Architectural painted coatings combine countless colors and high performance reliability

When your project requires a top-quality durable painted finish, specifying performance is the easy part. With a nearly countless colors of architectural coatings, choosing the right hue for your aluminum windows can be the most difficult decision.

Know the code

Architectural painted finishes for aluminum are available in nearly any imaginable color. They span the rainbow and can be digitally matched and custom blended to mimic almost any existing shade.

Be aware that two paints with the same name can be completely different colors depending on the manufacturer. For instance, “Hartford Green” could serve as the name for at least 50 different paint codes. To achieve the desired finish color, use the assigned paint code supplied by either the coatings system manufacturer or the finishing applicator. Paint and finishing codes are usually composed of both letters and numbers.

Apogee Enterprises’ Architectural Framing Systems segment offers a fully aligned, standard color palette with 19 hues of painted coatings for the EFCO and Tubelite brands, and the legacy Wausau Window products. Our color card lists the paint codes directly under the color name. As examples, EFCO products with a Hartford Green painted finished are labeled 2P LT606-70 and those with Bone White painted finish are labeled 1P LT609-70.

Check the spec

Under quality-controlled conditions, EFCO in-house finishing services apply high-performance 70% PVDF resin-based architectural fluoropolymer coatings to extruded aluminum framing components and products. These architectural coating systems and meet the industry’s most stringent AAMA 2605 specification.

AAMA 2605, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels, is a standard of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA). Updated in 2022, it describes the highest performance requirements to ensure these painted coatings have outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals, such as for monumental architectural projects.

Watch the warranty

Different architectural painted finishes can have different warranties depending on the manufacturer and their coating system. Standard color 70% fluoropolymer coating systems typically are two-coat systems, consisting of a primer and color coat. Two-coat mica systems, also consist of a primer and color coat. Three-coat and four-coat systems are used for metallic and exotic colors and usually have a clear top coat and may require a barrier coat.

EFCO window products are backed with up to a 10-year limited warranty , one of longest and most comprehensive in the industry. When curving and customizing window systems, be sure to have the material formed before finishing to preserve the full warranty. Once installed, touch-up paint can be ordered in small quantities to cover minor scratches and extend the intended appearance.

Strive for sustainability

Painted aluminum also can contribute to the longevity and sustainability of architectural building products and projects. A painted finish helps conceal small defects in the metal when products are manufactured with recycled aluminum content, called secondary billet. Aluminum products can be 100% locally recycled after their long life on the building and may be processed for continuous re-use.

Environmentally responsible coating applicators safely capture and control VOCs associated with liquid paints in their facilities before the finished material arrives at the jobsite. This further supports the building project’s sustainability and the occupants’ health, safety and well-being.

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.