AAMA updates paint specifications

to -17
Posted on September 11, 2017

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association

(AAMA) regularly reviews and updates its specification documents, including for painted
coatings. The association’s Aluminum Material Council’s Finishes Committee has adjusted
AAMA 2603, 2604 and 2605. The most current versions are denoted as 2603-17A, 2604-17A
and 2605-17A.
What’s changed?
In the updated AAMA specifications, the procedure rating the adhesion of coatings to different
substrates (via tape test) has been removed. Those standards are still required to meet AAMA’s
guidelines, but now Section 8.4 Peel Adhesion refers the reader to ASTM D3359 to find the
details on tape testing. These AAMA specifications also reference ASTM D3359-17 for the new
requirements for tapes used in adhesion testing.

Section 8.4.1 now clarifies that all tests shall be performed in the sequence they appear in the
document. Connected to this, the order of testing has been changed in the specifications.
References to subsections of 8.4 also have been updated in Section 5.5.

What’s remains the same?

As a member of AAMA, Linetec stays up to date on these stringent industry standards and
documents. We are committed to ensuring our customers’ finishing specifications are met on
every project.

For a quick refresher, here’s what to remember about AAMA 2603, 2604 and 2605:
AAMA 2603 – typical for interior specifications
Required to show only “slight” fade and chalking after one year, AAMA 2603 has no
specifications for gloss retention and erosion resistance. Baked enamel (acrylic/polyester)
paints should meet AAMA 2603. These painted finishes are less expensive than fluoropolymer
resin-based coatings, but have poor resistance to color fading and chalking. Baked enamel
coatings are harder than fluoropolymer and can be used for interior application where color
retention is not required.

AAMA 2604 – an “intermediate” specification

AAMA 2604 specifications are more demanding. If a finish qualifies, then five years after its
application the color must have faded no more than 5 Delta E, the chalking no greater than 8,
the finish still retain 30% of its gloss and no more than 10% of it has eroded. This finish will
provide good color and gloss retention. It also will provide good hardness and abrasion
resistance. Painted finishes meeting this specification typically are a 50% fluoropolymer resin-
based coatings and are commonly applied on aluminum storefront framing, entrances or other
high-traffic areas.

AAMA 2605 – the specification for high-performance exteriors

Ten years after it has been applied, an AAMA 2605 paint will have faded no more than 5 Delta
E, the chalking will be no higher than 8, 50% of its gloss will still be retained and only 10% of
the film will have eroded. These finishes exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color
change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals. Painted finishes meeting this specification typically are
a 70% fluoropolymer resin-based coatings and are commonly applied on aluminum framing
and systems for monumental architectural projects.

For personalized assistance in selecting and specifying the right coating for your aluminum
building products, please contact Linetec’s regional sales managers , email sales@linetec.com
or call 888-717-1472.
To download the latest version of these, or any, AAMA documents, visit the AAMA Publication
Store