3105 H26 prepainted aluminum sheet is a coated aluminum product. It starts as an aluminum alloy 3105 base sheet in H26 temper. Then manufacturers apply one or more layers of paint or coating to the surface. The result is a ready-to-use material that combines aluminum’s strength and corrosion resistance with an attractive, durable painted finish.
The “3105” refers to the aluminum alloy grade. It belongs to the 3000 series, which uses manganese as the primary alloying element. The “H26” refers to the temper condition — strain hardened and partially annealed to a specific strength level.
Prepainted aluminum sheet eliminates the need for post-production painting. Manufacturers receive coated material and form it directly into finished products. This saves time, reduces waste, and improves consistency.
3105 painted aluminum sheet serves primarily the building and construction industry. Roofing panels, wall cladding, gutters, downspouts, siding, and shutters all use this material. It also appears in mobile homes, RVs, and signage applications.
What Is Alloy 3105 Aluminum?
3105 aluminum sheet is a wrought alloy in the 3000 series. Like 3003, it uses manganese as its main alloying element. However, 3105 also contains small additions of magnesium and chromium. These additions give 3105 slightly different properties compared to 3003.
Key Features of Alloy 3105
- Good formability — Bends and forms without cracking
- Excellent corrosion resistance — Resists moisture, salt spray, and outdoor weathering
- Good paintability — Accepts paint coatings uniformly and reliably
- Moderate strength — Stronger than pure aluminum, suitable for building panels
- Lightweight — Density of 2.72 g/cm³
- Non-heat-treatable — Strength from work hardening only
- Recyclable — 100% recyclable at end of life
These properties make 3105 the preferred base alloy for prepainted aluminum products used in construction and architectural applications.
3105 Aluminum Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 3105 aluminum sheet follows international standards.
Chemical Composition Table
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance ≥ 96.2% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.30 – 0.80 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.20 – 0.80 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.20 |
| Copper (Cu) | Max 0.30 |
| Iron (Fe) | Max 0.70 |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 0.60 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Max 0.40 |
| Titanium (Ti) | Max 0.10 |
| Other (each) | Max 0.05 |
| Other (total) | Max 0.15 |
How 3105 Differs from 3003
The key difference is that 3105 contains magnesium (0.20–0.80%) and chromium (0.05–0.20%). These additions give 3105:
- Better strength at similar tempers
- Improved paint adhesion characteristics
- Good corrosion resistance in outdoor environments
- Suitable mechanical properties for roll-forming operations
For prepainted building products, 3105 is the industry standard alloy in many markets, particularly North America and Europe.
Understanding 3105 Tempers
3105 aluminum sheet comes in several tempers. Each temper offers different strength and formability characteristics. Understanding tempers helps buyers choose the right material.
H Temper System for 3105
The “H” designation means strain hardened. Numbers after H indicate the degree of hardening and any subsequent annealing.
3105 H14 Aluminum
3105 H14 is strain hardened to half-hard condition. It offers a good balance of strength and formability.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 150 – 195 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 130 – 175 MPa |
| Elongation | 5 – 8% |
| Hardness (HB) | 40 – 52 |
Best use: General building panels, flat sheet applications, moderate bending operations.
3105 H24 Aluminum Properties
3105 H24 is strain hardened and partially annealed. It sits between H14 and H18 in the strength/formability balance.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 150 – 195 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 120 – 165 MPa |
| Elongation | 6 – 9% |
| Hardness (HB) | 38 – 50 |
Best use: Roll-formed roofing and siding panels. Good formability for complex profiles.
3105 H26 — The Most Popular Temper
3105 H26 is strain hardened and then partially annealed to a three-quarter hard condition. It is the most widely specified temper for prepainted aluminum sheet in building applications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 165 – 215 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 145 – 195 MPa |
| Elongation | 4 – 7% |
| Hardness (HB) | 45 – 58 |
Best use: Prepainted roofing panels, wall cladding, gutters, downspouts, shutters. The higher strength of H26 gives finished panels better resistance to denting and deformation.
