custom colors - Fairview Architectural North America

Mastering Custom Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding: Your Ultimate Guide

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:34:00 +0000

As a member of the architectural community, we understand how important custom finishes and colors are to the quality and look of the final project. All too often, we’ve seen construction projects take a sharp departure from the original design intent for the metal cladding material due to the inability of other companies to custom match the desired colors and finishes.

Instead, our goal at Fairview is to understand and develop colors and finishes that enable architects and owners to achieve their original design intent. No design departures here.

That’s why our approach is not about what colors and finishes we have in stock—it is about what you as the designer are looking for.

Our custom finishes for metal façade materials will bring your design vision to life exactly as you envisioned

What are Fairview’s Standard Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding Material?

We currently have millions of square feet of Vitrabond FR ACM in our Connecticut warehouse location. The standard Fairview colors comprise of solids, metallics, and faux zincs. The faux zinc finishes in particular are hugely popular due to their superior quality. See them for yourself by ordering free samples here.

Our special-order range of finishes includes our standard but non-stocking finish series. This series includes painted solid colors, pattern finishes such as woodgrains, faux corten and other rust finishes as well as chromatic color shifting finishes, and natural metals like copper, zinc, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum finishes.

How do Fairview’s custom colors and finishes work for metal cladding material?

At Fairview we understand that each and every engineering project is unique and often requires custom finishes for the metal cladding panels. So, while we have many high-quality colors and finishes to choose from that are in stock, the majority of what we supply are custom finishes. We are happy to help create the custom look that you need.

To create custom colors and finishes, we can exactly custom match a specified paint color, or match an adjacent color such as a custom extrusion color. For this process, we submit a paint chip to our lab to be matched. The lab results are then sent to the client for approval prior to releasing them for production.

Please note that the color-matching capabilities at Fairview are not just limited to our two-coat and three-coat solid mica and metallic finishes. We are able to leverage our industry-leading finish capabilities to develop incredibly close color, pattern, and texture matches to other materials—whether it’s brick, stone, wood, concrete, or another cladding product.

Portfolio of Custom Color Matching Projects with Our Clients:

CSX East – This project, in Washington, DC was a 360,000 square foot custom job requiring 7 different rust finishes for the metal cladding material on the exterior. We worked closely with R2L Architects and our color lab to develop each individual rust color required.

The popularity of the finishes for the CSX East project led us to create The Rust Collection. You can request free samples of any or all of these finishes here.

14 Le Count/The Stella – This project, in New Rochelle, NY was designed by Beyer Blinder Belle and required a concrete finish for the metal facade product that could mimic the look of real concrete. What we developed was a finish called “Ivory Concrete”. 142,000 square feet panels of this finish on our Vitrabond FR alongside accents of “Pewter Metallic” and “Anthrazit Grey” add an elegant touch to the exterior.

808-812 Memorial Drive – When you want to refresh two 1970s apartment buildings in Cambridge, MA, what better way to do it than by recladding the existing exteriors? With over 240,000 square feet of Vitrabond FR Metal Cladding Panels in three custom colors: “Clay”, “Sedona” and match to “Pantone 41-6U”.

San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (SYLPOE) – The SYLPOE is well-known for being the busiest land border crossing in North America. For this project, 168,297 square feet of our Vitraplate 3mm Solid Aluminum Plate was used in a variety of custom finishes including: “Cyberspace,” “Network Grey,” “Dynamic Blue” & “Grey Screen.”

Upenn – The unique design on the award-winning Stephan A. Levin building at the University of Pennsylvania could not have been achieved without the development of custom finishes for the metal cladding material. Vitrabond panels were used on the exterior in “Aria White,” “Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper” and “Cannon Grey.”

Brandeis University – The Skyline Residence at Brandeis University is a sophisticated look, thanks to the development of a “Deep Taupe” custom finish specifically designed by our lab in conjunction with the project design team. The individual finish gives this building a unique and sophisticated look for the metal cladding material on the exterior.

