Aluminum-framed fenestration: A guide to specifying paints and coatings

By Tammy Schroeder 

Choosing finishes for commercial buildings’ aluminum-framed vertical fenestration assemblies—windows, curtain wall, storefront, and entrances—often begins by selecting a color. Specialty coatings also can enhance the visual and tactile effects of the finished appearance.

Since fenestration products have both interior- and exterior-facing finished surfaces, high-performance coatings typically are specified to ensure lasting performance with minimal maintenance. An experienced finishing services provider can assist with evaluating the optimal finish to meet performance specifications’ inside and out, while supporting the building project’s aesthetic, sustainability, and longevity goals.

Discover a range of aesthetic choices for colors and visual effects

Appearance usually is the first consideration when selecting a finish for architectural aluminum fenestration. With one glance, color can establish
a mood, convey information, or reinforce a brand.

Color trends

Architectural design color trends for 2023 include naturally inspired, minimalistic tones that harmonize with serene environments to promote comfort, wellness, reflection, and connection.

• Saturated anthracite and deep purples of 2022 give way to this year’s dark bronze and pale aubergine. Warm, earthen tones, tinted with orange and pink, represent simple raw materials such as burlap and dried adobe. Mustard browns, honey yellows, and amber reflect plant-forward palettes. Blues, taking cues from the summer sky and meadow flowers, now are mixed with green or selected in fresh, lighter tones.
• Fresh green hues also add biophilic and soothing color to the built environment. Greens commonly denote peace and tranquility, demonstrating health and connection to the natural world. Subtle muted gray-greens inspired by the Earth’s forests, such as lichen and conifer, bring a familiar comforting presence. Compelling blue-greens and dark teals reminiscent of the deep ocean are a calming choice for reflection and renewal.
• Soft whites and light natural neutrals, such as unbleached cotton, oat, and bone, unify the framework that connects the built and natural environments. These easy-to-find neutrals create
  a blank canvas to build the 2023 color scheme. Unsaturated tans and whites found on the warmer side of the spectrum offer an elegant choice. Integrating light neutrals into exterior-facing components create a welcoming and
  adaptable appearance.
• Designing with simplicity does not necessarily mean being austere. Upbeat colors and cheery tones deliver a pick-me-up to accent the 2023 palette. Natural reds, muted pinks, and soft yellows provide balance. Accent shades of red appear as deep coral or raspberry. Buttermilk, straw, and chamomile yellows elicit joy and brighten with ease. Orchid and rose-quartz pinks add liveliness and energy without overcomplicating the design.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The performance strengths and limitations of architectural coatings for aluminum are summarized as follows: Strengths of paint •Vast array of color choices. •Small-batch and custom color capabilities—fast and cost-effective. •Color retention (ultraviolet [UV] resistance). • Salt-spray resistance. •Paint protects and maintains the structural integrity of the aluminum. •Field touch-up and repainting capabilities. Limitations of paint •Fair hardness. •The cost of high-performance or specialty paints. •Potential for inconsistent appearance of “metallic” paints. •Solvent-based paints are not environmentally friendly without an oxidizer.