Types of Aluminum Finishes to Enhance Your Windows

One of the most important home improvement projects that homeowners usually do would be having their windows replaced. Though it is commonly a very complicated and costly process, part of the reasons why they decide to change them would be for the overall style and design, to enhance the qualities of your windows, or to replace them just because they are too old and homeowners may be anxious that the windows might suddenly break. All of those are valid reasons to entirely replace the windows. But with the innovations that have been developed over the years, people are given a variety of options to choose from, on what would be the perfect solution for the window projects. One of these includes the application of aluminum finishes to your current window — a process that can improve your windows, from the design and style, the durability, to its long lasting qualities.

Aluminum Finishes Application

Applying aluminum finishes to your window would be a cheaper and an easier process, instead of replacing the entire window. With its properties of being versatile, low-cost, and environmentally friendly, it can accept high-performance coatings which can make it more durable and long lasting. Finishes have the ability to improve corrosion resistance, aside from being corrosion resistant of the aluminum itself, as it has a naturally occurring oxide film which acts as a resistive barrier against corroding. In addition, these finishes can also be able to enhance the overall appearance of the aluminum, given the wide range of different aluminum finishes readily available. They can be tailored and customized, depending on the look, style, and design that you wanted for it to achieve.

Various aluminum finishes through extrusions hold impacts that drastically improve the aluminum properties. However, choosing the correct and applicable finish is essential to take into consideration as it is a key step in the process. The wrong surface finish can look not that aesthetically pleasing and appealing, and can even fail to protect the metal. This can result in the aluminum being easily damaged, broken, and can cause possible structural issues as well. Mechanical, anodized, wet coating, and powder coating finishes, all have differences that can or cannot be suitable for certain applications. It is important to work closely with manufacturers or experts initially, before delving into the entire process, to help you choose the best for your windows.

Mechanical Finishes

If your windows are needed to have a final finish, improved surface quality, or to prepare for cosmetic finishes, considering this type of finish might be a great idea. Similarly with other metals, aluminum can also be mechanically finished. They use the same equipment in the process without any disadvantages. In this type of aluminum finish, there are also different types that can improve the entire surface quality it has. From abrasive blasting, grinding, polishing, buffing, and mass finishing, all can be used to create a smooth surface. They use abrasions as enhancements for a metal’s appearance as well. It is also typically done to aluminum for other cosmetic finishes.

Mechanical finishes are used to give aluminum several types of surface textures, from rough, patterned, or even mirror finish. As it adds texture to the surface, it enhances them and prepares the surface for further finishes as well. Generally, this type of finish relies either on measures that remove metal by abrasions mentioned above. Typically compared with steel, abrasive finishing methods need to consider the relative softness of the aluminum. Thus, lubrication and lower application pressures are needed.

Anodized Finish

As an additional protection aside from the natural oxide film that aluminum naturally generates, different processes were innovated such as an electrochemical process, or the method of combining both the chemical and electrical process.. This type of finish is called anodized finish, coming from the word itself, which goes through a process of anodizing — converting the metal surface into a decorative and protective element. The entire electrochemical process of anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum into a container holding acid electrolyte, passing an electric current to the material. This is a way of adding an extra layer of protection — thickening the natural oxide layer, creating a dense film. Thus, how thick the coating your aluminum finish would result into solely depends on how long you leave the aluminum into the anodizing tank.

This process is appropriately and ideally the best to be used for aluminum. Not only does it protect the aluminum from corrosions and make it extra durable, but it also enhances the design too. It has the ability to retain the aluminum’s metallic luster. Anodized aluminum can come in different colors. They can also even allow vibrant colors on the surface by possibly adding dye during the process.

Wet Coating Finish

Another option for aluminum finishes would be with the use of liquid paint coatings — commonly
called wet coating finish. This provides you with a very wide variety of colors to choose from. It is also providing the aluminum a uniform film thickness. However, liquid paint carries VOCs. They do contain volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). They can be harmful as it lets out chemicals from the paint into the air. When inhaled, it may cause health problems like headaches, dizziness, and other short-term conditions. VOCs can also be harmful for the environment because of the chemical properties it holds.

But then, these VOCs present at wet coating finishes can be driven off during the baking process, while leaving a thick film on extrusion. Liquid coatings are also available with a wide array of paints which include polyesters, acrylics, siliconized polyesters, fluoropolymers, and many other more. Having nearly unlimited options for the styles and colors allows you to please whatever taste you have for your windows.

Powder Coating Finish

One of the highly recommended finishes for the windows would be a powder coated finish. It may be more costly than the other options. But is a great choice for a colorful, environmentally-friendly, durable, and high quality finish. The process of powder coating is by spraying powder to the aluminum through an electrostatic energy. Then is followed by baking them to a certain temperature, known as the oven process. This process starts of with solid particles being combined together to form the film. It is applied as a solid on the extrusion. Same with the other types of finishes, it also comes in different colors. It offers the best when it comes to color range and consistency of color. Its versatility can also provide you with metallic and textured finishes, depending on your preference for your windows. However, the most commonly used powder coating color would be white.

Unlike the paint used at wet coating finish, this one does not contain VOCs. It is good for the environment, and meets the environmental regulations regarding VOCs. This means no solvents are used, so only a little amount of VOCs are released into the air. The powder coating finish uses a paint without the solvent, and a mixture of resin and pigment.

Powder coating is generally the preferred choice for aluminum extrusions. Its durability and its design is guaranteed to look exactly the same as that which is installed at the end. Of course, this would be possible if maintained and kept up properly.

Key Takeaway

For the enhancements of a window, making it more stylish and durable, applying aluminum finishes may be a key part of your home improvement projects. Choosing the right finish will guarantee that the extrusions and processes made will end up with the right appearance while being corrosion resistive.