Contact us about Custom Finishes for your metal cladding projects today

At Fairview, our primary goal is to empower architectural designers to seamlessly integrate the aesthetic appeal of any product with the durability and cost-efficiency of composite metal panel systems or metal cladding materials. Simply provide us with a physical sample of the desired finish, no matter how small, and we will develop a precise match in no time.

Fairview’s published color chart serves as an excellent starting point for your design journey, but it does not encompass the full extent of our color and finish capabilities. We can create virtually anything you envision.

Feel free to reach out about our custom color and finish matching services today. We’d love to help you achieve your next metal panel project.

The post Mastering Custom Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding: Your Ultimate Guide first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

9 Reasons Why Using the Arrowhead System Can Help You Complete More Projects

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:54:25 +0000

Fairview is the only ACM/MCM manufacturer that offers a fully patented and tested installation system: Arrowhead. The Arrowhead Metal Panel Installation System, was designed in 2017 by industry professionals as a more efficient solution to traditional (sequential) installation systems.

Arrowhead is a fully tested rainscreen application system for ACM panels and aluminum plate panels. Not only is Arrowhead rated for hurricane zones, but it is also tested and rated for the more stringent Miami–Dade high velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) requirements. In addition to hurricane testing, Arrowhead is rated for both AAMA 508 (Pressure Equalized Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems) and AAMA 509 (Drained and Back–Ventilated Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems).

The Arrowhead system is engineered to save costs and labor time, increasing your productivity and allows you to get more jobs done each year. It is a premium system because of its innovation, flexibility, and ease of install.

We currently offer three Arrowhead systems, FLEX, LEAN, and FLUSH, with more options currently in development. Our Arrowhead packages include versatile facade materials, fully tested labor-saving installation and manufacturer’s in-house training programs.

The Revolutionary Arrowhead T-Clip
Our Arrowhead systems use a revolutionary t-clip that fastens the panel to the wall. Our patented t-clip is what makes the arrowhead system so innovative. It allows the system to be non-sequential.

Since the system is non-sequential, you can add or remove panels independently without affecting the integrity of the structure. This can save you and your installers time, labor, and money.

The t–clip secures the panels to the base extrusion. The clip slots into the extrusion, and then you simply twist the t–clip’s to secure the panel to the wall. This simplified installation allows less labor to install more panels, increasing capacity and reducing installation time.

9 Key Benefits of the Arrowhead System
The Arrowhead system is truly revolutionary. Here are some of the major benefits of the Arrowhead system and why you need it for your next project:

1. Fully Tested: It is the only true non-progressive tested AAMA 508 and AAMA 509 compliant rain screen system for metal panels. It is also hurricane rated and Miami-Dade rated.

2. Cuts Costs: Because the Arrowhead system is fast and easy to fabricate and install, it can be done in just days instead of weeks, which significantly reduces labor costs and saves labor time. You can also have multiple crews on site because the panels do not have to be installed sequentially, which allows projects with tight schedules to be completed in–time.

3. Time Saving: You can shorten your project schedule by up to 50% with the Arrowhead Installation System. The system reduces the number of steps in the drafting and fabrication process and eliminates the need to re–verify your field measurements.

4. Non–Sequential / Non–Progressive: The “any panel in any sequence” system eliminates the risk of getting held up by other trades or obstructions on the job site. Your installers can start at anytime and anywhere. Once other trades and obstructions are clear, panels are easily installed in those areas. Reducing downtime allows installation time to be significantly reduced, saving time and increasing capacity.

5. Quick Lead Times: Our Arrowhead range is in stock at our warehouse in Bloomfield, Connecticut and is available for quick delivery to anywhere in North America.

6. Easy Installation: The non–sequential system makes it possible for measurements to be taken from the installed base extrusions and sent directly to the fabricator. In addition, panels are easily locked in place using the t–clip. The t–clip is simple use and gives consistent results.

7. Panel Replacement: If you have a damaged panel, you can simply remove and re–install the single panel without compromising the integrity of the system or having to remove other panels.

