When selecting high-performance architectural coatings for aluminum building products including window, curtainwall, storefront, entrance and panel systems – there are three main choices for durable painted finishes: 70% PVDF, 50% PVDF and baked enamel.
70% PVDF resin-based coatings offer the ultimate protection in building performance.
No other coating system can withstand the rigors of nature and time like those based on the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, such as Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000®. The resin system determines the properties and performance of the paint. In a 70% PVDF coating, 70% of the resin component is PVDF.
Ideal for high-performance exterior-facing building products, 70% PVDF resin-based coatings meet the industry’s stringent requirements set by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association – AAMA 2605. They exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals to ensure a long lasting, durable finish.
Among the most popular and reliable 70% PVDF resin-based coating families are:
- AkzoNobel TRINAR®
- PPG DURANAR®
- Valspar Fluropon®
- Sherwin-Williams SHER-NAR®
50% PVDF resin-based coatings offer an intermediate level of exterior protection.
Architectural painted finishes with 50% PVDF resin-based coatings that meet the AAMA 2604 specification provide good color and gloss retention in exterior applications. These coatings also offer good hardness and abrasion resistance, making it a frequent choice for storefront, doors, or other high-traffic areas.
Among the most popular and reliable 50% PVDF resin-based coatings are:
- AkzoNobel ALUM*A*STAR® and ALUM*A*Escent®
- PPG ACRYNAR®
- Valspar Acroflur®
Baked enamel coatings offer a lower level of protection, typically for interior metal products.
Baked enamel finishes are acrylic/polyester coatings. Meeting the AAMA 2603 specification, the coatings are a one-coat system with poor resistance to color fading and chalking. For these reasons, they typically are used for interior applications where color retention, chalk, fade and weatherability is not required.
Among the most popular and reliable baked enamel coatings are:
- AkzoNobel ACRA-BOND® ULTRA
- PPG DURACRON®
- Valspar Flurocryl™
Learn more about architectural paint types by clicking here. For personalized assistance in selecting the best high-performance architectural coating for your aluminum building products, please contact Linetec’s regional sales managers, email sales@linetec.com or call 888-717-1472.