home. When elderly guests come to visit, it’s always good that they have something strong to hold onto, and they fit perfectly what we were looking for. Thanks to everyone on your team for their artistic work. We are very happy with our final products!

Indiana Cleint

Compass delivered absolutely amazing, high quality product. They are true masters.  I am also pleased with their timely communication and guidance, as we worked through the design and transaction process. 

I would definitely recommend them and work with them again.

Wisconsin Client

What an excellent experience we had with Compass Ironworks!! We have spent four years restoring and remodeling a Pre-Civil War home in North Alabama. We have learned a lot through the process and made more than a few mistakes. But choosing Compass Ironworks was not one of those. From the very first interaction, Amos and his team have been a pleasure to work with. Old homes are quirky! No right angles. No two measurements are precisely the same. So using a company in Pennsylvania was a risk. And we are SO GLAD we took that risk! Absolutely flawless!! The designs, the collaboration, the execution, the QUALITY, the timeline and the finished product were all first class!!! We will absolutely choose Compass again for our next project and recommend them to anyone who asks.

Alabama Designer

The railing is installed and is beautiful … a work of art, to be sure!

My expectations were high and certainly met. I was able to visit the shop and see the railing in progress. It was a thrill to see it then, and very exciting when it arrived at my home.

I have already recommended you to others!

Massachusetts Client
Front entrance metal gate