Finishing Fine Points: How to Choose the Best Coating for your Sunshade Design
When it comes to sunshades, finishes are far from the final chapter. Instead, they’re an integral part of the design process, interwoven with the overall aesthetic and functionality. Selecting the right finish can make or break your sunshade project, influencing its appearance, durability, and maintenance. In this blog, we’ll explore five different finish options for aluminum sunshades, grilles, trellises, and machined panels. These finishes are industry standards and are commonly used on products like those offered by AGS.
1. Anodizing:
A Metallurgical Marvel, anodizing is a versatile electrochemical process that transforms the aluminum surface into a durable, corrosion-resistant, and decorative anodic oxide finish. But why choose anodizing?
- Economical: Anodizing is cost-effective, making it the preferred choice for many projects.
- Metallic Aesthetics: It retains the natural metallic look of aluminum, adding a touch of elegance.
- Durability: Anodized finishes are known for their low maintenance and long lifespan.
Sidenote: There are important factors to consider, such as color variation, limitations on extrusion size and varying responses of different alloys to the anodizing process. Anodized feature project
2. AAMA 2604 & 2605 PVDF Finishes:
Colorful and versatile polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finishes, also known as “liquid” applied architectural finishes; they are the “go to” choice for achieving specific colors and surface sheens. Liquid finishes offer several advantages, including:
- Warranty Options: PVDF finishes can be backed by warranties ranging from 5 to 20 years.
- Color Retention: They exhibit excellent color retention, even in harsh climates.
- Touch-Up: PVDF finishes are easy to touch up and have a faster sample process than other options.
- AAMA 2605 metallics: Metallic flop is a change in hue when it is viewed from different angles. This can be utilized to create an intentional dramatic affect, as seen in this AGS project but should be accounted for when a more uniform finish color is desired.
Sidenote: There are some VOC emissions associated with the PVDF process, and different colors may require a 2605 finish for optimal performance. The process in detail
3. Powder Coating:
The Durable, Eco-Friendly Option of powder coating stands out as a “green” alternative to liquid finishes. It boasts some unique features:
- Zero VOC Emissions: Powder coating is a more eco-friendly choice with no volatile organic compounds.
- Thicker Finish: It offers a thicker finish (up to 4 mils) that conceals material imperfections effectively.
- Texture Variety: Powder coating provides a wide range of textured options.
Sidenote: Textured finishes may be less vibrant, and color matching can be challenging. Feature powder coat project.
4. Woodgrain Powder Coat:
The perfect fusion of aesthetics and durability, woodgrain powder coatings combine beauty and strength, making them an attractive choice. They meet AAMA standards for adhesion and gloss reaction and provide the warmth of wood with the resilience of aluminum. Key advantages include:
- Low Maintenance: Woodgrain finished projects require minimal upkeep.
- Versatility: They offer a wide variety of finish options.
Sidenote: The woodgrain finish tends to be more expensive than other options. Unit sizes may have limitations regarding return leg lengths. See the process in detail.
Finishing Highlights Chart
| COATING | COST | LARGE EXTRUSIONS | VOC's | COLOR VARIANCE | TEXTURES AVAILABLE | WARRANTY | FINISH THICKNESS | THE BIG DEAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowderCoat | $$$ | Yes | Minimal | Minimal | Yes | 10 years standard | up to 4 mils. | Low VOC's |
| AAMA 2604 Kynar Finishes | $$ | Yes | Yes | minimal | Yes | 10 years standard | 1.4 mils | Best for color options, faster sample process |
| AAMA 2605 Kynar Finishes | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | *metallic flop on metallics | Yes | 10 years standard | 1.6 mils | Best for color options and color retention, faster sample process |
| Woodgrain Powder Coat | $$$$$ | Yes | Minimal | Directional | Yes | 10 years standard | 3-5 mils | Low maintenance alternative to wood while maintaining the richness and warmth of wood products |
| Anodized Finishes | $ | not over 10" | Minimal | There will be a light and dark limit | No | 5 years standard | nominal | economical |
* Metallic flop is a change in hue when it is viewed from different angles.
Finally, to ensure a successful sunshade finishing process, remember these key considerations:
- Length Limit: For all finishes, a 72″ maximum length on at least one side is recommended.
- Sampling: Always take finish samples into account for variations in materials.
- Color Selection: Choose colors under natural viewing conditions to ensure the perfect match.
- Stainless Steel: Painting stainless steel may pose challenges due to its smooth surface and inherent corrosion resistance.
Please reach out to Nathan Seaman nathan.s@agsshade.com or Eric Niemeyer eric@agsshade.com and they will be happy to assist with ordering finish samples for your next project. Or, give us a call at 708.479.9458.