Temper Comparison Table
| Temper | Tensile Str. | Yield Str. | Elongation | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H14 | 150–195 MPa | 130–175 MPa | 5–8% | General sheet, flat panels |
| H24 | 150–195 MPa | 120–165 MPa | 6–9% | Roll forming, complex profiles |
| H26 | 165–215 MPa | 145–195 MPa | 4–7% | Prepainted roofing, cladding |
| H18 | 185–235 MPa | 170–220 MPa | 2–4% | Stiff panels, minimal forming |
What Is Prepainted Aluminum Sheet?
Prepainted aluminum sheet — also called pre-coated, color-coated, or PVDF coated aluminum — is aluminum sheet that receives a paint coating before being sold and formed.
The Prepaint Process
The coating process follows a continuous coil-coating line:
Step 1: Cleaning
The aluminum coil passes through chemical cleaning baths. This removes oils, oxides, and surface contaminants.
Step 2: Chemical Pre-treatment
A chromate or chrome-free conversion coating is applied. This creates a chemically bonded layer that improves paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Step 3: Primer Coat
A thin primer layer (5–8 microns) is applied by roller. The primer improves adhesion of the topcoat and adds corrosion resistance.
Step 4: Topcoat Application
The main decorative and protective coating is applied (15–25 microns typically). Different coating types are available.
Step 5: Curing
The coated coil passes through high-temperature curing ovens. This cures the paint chemically and bonds it to the aluminum surface.
Step 6: Backing Coat (Optional)
A back coating is applied to the reverse side. This protects the back of the sheet during forming and in service.
Step 7: Cooling and Rewinding
The coated coil cools and is rewound. It is ready for shipment or further processing.
Coating Types for 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
| Coating Type | Abbreviation | Thickness | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | PE | 15–25 µm | Cost-effective, good color range |
| Silicon Modified Polyester | SMP | 20–25 µm | Better weather resistance than PE |
| High Durability Polyester | HDP | 25–30 µm | Enhanced UV resistance |
| Polyvinylidene Fluoride | PVDF | 25–30 µm | Superior weathering, 20+ year warranty |
| Polyurethane | PU | 20–25 µm | Good flexibility, impact resistance |
PVDF is the premium coating for demanding outdoor applications. It resists UV fading, chalking, and chemical attack for 20+ years. Most architectural and premium roofing applications specify PVDF.
Polyester (PE) is the most economical option. It suits indoor applications or markets where cost is the priority. Color retention is good for 10–15 years in moderate climates.
3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet Specifications
Thickness Range
| Application | Thickness |
|---|---|
| Lightweight cladding | 0.20mm – 0.40mm |
| Standard roofing/siding | 0.40mm – 0.70mm |
| Heavy-duty panels | 0.70mm – 1.20mm |
| Structural applications | 1.20mm – 3.00mm |
Width Range
- Standard widths: 914mm (36″), 1000mm, 1200mm, 1219mm (48″), 1500mm
- Custom widths available: up to 1600mm
Length
- Coil: Continuous, typically 2–5 tons per coil
- Sheet: 1000mm – 6000mm standard lengths
- Custom cut lengths available
Paint Film Thickness
| Layer | Typical Thickness |
|---|---|
| Pre-treatment layer | 1 – 3 µm |
| Primer | 5 – 8 µm |
| Topcoat | 15 – 25 µm |
| Back coat | 5 – 10 µm |
| Total (front side) | 21 – 36 µm |
Color Options
3105 H26 prepainted aluminum sheet is available in hundreds of standard colors. Common color families include:
- White and off-white — Most popular for roofing and cladding
- Gray tones — Charcoal, silver, slate
- Earth tones — Beige, brown, terracotta
- Blue and green — Popular in tropical markets
- Red and orange — Traditional roof colors in many regions
- Metallic finishes — Silver, gold, champagne
- Wood grain patterns — Realistic wood appearance
- Custom colors — RAL, Pantone, or sample matching
Gloss Level Options
| Gloss Level | Value | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Matte | 10–25 GU | Premium architectural |
| Semi-gloss | 25–60 GU | General building |
| High gloss | 60–90 GU | Decorative panels |
Key Performance Properties
Weather Resistance
3105 H26 aluminum 3105 H26 base combined with PVDF coating delivers outstanding outdoor performance:
- UV resistance — Resists color fading for 20+ years
- Chalking resistance — Surface stays clean and bright
- Humidity resistance — No bubbling or delamination in humid climates
- Salt spray resistance — Passes 1000+ hour salt spray test (ASTM B117)
- Temperature range — Performs from -40°C to +120°C
Mechanical Performance
- Flexibility — Bends without cracking the paint film (T-bend test)
- Impact resistance — Resists denting from hail and impact
- Hardness — Paint surface resists scratching during forming and installation
- Adhesion — Cross-hatch adhesion test passes Grade 0 (no peeling)
Formability
3105 H26 in precoated form bends and roll-forms without cracking the paint surface. Key forming guidelines:
- Minimum bend radius: 1.5 – 2.0 × material thickness
- Roll forming: Compatible with standard roll-forming equipment
- Cutting: Shear cut, saw cut, or laser cut
- Punching: Standard punch and die tooling works well
Applications of 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
Roofing Systems
This is the largest application for 3105 painted aluminum sheet. Standing seam roofing, corrugated panels, and tile-profile panels all use this material.
