A finish approval should do more than choose a colour from a screen. For aluminium composite panel work, the approved sample becomes the reference that connects the drawing, the coating or coil selection, fabrication and site delivery. This checklist helps a project team record that reference before panels move into production.
Start with one physical reference sample
Ask the project team to keep one labelled physical sample for the approval file. A digital rendering is useful for direction, but it cannot replace an agreed viewing surface. Record the project name, location, façade zone and date on the approval sheet so the sample is not reused without context.
Check the finish under agreed viewing conditions
Review the sample under the lighting conditions the team agrees to use. Look at it flat-on and at an angle, then compare adjacent samples. This is especially useful for metallic, brushed, wood-effect and other directional finishes, where orientation or light can change the visual impression.
Match the sample to the drawing and panel layout
Confirm which elevations, zones and panel directions the finish applies to. If a façade includes returns, folded edges, trims or different panel sizes, record whether they use the same finish and visual direction. A simple marked-up elevation prevents a correct sample from being used in the wrong area.
Confirm the finish system in the project submittal
The submittal should describe the finish in project language rather than relying only on a marketing name. Where the project calls for a coating system, align the sample with the relevant product and document set. For background on coating choices, see our PVDF coating guide for ACP; final acceptance must follow the project specification.
Keep the coil, panel and sample trail connected
For colour-coated projects, ask the supplier to confirm the relevant coil and panel reference against the approved sample before release. The colour-coated aluminium coil overview explains the upstream material context. It is not a substitute for a project-specific approval record.
Five items to put on the approval sheet
- One physical reference sample and its identifying reference.
- The affected drawing or elevation, including finish zones and panel direction.
- The stated finish type and any project-specified coating requirement.
- Approval names, date and any conditions or exclusions.
- A retained sample location for later fabrication and delivery checks.
What to do when the sample cannot answer a question
Do not fill gaps with assumptions. Ask for the applicable product data, finish sample, drawing clarification or project requirement before approval. This is particularly important when the request involves visual consistency across multiple elevations, special finishes or site-specific lighting.
Need a finish review pack?
Send the elevation, target finish and project requirements through our contact page. We can help organise a project-specific sample and technical-submittal discussion; final selection remains subject to the approved project documents.
FAQs
Can a digital colour rendering approve an ACP finish?
No. Use it as a direction-setting tool, then retain an agreed physical sample as the project reference.
What should be checked for metallic or brushed ACP finishes?
Review viewing angle, panel orientation and where the finish appears on the elevation. Record the agreed direction on the drawing.
Should trims and folded edges be included in finish approval?
Yes. Identify whether they use the same finish and how they relate to the principal panel faces.
Does a finish sample confirm every technical requirement?
No. A finish sample is a visual reference. Technical, fire, fixing and other requirements must be checked against the project documents and applicable product information.
Where should the approved sample be kept?
Keep it with the approval record and make it accessible to the team responsible for procurement, fabrication and delivery checks.