8. Versatile: The FLEX system accommodates different depths of panels so you can add complexity to your façade design while using the same simple mounting system.

9. Compatible: Arrowhead systems are compatible with our ACM/MCM products: Vitrabond FR ACM, Vitraplate prefinished 0.125” aluminum, Vitranar prefinished solid aluminum as well as other industry brands. All three Arrowhead systems can be used on the same wall, giving a sophisticated look while having the same installation process throughout. As the base extrusions are the same across all three systems, different panel styles can be achieved next to each other while using the exact same installation method.

Arrowhead FLEX System
The Arrowhead FLEX System is our most common system. It allows for different depths of panels. It is aesthetically like traditional rain screen systems and has the same features, however, is designed to significantly reduce installation and labor costs. With the FLEX System, the base wall extrusions are shimmed and attached to the exterior wall first. The extrusions are then used to take the measurements for the panels to be placed straight onto the extrusion and held in place by the t-clips.

Arrowhead LEAN System
The Arrowhead LEAN System takes all the benefits of the more traditional Arrowhead FLEX system and combines them with an extremely simplified fabrication process. No rivets are used to hold the panels to the frame. Instead, a double groove and slow system is used to secure the frame extrusion. There are less steps in the process, which increases production speed.

Currently the LEAN System is limited to a 1-inch reveal, so it cannot accommodate panels of different depths.

Arrowhead FLUSH System
The Arrowhead FLUSH system provides a minimalist look with shallow reveals and is easy to fabricate. The FLUSH system offers a clean aesthetic for a truly modern finish to your building façade.

The FLUSH System is mainly used for interior designs because of its sleek look, but it can be used for exteriors as well. It provides extremely small joints and has a flush panel look. The FLUSH System has the same features and ratings as the LEAN and FLEX systems.

Award-winning results

And if you need a 10th reason, Arrowhead can help you develop an award-winning project just like Capitol Vista that recently won the 2021 NAHB Best in American Living Platinum Award in the Affordable, Multifamily category at the Collaborative Vision for Design Equity Awards. This project features Arrowhead FLEX with our Vitrabond FR panels.

Contact Customer Support today
Your dedicated Arrowhead product manager will be there for you from start to finish. We also provide technical support from our product engineers. And now, with our new Customer Success team, you can use our dedicated line to contact us about anything regarding Fairview and get your questions answered.

The post 9 Reasons Why Using the Arrowhead System Can Help You Complete More Projects first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Case Study: The Stella, New Rochelle, NY

Victoria Tayler — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:09:09 +0000

Project: The Stella (14 LeCount)

Location: New Rochelle, NY

Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle

Fabricator: ES Windows

Product: Vitrabond FR – Aluminum Composite Material

Finishes: Ivory Concrete, Pewter Metallic & Anthrazit Grey

Quantity: 142,000 sf

Project Details

The Stella in New Rochelle, NY is a 27-story mixed-use high-rise development designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects. Based in the heart of downtown NY, the aim of the development was to combine affordable residential housing with a large ground-floor commercial space.

The design intent for the exterior façade was to create a contemporary design that would incorporate a range of building materials. In addition, an intention for the exterior façade was to develop a finish on aluminum composite panels that could mimic the look of real concrete, in particular, Ivory Concrete. This would allow the project to have the look of a concrete façade but with the benefits that come from using metal cladding materials.

Fairview’s Solution

Fairview Architectural was brought in to assist with the project due to our expertise in creating unique finishes on aluminum composite cladding. Fairview Architectural’s color laboratory was used, in conjunction with the project team at Beyer Blinder Belle and ES Windows.

The final finish chosen for The Stella not only looks like concrete it also has a textured look and feel that makes it almost impossible to tell the difference between real concrete panels and the Ivory Concrete on aluminum composite panels.

Mark Knapp from ES Windows who installed the panels commented:

“We were brought on to this project to offer design assistance. The architects were looking for an aluminum alternative to an existing construction material. We couldn’t be happier with the result. Fairview really showed their expertise in creating this custom-matched finish and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them on similar projects in the future. They are the industry’s best-kept secret when it comes to finishes and color matching.”

