How We Build a Finish That Lasts

Our TrailFire 600 was designed as an indoor–outdoor logstore – something useful, good-looking and ready for whatever the seasons throw at it. A scrape from a log, a scuff from being wheeled across the patio — tiny marks that build character. Every log store has a story to tell.

Now that winter’s here, many customers are rolling theirs indoors. Suddenly the finish isn’t just living out in the weather… it’s sitting in the home. Sometimes blending in, sometimes standing out, depending on which of the seven colours you chose. Up close, in the warmth, those small marks tell a story – and the paint has to hold its own in both worlds.

That’s why the coating system matters so much. It’s not just about looking good on day one. It’s about how the log store ages, how it weathers, and how the finish continues to protect the aluminium beneath. So here’s how we build it, and why we take our time.

 Testing comes first
Before we ever touched the first panel, we spent weeks testing primers, topcoats, adhesion methods and film thicknesses. We trialled multiple systems for corrosion resistance, UV stability, impact strength and real-world handling. Panels sat outside in the rain. Others were scuffed, scratched and cleaned repeatedly. We pushed everything harder than any garden or home ever will.

That testing shaped the whole process. It taught us what holds, what doesn’t, and what gives the longest life with the fewest compromises. The goal was simple: choose a coating system that lasts years, not seasons.

Aluminium is a brilliant material – light, strong and naturally corrosion-resistant – but it needs the right preparation for paint to bond properly. Get the prep wrong and no topcoat, no matter how expensive, will stay put. So we focus heavily on what happens before the colour ever goes on.

The Epoxy Primer

For what we’d call a “belt-and-braces” finish, we start with a high-quality 2K epoxy primer. It’s applied thick – 100–200 microns wet – to create a stable, corrosion-resistant base layer. This is the foundation that keeps moisture out and ensures long-term adhesion. Once cured, it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Sanding & Cleaning

After curing, every piece is machine-sanded with 240–320 grit to create the perfect mechanical key for the topcoat. Then we degrease everything with panel wipe to remove dust, oils and workshop residue. Nothing gets painted unless the surface is genuinely ready – not ‘good enough’, but right.