Finishes for Aluminum Trims

Home / Factory Finishes

Mill Finish

“Mill Finish” is the term that Flannery uses to describe its aluminum trims that have no finish applied to them. In other words, it is raw aluminum from our mill and it can be field primed and painted. Typically, Mill Finish has a shiny or “mirror-like” appearance with some visible manufacturing lines.

Mill Finish trims must be cleaned before field priming occurs. Typically, soapy water should clean most surface or factory impurities from the trim. Sufficient drying time should be planned for before primer is applied. The paint manufacturer should be consulted when choosing a primer for aluminum trims. Mill Finish trims should never be left exposed for an extended period, since this may allow the metal to begin the oxidation process. All aluminum trims must be covered with a proper paint or anodized finish.

Anodized Finishes

color anodized swatches

Clear Anodized Finish

The standard Finish for Flannery’s Exterior Trims is a Clear Anodized Finish (Architectural 200R1). The Clear Anodized finish is an electrochemical conversion process that deposits an oxide film on the aluminum trim. A natural oxidation process occurs on bare aluminum, however producing the oxidation process artificially creates a thicker, harder, and more durable “oxide film.” Clear Anodized is an extremely durable finish and is resistant to most forms of corrosion.

Color Anodizing

Special Color Anodized finishes are also available if required. Gold Anodized, Black Anodized, and Bronze Anodized finishes can be ordered. Bronze Anodized can be ordered in three different colors shades: Light, Medium, and Dark Bronze. Please note: Color Anodized Finishes can vary from one piece of trim to another. This is one of the characteristics to the anodizing process and must be considered before any orders are placed. Typically, the color of the anodizing will fall within a certain range, which usually can be determined prior to anodizing. Check with Flannery for details.

Anodizing Specifications

Standard Clear Anodized Finish- Architectural 200R1 medium etch (AA-M32C10A21). Thickness of anodic coating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM B-244-68.

Color Anodized Finish- Two-step impregnated color Class II Architectural .40-.70 mils (AA-M12C22A33). Thickness of coating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM B244-68.

Please note: Anodized Finishes can vary from one piece of trim to another. This is one of the characteristics to the anodizing process and must be considered before any orders are placed. Typically, the color of the anodizing will fall within a certain range, which usually can be determined prior to anodizing. Check with Flannery for details.

Chemical Conversion Coat Finish

Chem-film (aka Alodine) is a chemical conversion process that prepares aluminum extrusions for field painting. It is a multi-step cleaning and aluminum preparation process. First, it cleans the aluminum trim and then it acts as a protective coating until primer and paint can be applied. If your job requires field painting, a chemical conversion coating can be specified.

Specifications

Chem-film/Alodine- Treatment of aluminum moldings to conform to ASTM D 1730 Type B and MIL-C-5541A.

Kynar Paint Finish

Kynar® is a 70% fluropolymer resin based 2-coat baked on paint that is offered by Flannery as an optional finish where high durability is needed or an existing color must be matched. Kynar® finishes are highly resistant to chalking and ultraviolet deterioration. They are also highly resistant to chemicals, salt spray, and industrial pollutants. Flannery recommends these finishes for trims on exteriors in harsh environments including coastal areas where salt air is most common. Kynar® paint finishes are available in custom colors. Please note that some finishes will require a Kynar® XL (with topcoat) finish due to the exotic nature of the color. Please have the color code or sample available when requesting a quote for these custom colors.

Specifications

Kynar® Paint Finishes shall meet or exceed AAMA 605.2 Specification “Voluntary Specification for High Performance Organic Coatings on Architectural Extrusion Panels.” Meets or exceeds a nominal dry film thickness of 1.2 mil.

Kynar® is a registered trademark of Atochem North America, Inc.

Powder-Coated Paint Finishes

Flannery offers Powder-Coated Paint Finishes on all of its aluminum trims. Flannery’s factory powder-coated paint process can match any paint manufacturer’s paint number or match a custom paint color to provide the desired aesthetic finish. Powder-coated paint finishes are applied to the aluminum trims after a chem-film finish and factory primer has been applied. Please have the color code or sample available when requesting a quote for these custom colors.

Specifications

Powder-Coated Paint finishes shall meet or exceed the dry film thickness of 1.2 mil as specified in AAMA 2605 SEC 4.3. Color uniformity will meet or exceed the requirements of AAMA 2605 SEC 7.1.