When installing an anodized aluminum trim in a stucco or plaster system, be sure to properly mask and protect the aluminum. During the curing process of the plaster, harsh chemicals can find their way to the aluminum and burn the finish. This is a problem that also occurs when stucco is being sprayed with water while the stucco is curing. The water run-off from this process can contain acidic properties that can also burn the anodizing finish of the metal.
To Anodize or Not to Anodize
Anodizing provides a number of different benefits such as:
Extreme durability
Color options
Less expensive than paint.
Creates a “touch friendly” surface
Provides electrically insulated coating
Great for high traffic areas
Long lasting Color
Benefits of Paint
Liquid Paint
Benefits:
Variety of color options
Color consistency
Resistant to corrosive environments
Powder Coating
Benefits:
Variety of color options
Eco-friendly
Durable
No harsh chemicals
The famous “Diamond House” showcasing our factory painted reveals
“What Finish Would you Like?”
Even before a finish application is applied the surface of aluminum can be highly appealing, however there are a variety of different reasons as to why you would want to add a surface treatment to the material. By adding a finish to the aluminum you are increasing its life cycle substantially. Surface treatments protect the material from weather, wear and corrosion, not to mention they add a more customized look to the design. Certain finishes, such as anodizing add electrical insulation and reflectivity to the aluminum.
If you have ordered with us before you may have heard the question “what finish would you like?” Flannery offers a variety of different finishes for all of our trims tailored to fit your needs. Aluminum finishes can be broken down into four main categories: mill, anodized, painted, or chem-film. All finishes provide aesthetics and durability but in order to determine which finish is best for your project you should decide if it’s appearance or surface protection you are most concerned with.
Flannery’s Types of Finishes
Mill Finish
Mill finish refers to raw aluminum that has no finish applied to it. Typically, Mill Finish has a shiny or “mirror-like” appearance with some visible manufacturing lines. Mill finish is the finish of choice for installers who are going to prime and paint the material in the field. Prior to priming and paint application, mill finish trims must be cleaned and allowed to dry. Most residue or surface impurities on the trim can be removed with regular dish soap and water or vinegar. Since the material is raw it does not have any protective coat on it and should never be left exposed for an extended period of time or the metal may begin to oxidize.
Anodized Finishes
Anodizing is one of the most common finish choices for extruded aluminum. It is a multi-step electrochemical process in which the aluminum is dipped into a variety of different “baths” producing a hard and corrosion resistant skin to the metal. The aluminum is attached to racks and dipped into various acidic baths. The first step is the cleaning process in which the material is dipped into an acidic bath where any surface impurities are removed. After the cleaning process the aluminum is then immersed into a vat containing an electrolyte. An electric current is passed through the tank causing the aluminum to oxidize until the desired level of thickness of the material is achieved. For the final process the aluminum is dipped into a chemical bath to seal the exposed pores and ensure the material has a corrosion resistant surface.
Anodizing can create a variety of different colors for the aluminum. The most common color is “silver” or a “satin gray” also known as a clear anodized finish in the industry. Coloranodizing is achieved by submerging the material into a dye. Flannery offers seven different variations of color anodizing as shown to the right. The intensity of the color is based on the length of time the material is submerged. Color anodizing is not an exact science and there are many factors that can cause variations in the color, therefore you may not achieve the same shade each time the material is dipped into the dye. To help ensure the aluminum has a similar shade it is best to order your material all at one time.
Factory Paint
Flannery’s aluminum trims can be paint matched with virtually any color of your choosing. We use a Kynar® resin based 2-coat baked on factory paint that is highly resistant to external forces. Painted finishes are recommended if the trim is going to be used on exteriors exposed to harsh environments. Proper pretreatment of the material must be performed in order for the paint to adhere evenly. Our painter will clean the material to prepare it for the priming process. Flannery’s trims go through a chem-film process prior to primer and paint application. After sufficient cleaning and drying has occurred the aluminum is sprayed with the paint and then baked in an oven to harden the paint.
Flannery also offers powder coating when specified. In powder coating the paint is applied to the aluminum in powder form and then baked causing the powder to permeate together and create a smooth flow of color. It is typically more resilient than traditional liquid paint. A proper cleaning process before the powder coating application is essential and ensures the coating will stick to the material. Flannery’s trims go through a chem-film cleaning process prior to primer and paint application.
Chem-Film
Chemical conversion coating (chem-Film), also known as Alodine, is a multistep process where the aluminum receives a protective chemical coating. The material is first cleaned and then a chromate is applied to the metal substrate forming a protective layer on the material until primer and paint can be applied. Chem Film is used entirely for protective purposes and not as a decorative coating, so it is typically not necessary on all jobs. Chem-film is best when the aluminum will not be installed immediately and will sit on a job-site for an extended length of time (i.e. months). The chem-film process is primarily done in a factory for factory painting preparation. Chem Film is also used for Fiber Cement trims in order to protect the aluminum from the corrosive properties of the Fiber Cement Paneling.
If you have any questions regarding our finishes or any other matter please feel free to contact us via email or call 818-837-7585.
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300 Parkside Drive San Fernando, CA 91340 – 818-837-7585 –
“What Finish Would you like?”
anodizing is achieved by submerging the material into a dye. Flannery offers seven different variations of color anodizing as shown to the right. The intensity of the color is based on the length of time the material is submerged. Color anodizing is not an exact science and there are many factors that can cause variations in the color, therefore you may not achieve the same shade each time the material is dipped into the dye. To help ensure the aluminum has a similar shade it is best to order your material all at one time.
ms go through a chem-film process prior to primer and paint application. After sufficient cleaning and drying has occurred the aluminum is sprayed with the paint and then baked in an oven to harden the paint.