Advantages for roofing:
- Lightweight — reduces structural load
- Long service life — 30+ years with PVDF coating
- Available in any color to match architectural requirements
- Easy installation with standard roofing tools
- 100% recyclable at end of life
Wall Cladding and Facades
Modern commercial and residential buildings use prepainted aluminum for wall cladding systems. The material forms flat panels, cassette panels, and profiled cladding sheets.
Applications include:
- Office building facades
- Retail store fronts
- Industrial building walls
- Residential home siding
Gutters and Downspouts
Aluminum 3105 H26 forms gutters and downspouts efficiently. The combination of corrosion resistance and paint durability gives long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
Shutters and Window Accessories
Roll-formed shutters, window hoods, and architectural trim use 3105 H26 for its combination of strength and formability. The prepainted surface eliminates field painting.
Mobile Homes and Recreational Vehicles
The RV and manufactured housing industry uses large volumes of prepainted aluminum sheet. Wall panels, roof panels, and fascia trim all come from prepainted 3105 sheet.
Why the RV industry prefers 3105:
- Lightweight reduces vehicle weight
- Pre-colored surfaces reduce manufacturing cost
- Good formability for complex panel shapes
- Excellent corrosion resistance for outdoor exposure
Signage
Flat and formed signs use prepainted aluminum for its smooth, paint-ready surface. The pre-applied coating provides an excellent base for screen printing and digital printing.
Agricultural Buildings
Farm buildings, grain storage facilities, and agricultural sheds use corrugated and ribbed prepainted aluminum panels. Long spans and low maintenance suit farm building requirements.
HVAC and Ventilation
Ductwork, louvers, and ventilation housings use 3105 prepainted sheet for corrosion resistance in demanding environments.
3105 H26 vs Other Aluminum Sheet Grades
3105 H26 vs 3003 H14
| Feature | 3105 H26 | 3003 H14 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 165–215 MPa | 150–185 MPa |
| Magnesium Content | 0.20–0.80% | None |
| Chromium Content | 0.05–0.20% | None |
| Paintability | Excellent | Good |
| Typical Use | Prepainted building panels | General sheet, cookware circles |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Lower |
3105 H26 is the better choice for prepainted applications. The magnesium and chromium in 3105 improve paint adhesion and outdoor durability.
3105 H26 vs 3105 H14
| Feature | 3105 H26 | 3105 H14 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 165–215 MPa | 150–195 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 145–195 MPa | 130–175 MPa |
| Elongation | 4–7% | 5–8% |
| Stiffness | Higher | Lower |
| Panel Dent Resistance | Better | Moderate |
| Formability | Good | Better |
H26 is preferred for roofing and cladding where panel stiffness and dent resistance matter. H14 suits applications needing more formability.
3105 H26 vs 3105 H24
| Feature | 3105 H26 | 3105 H24 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 165–215 MPa | 150–195 MPa |
| Elongation | 4–7% | 6–9% |
| Formability | Good | Better |
| Strength | Higher | Lower |
H24 suits complex roll-formed profiles where formability is critical. H26 suits prepainted flat panels and standard profiles where strength and paint adhesion are priorities.
