Anodize finishes enhance natural metallic look with industry-leading performance, durability, sustainability

Anodize provides one of the most durable and longest lasting finishes for aluminum windows, doors and other fenestration and framing products.

Apogee Enterprises’ Architectural Framing Systems segment offers a fully aligned, standard color palette with six tones of anodize finishes for the EFCO and Tubelite brands, and the legacy Wausau Window products.

Metallic look

Our anodize process produces a smooth, uniform finish with a frosty, matte appearance. “Clear” anodize is an uncolored finish that highlights the natural, silver tone of the aluminum.

After its initial anodization, the aluminum can continue its finishing process through an optional color tank. Our standard anodize colors range from champagne to bronze tones to black. Darker colors are created by extending the immersion time and increasing metal deposition. Specialty copper and bordeaux anodize finishes require a second color tank, where actual copper is deposited into the aluminum pores.

Correct spec

All of our Class I anodize finishes meet AAMA 611, the highest performance specification for exterior architectural aluminum products. Finishes that meet this standard can withstand continuous outdoor exposure, resist salt spray and are extremely durable in high-traffic areas.

Updated in 2024, AAMA 611, Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum, is an industry-leading standard of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA). It details Class I, a high-performance, durable finish used for exterior building products, and Class II, a lower performance, less-durable finish recommended for interior applications. For the most durable and wear-resistant finish available, select anodize specified to meet AAMA 611 Class I.

Durability demo

Anodize finishes are created through an electrochemical process where the aluminum on the surface of a part is converted from aluminum to aluminum oxide, an extremely hard and durable surface finish. Aluminum oxide is second only to a diamond in its hardness. Due to these properties, and because the coating is integral to the metal part itself, anodize is highly resistant to marring, scratching and other damage often associated with the needs of high-traffic environments.

A fun and easy way to demonstrate the durability of true anodize is to take an ordinary nickel coin and rub it back and forth across the anodize aluminum. It looks like the coin is scratching the surface, but in in fact, it is the nickel that wears down against the hard anodized finish.

Bonus benefits

Anodized aluminum is an inert material that is noncombustible and poses no health risks, making it a smart choice for projects with sustainability and wellness-focused building initiatives and LEED certification. These benefits are further enhanced when paired with secondary, recycled aluminum material.

EFCO window products are backed with up to a 10-year limited warranty, one of longest and most comprehensive in the industry. At the end of their long life on the building, the anodized aluminum can be 100% locally recycled while retaining its desirable material properties, further supporting circularity through upcycled re-use.

To learn more about finishes for EFCO products, please visit our webpage, and contact your local representative for printed color cards, samples and additional information. If you are also a Tubelite customer, you have access to additional information through the Tubelite Client Portal.