Anodized Finishes for Entrances

For Strength and Durability

"The web does not offer us exact color, so please request accurate color chips or wood grain samples for precise color matches."

Joe Belanger

Architectural Glazing Systems, Inc. offers a variety of finishes including Clear, Bronze and Black as standard, stocked finishes for entrances. Other additional shades of anodizing may be ordered as a special.

Below you will find an approximation of our standard colors (your browser and computer screen may alter the actual colors you see so when color accuracy is mandated, please ask us for a color chip).

Custom Painted Finishes Custom Wood Grain Finishes

ANODIZED FINISHES

CLEAR ANODIZED

BRONZE ANODIZED

BLACK ANODIZED

ANODIZING BENEFITS
The unique anodized finish is the only one in the metals industry that satisfies each of the factors that must be considered when selecting a high performance aluminum finish:

Durability. Anodizing is an electrochemical process in which the aluminum on the surface of a part is converted to aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide that is created is an integral part of the substrate and is much harder than the aluminum it replaces giving it excellent wear and abrasion resistance. Because the coating is an integral part of the substrate the anodic coating will not chip, peel or flake over time.

Color Stability. Exterior anodic coatings provide good stability to ultraviolet rays, do not chip or peel, and are easily repeatable.

Ease of Maintenance. Scars and wear from fabrication, handling, installation, frequent surface dirt cleaning and usage are virtually non-existent. Rinsing or mild soap and water cleaning usually will restore an anodized surface to its original appearance. Mild abrasive cleaners can be used for more difficult deposits. Anodized surfaces, unlike stainless steel, will not show fingerprints.

Aesthetics. Anodizing offers a large increasing number of gloss and color alternatives and minimizes or eliminates color variations. Unlike other finishes, anodizing allows the aluminum to maintain its metallic appearance.

Cost. A lower initial finishing cost combines with lower maintenance costs for greater long-term value.

Health and Safety. Anodizing is a safe process that is not harmful to human health. An anodized finish is chemically stable, will not decompose; is non-toxic; and is heat-resistant to the melting point of aluminum (1,221 degrees F.)

Since the anodizing process replicates the naturally occurring oxide process, it is non-hazardous and produces no harmful or dangerous by-products.

ANODIZING DISADVANTAGES
Limited color choices. Architectural anodize is available in clear(silver), a range of bronze tones and black. Linetec also offers copper anodize.

Will not hide surface defects on aluminum. Anodize is an integral part of the aluminum, unlike paint and powder coat, therefore heavy die lines, dents and dings on the aluminum part will show through the anodize finish.

Color Match. The color obtained in the anodize process depends on many factors, such as alloy, temper, and shape; therefore, it is impossible to produce a perfect color match.

Difficult Touch-up. Anodize finishes are factory-applied, so field touchups must be done with paint. A paint finish will never match an anodize finish very well.

CLEANING ANODIZED MATERIAL:
Anodized material has an extremely hard surface that is very colorfast and mar resistant. The Class I clear or color anodized finishes applied by a computer automated, high quality commercial anodizer specializing in architectural finishing will provide consistent color and long product life in a variety of applications. Much like painted surfaces, an anodized finish should be cleaned using mild soap solutions to retain its original beauty. Products that are safe for use with bare hands including most commercial cleaning products can be safely used. The cleaning solution should be applied with a soft cloth, sponge or brush. Avoid the use of strong acid or alkali cleaners. Severely soiled anodized surfaces can be cleaned a little more aggressively than painted surfaces. For example, slight scuffmarks and rub marks on an anodized surface can be removed with a mild abrasive pad such as the Scotch-Brite pad. Use the pad to remove the mark, then clean the surface using the mild soap solution. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. As with painted surfaces, in coastal areas where the finish is exposed to salt spray or in areas containing heavy industrial pollutants the cleaning should take place on a regular maintenance program.