The Finish

Ivory Concrete is a coil-coated finish on 4mm Vitrabond® FR aluminum composite panels. This cladding material consists of two sheets of 0.02” aluminum sandwiching a fire-retardant core. The coil-coated finishes use a Kynar PVDF resin that makes it possible for the panels to be formed and rolled without any cracking or crazing.

Get your samples of Ivory Concrete today!

Awards

Westchester Home Builders Awards – Best Luxury Multifamily Development

The post Case Study: The Stella, New Rochelle, NY first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Explore Top School Cladding Projects

Victoria Tayler — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 22:30:11 +0000

As the school year begins, explore a curated selection of standout school projects designed to inspire. From cutting-edge modern designs to timeless architectural classis, each project showcases the remarkable versatility of metal cladding solutions.

1. East Shore Middle School – Milford, CT

Bone White, an Architect favorite. The Express Range finish was the color chosen to provide East Shore Middle School with a refreshing and modern exterior, using 4mm aluminum composite Vitrabond panels.

2. Gettysburg Middle School – Gettysburg, PA

Showcasing 9,300 square feet of Vitrabond FR aluminum composite panels in a sparkling Silver Metallic Finish, this school project in Gettysburg, PA, highlights another favorite from the Express Range.

3. Joseph Estabrook School – Lexington, MA

Situated in Lexington, MA this project highlights the sleek, modern aesthetic and low-maintenance versatility of aluminum composite cladding panels. The Joseph Estabrook School selected Champagne Metallic and Rubis Red finishes, adding a vibrant touch of color.

4. Potomac Shores Middle School – Cambridge, MA

Potomac Shores Middle School in Dumfries, VA, chose Vitrabond FR exterior cladding panels in the highly popular Bone White finish. This shade of white evokes associations with cleanliness, minimalism, and simplicity.

5. Minneapolis Center for Adult Education

The exterior of the Minneapolis Center for Adult Education features the Faux Zinc Light finish, one of the popular faux metal options. This college thrives with buzz and vibrancy in its metropolitan setting.

6. Oregon State University, Portland, OR

The Oregon State University Collaborative Life Sciences Building features Vitrabond FR metal composite panels with matching Edgeline material in a custom woodgrain Maple finish. This unique woodgrain finish was specially crafted for the project by the team at Fairview.

l7. Brandeis University – Skyline Residence

A custom Deep Taupe finish on Vitrabond FR 4mm aluminum composite panels was specially developed by the team to meet the exterior requirements of this project. Deep Taupe has the ability to harmonize with both warm and cool tones, making it an excellent choice for creating a cohesive and inviting exterior.

8. UPENN – Philadelphia, PA

The multi-award-winning Stephan A. Levin Building at the University of Pennsylvania features a distinctive exterior facade with Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper and a custom Cannon Grey finish. This combination creates a truly unique and striking appearance.

These projects use a variety of finishes from our Express Range to Specialty Finishes and unique custom-created colors. Contact us today and discover the possibilities for your next project.

The post Explore Top School Cladding Projects first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

The Heming at Scotts Run: Featuring Vitrabond

Victoria Tayler — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 03:32:04 +0000

(This article was originally published on www.FLSustainability.com)

Tysons in northern Virginia is a dynamic urban center within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, having a large concentration of development and includes stream valley green spaces contiguous with urban parks¹. Scheduled to be completed later this year at the large-scale Scotts Run development is The Heming designed by CallisonRTKL, now known as Arcadis. Commensurate with sustainability aspirations, the building features Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels produced by Fairview Architectural, which are two sheets of 0.02” aluminum fused to fire-retardant mineral-filled core, for a total thickness of 4mm (0.157 inch)². The panels use 70% less aluminum than conventional 1/8” aluminum plate, thereby having the advantages of aluminum but in significantly lower quantity. This is significant considering virgin aluminum is especially energy-intensive to produce³, but aluminum can be considered highly sustainable when used sparingly. Compared to steel, aluminum is stronger and more lightweight. The material of the core, thin as it is, is based on minimally processed minerals that are compatible and fusible with the extremely thin aluminum sheets. Vitrabond® panels are an example of dematerialization, the concept of using less material to fulfill an intended purpose. This correlates with less embodied resources and lighter weight load. As another factor to sustainability, the panels have minimal maintenance and outstanding longevity.