Quality Standards for 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
Base Metal Standards
| Standard | Region | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B209 | USA | Aluminum sheet and plate |
| EN 485 | Europe | Mechanical properties |
| EN 573-3 | Europe | Chemical composition |
| GB/T 3880 | China | General aluminum sheet |
| JIS H4000 | Japan | Aluminum sheet |
Coating Standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM D523 | Gloss measurement |
| ASTM D4145 | Flexibility (T-bend test) |
| ASTM B117 | Salt spray corrosion test |
| ASTM D2244 | Color measurement |
| ASTM D4214 | Chalking resistance |
| EN 13523 | European coil coating standard series |
| AAMA 2605 | PVDF coating performance (architectural) |
| AAMA 2604 | High-performance coating standard |
| AAMA 2603 | Standard performance coating |
Quality Inspection Points
Base Metal Checks
- Chemical composition (spectrometer)
- Mechanical properties (tensile testing)
- Dimensional accuracy (thickness, width)
- Surface quality (no scratches, dents, or oxidation)
Coating Checks
- Film thickness (magnetic or eddy current measurement)
- Adhesion (cross-hatch test per ASTM D3359)
- Flexibility (T-bend test per ASTM D4145)
- Hardness (pencil hardness test)
- Gloss level (gloss meter measurement)
- Color accuracy (spectrophotometer vs. standard)
- Impact resistance (reverse impact test)
- Salt spray performance (accelerated corrosion test)
How to Specify 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
When placing an order, provide these specifications for accurate quoting:
Required Information
1. Alloy and Temper
Specify: Alloy 3105, Temper H26 (or H24, H14 if different)
2. Thickness
Specify in mm or inches. Common sizes: 0.40mm, 0.50mm, 0.60mm, 0.70mm
3. Width
Specify in mm or inches. Common: 1000mm, 1200mm, 1219mm
4. Length or Coil
Specify if you need sheet cut to length or coil supply.
5. Coating Type
PVDF, SMP, HDP, or PE — select based on required durability.
6. Color
Provide RAL number, color name, or physical sample.
7. Gloss Level
Matte, semi-gloss, or high gloss.
8. Back Coat
Specify back coat color (usually white or light gray) and thickness.
9. Quantity
In kg, tons, or square meters.
10. Certifications Required
ASTM B209, AAMA 2605, SGS, or other applicable standards.
Price Factors for 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
The price of aluminum 3105 H26 prepainted sheet depends on:
1. LME Aluminum Price
Base aluminum cost follows market rates. This changes daily.
2. Alloy Premium
3105 carries a small premium over pure aluminum for manganese, magnesium, and chromium content.
3. Coating Type
PVDF costs significantly more than PE or SMP. Premium coatings require more expensive raw materials and processing.
4. Color
Standard colors cost less. Custom colors require minimum quantities and carry color matching charges.
5. Thickness
Thicker sheet uses more aluminum and costs more per sheet. Price per kg may be similar or lower for thicker gauges.
6. Width
Wider sheets may carry small premiums for rolling and slitting.
7. Order Quantity
Larger orders get better pricing. Full coil orders are cheapest per kg.
8. Certification
AAMA 2605 or other certified material costs more due to additional testing.
Indicative Price Range
| Product | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| 3105 H26, PE coating, standard color | $2.5 – $3.8 per kg |
| 3105 H26, SMP coating | $3.0 – $4.5 per kg |
| 3105 H26, PVDF coating | $3.8 – $6.0 per kg |
| Custom color surcharge | Add $0.2 – $0.5 per kg |
Prices vary with LME aluminum and paint raw material costs. Contact us for current pricing.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling protect prepainted aluminum sheet quality.
