Crystal upgrades all aluminum products to AAMA 2604 Paint Finish

Crystal Window & Door Systems, Flushing, N.Y., announced that it has upgraded the standard powder coat paint finish offered on all its aluminum products to comply with the national American Architectural Manufacturers Association Specification 2604: High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. The no-cost upgrade represents a substantial improvement in value, since AAMA 2604 is an enhanced durability performance standard and a significant step up from typical aluminum window paint coatings. The AAMA 2604 standard requires applicators to test samples and prove durability in the critical areas of salt spray and humidity resistance, and retention of color and gloss. The new Crystal standard AAMA 2604 powder coat finish applies to the company’s entire product line of aluminum windows and doors, across all standard and optional colors. The AAMA 2604 standard is equivalent to 50 percent Kynar or 50 percent fluoropolymer liquid paint finish in performance. Powder coating has the advantage of being a more environmentally sensitive process than liquid painting. “This is just another in the continuing series of bold steps to upgrade our product offerings and improve value for our trade customers and users of our windows,” said Steve Chen, executive vice president for Crystal. “The enhanced AAMA paint finish durability standards for aluminum windows are increasingly requested by sophisticated fenestration installers, architects and building owners. Even on projects where an enhanced finish is not specified, using Crystal products with the AAMA 2604 powder coat paint is a definite advantage for bidding installers. By making the AAMA 2604 finish standard for our complete aluminum product line, Crystal is positioning itself ahead of most manufacturers in the fenestration industry.”