Outstanding Finishes

Vitrabond® panels have a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) exterior finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards⁴, providing an exceedingly high level of durability⁵, and resistance to dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula³. Fairview Architectural has extensive options regarding the aesthetics of PVDF finishes, and offers architects the opportunity for coordinating custom finishes. The variability of formulations allows for a wide range of colors, gloss, and special effects such as metallic speckling⁵. Specific formulations are proprietary, but constituents such as metal oxides and mica pearlescent are used for aesthetics⁵. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating⁶, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, pretreated, primed, coated, cured in finish oven, then recoiled. At The Heming, the finishes are SOG Grey, Dusty Charcoal, which are both custom, Bronze Metallic and Copper Metallic.

Production to Installation

Sustainability in the architectural industry involves considerations of the building materials, specifically raw materials, supply chain, and characteristics of the end product. The Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels are produced by merging the PVDF top-coated aluminum sheet fed from above, with the mineral-based core material as a heated extruded layer fed laterally, along with the backside aluminum sheet fed from below, together passed through rollers in a continuous automated process. The combined interactions of cooling, drying, and pressure cause fusion of the aluminum sheets to the core material as an incredibly thin rigid composite, having a top-coating that is exceptionally durable to the exterior environment. Fabrication is a different stage of production by a separate entity, in this case by River Supply Inc. Fabrication involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edge to result in a continuous return for attachment of respective panels. Installation is by Del Metro Inc.

Method of Attachment

Vitrabond® panels can be integrated into various attachment systems available to the building industry. Specifically at The Heming, the WS-200 system by River Supply Inc. is used, which consists of intricately small linear aluminum profiles to which the panels attach by rivets. The system is fastened to the substructure through shims, which function as a thermal break and also isolate dissimilar materials. Joints are 1/2” gaps sealed by the silicone sealant Dow Corning 795. Silicone sealants are chemically stable and extremely durable with excellent resistance to weathering and aging⁷. Shown below is a detail of the assembly.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Arcadis for photos, River Supply Inc. for the assembly detail, and Del Metro Inc. for specifics.

References

¹Tysons Urban Center. Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, 2017 Edition.

²Vitrabond® Aluminum Composite Panel Technical Information. 2013. Fairview Architectural.

³Ehrlich, B. 2014. Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade. Environmental Building News 23(9): 1-10.

⁴Vitrabond® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

⁵Iezzi, R. A. 2015. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Coatings Technology. In: ASM Handbook, Volume 5B, Protective Organic Coatings. K. B. Tator (ed.)

⁶Vitrabond® FR Metal Composite Material, Façade System Specification Template. 2016. Fairview Architectural.

⁷Beall, C. 1999. Thermal and Moisture Protection Manual. McGraw-Hill.

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Top 10 construction projects using unique and custom finishes

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 05:57:11 +0000

Architects are tasked with finding the perfect finish for their projects. With the right finish, you can create a unique and striking look that will really make your project stand out from the rest. At Fairview, we have helped architects develop some of the most complex and beautiful custom finishes for projects throughout North America. Here are our top 10 custom projects that have really made an impact.

1. CSX East – Washington, DC

Our team worked with R2L Architects to develop seven different rust finishes for the metal cladding material on the exterior of this project in Washington, DC. We used our color lab to ensure each individual rust color was just right.

Find out more here.

2. The Heming (Scotts Run), Washington, DC

The Heming building is part of the Scotts Run development in Washington, DC. Designed by CallisonRTKL, now known as Arcadis, this development features over 190,000sf of Vitrabond FR panels in two custom finishes, Dusty Charcoal and SOG Gray. The exterior finishes also include two of Fairview’s Express Range finishes that are in stock and ready to ship within 2-5 days.