Storage Guidelines
- Store indoors in a dry, clean environment
- Keep coils and sheets away from moisture and humidity
- Store flat or on proper coil cradles — do not store coils on their side
- Protect from chemical fumes and corrosive environments
- Keep original packaging until use
- First in, first out (FIFO) stock rotation
Handling Guidelines
- Use nylon slings or padded forks for lifting — avoid steel chains
- Do not drag sheets across each other — scratching damages the coating
- Handle with clean gloves — fingerprints and oils can affect coating adhesion in secondary coating operations
- Protect edges with foam or rubber during transport
Forming Guidelines
- Clean all tooling before forming — contamination scratches the surface
- Adjust bend radius for painted material — paint layer requires slightly larger minimum bend radius
- Form with painted surface on the outside of bends where possible
- Remove protective film before forming if film has been applied
Why Buy 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet from Us?
Direct Factory Supply
We produce 3105 H26 prepainted aluminum sheet in our own integrated facility. We control the entire process from aluminum sheet production to coating. Direct factory pricing eliminates intermediary costs.
Full Coating Line Control
Our coil coating line applies primer, topcoat, and back coat in a single continuous pass. Process parameters are monitored and recorded for every coil. Consistent coating thickness and adhesion are guaranteed.
Wide Color Range
We stock standard colors and produce custom colors to RAL, Pantone, or customer sample. Color consistency between batches is maintained using spectrophotometer measurement.
Multiple Coating Options
We offer PE, SMP, HDP, and PVDF coatings in all gloss levels. One supplier for all your coating requirements.
Complete Certification Support
We provide:
- ASTM B209 mill test certificates
- AAMA 2605, 2604, or 2603 coating performance certification
- SGS third-party inspection
- RoHS compliance documentation
- Food safety documentation where applicable
Export Experience
We supply 3105 painted aluminum sheet to customers in:
- North America — USA, Canada, Mexico
- Europe — UK, Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands
- Middle East — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel
- Southeast Asia — Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Africa — Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt
- Oceania — Australia, New Zealand
Our export team handles all documentation, shipping, and customs requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3105 H26 prepainted aluminum sheet?
It is aluminum alloy 3105 in H26 temper with a factory-applied paint coating. The H26 temper provides good strength and stiffness. The prepainted surface provides weather-resistant color. It is the standard material for aluminum roofing panels, wall cladding, and building products.
What is the difference between H26 and H14 temper?
H26 is strain hardened and partially annealed to a three-quarter hard condition. It is stronger than H14. H14 is half-hard. H26 gives better panel stiffness and dent resistance. H14 offers slightly better formability.
What is the best coating for outdoor applications?
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) coating gives the best outdoor performance. It resists UV fading, chalking, and chemical attack for 20+ years. AAMA 2605 certified PVDF is the industry standard for premium architectural applications.
What thickness is standard for roofing panels?
The most common thickness for roofing panels is 0.40mm to 0.70mm. Heavy-duty applications use 0.70mm to 1.20mm. Contact our team for recommendations based on your specific roofing profile and span requirements.
Can prepainted aluminum sheet be cut and bent?
Yes. It cuts with shear, saw, or laser. It bends and roll-forms on standard equipment. Follow minimum bend radius guidelines to avoid cracking the paint film. Generally, bend radius should be at least 1.5–2.0 times the sheet thickness.
What colors are available?
Hundreds of standard colors are available. Custom colors can be produced to RAL, Pantone, or customer sample. Common colors include white, gray, beige, brown, blue, green, and metallic finishes.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Minimum order is typically 2–5 tons per color and specification. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Contact Us for 3105 H26 Prepainted Aluminum Sheet
We supply 3105 H26 prepainted aluminum sheet to building product manufacturers, roofing companies, and distributors worldwide.
Product Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 3105 |
| Temper | H26 (H14, H24 also available) |
| Thickness | 0.20mm – 3.0mm |
| Width | Up to 1600mm |
| Coating | PE / SMP / HDP / PVDF |
| Colors | Hundreds standard + custom |
| Gloss | Matte / Semi-gloss / High gloss |
| Standard | ASTM B209, EN 485, AAMA 2605 |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, SGS, AAMA |
| MOQ | 2 – 5 tons per specification |
| Lead Time | 15 – 30 days |
Get a Free Quote
Contact our sales team today. We respond within 24 hours.
Please include:
- Thickness and width needed
- Coating type (PE, SMP, PVDF)
- Color (RAL number or description)
- Gloss level
- Quantity
- Certification requirements
- Destination country