Find out more here.

3. 808-812 Memorial Drive – Cambridge, MA

We manufactured 240,000 sf of VitrabondFR cladding panels to refresh these 1970s apartment buildings in Cambridge, MA. The design for the exterior was developed using custom finishes: “Clay”, “Sedona” and a match to “Pantone 41-6U”.

Find out more here.

4. 14 LeCount/The Stella – New Rochelle, NY

This project designed by Beyer Blinder Belle architects required an imitation concrete finish on metal cladding. We developed a special finish called “Ivory Concrete” that was able to perfectly mimic the look and texture of concrete. A total of 142,000sf of Ivory Concrete was used on this project.

Find out more here.

5. Oregon State University, Portland, OR

The Oregon State University’s Collaborative Life Sciences Building project showcases a custom woodgrain finish in Maple. This project is also a great example of how a seamless exterior can be achieved using Vitrabond FR MCM panels with matching Edgeline flashing material.

Find out more here.

6. The Parker – Alexandria, VA

This residential development in Alexandria, VA was designed with an exterior façade that is bright and fun and brings joy to the neighborhood. This can also be seen in the names chosen for the custom finishes Laughing Orange and Humorous Green that were developed on Vitrabond FR MCM panels.

Find out more here.

7. UPENN – Philadelphia, PA

The multi-award winning Stephan A. Levin building at the University of Pennsylvania features a unique Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper and a Cannon Grey custom finish on VitrabondFR facade cladding panels.

Find out more here.

8. Wyndham Garden Hotel – Brooklyn, NY

Designed by Horst Design International, the Wyndham Garden Hotel features a custom exterior façade using a chromatic coral finish. Chromatic finishes symbolize prestige, quality and status and will make a statement on any building project.

Find out more here.

9. The Essex – New York, NY

The Essex is a residential development located at 125 Delancey Street in New York. It is one of the tallest buildings on the Lower East Side and was designed by Handel Architects. The exterior façade features an asymmetrical design with folded metal panels in a variety of patterns made from more than 165,000 sf of VitrabondFR MCM in custom bronze metallic and custom black metallic finishes.

Find out more here.

10. Brandeis University – Skyline Residence

Our VitrabondFR 4mm aluminum composite panels in Deep Taupe were used on Brandeis University’s Skyline Residence. This custom finish was specially designed by our team to meet the specific needs of this project.

Find out more here.

At Fairview, we have the capability to create custom finishes or color matches to achieve the desired outcome for an architect on their project. Get in touch to find out more about our custom matching service and also our standard to specialty range of finishes.

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Three-Coat vs Two-Coat Paint Systems – what’s the difference?

Victoria Tayler — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 04:31:00 +0000

It can sometimes feel as though we are programmed to think that bigger is better and the more features you have the better a product is. But is that also the case for paint coating systems? We strip back the layers on this topic below to reveal what the differences between 2-coat and 3-coat Kynar PVDF paint systems really mean and share some tips that might assist with future specifications.

However, before we start we want to briefly touch on the 4-coat paint system. You may not be as familiar with 4-coat paint systems as they are older and advances in technology have made them almost obsolete. Therefore, our blog post focuses on the more common 2-coat and 3-coat pain systems.

If you don’t have time to read this article, here is the conclusion: Leave the decision on whether a finish should be 2 coat or 3 coat to the product manufacturer.

To understand why that is the conclusion, read on:

What are the layers in a 2 coat and 3 coat Kynar 500 PVDF finish?

After the base metal is cleaned and pretreated, it goes through 2 or 3 coating processes depending on the requirements of the finish:

1. Primer: this is a very important step to ensure the quality and longevity of the finished product.

2. Finish Coat: this is where the color is applied

3. Top Coat: when a finish requires a third layer, it receives a top coat, typically a clear or tinted clear coat.

NOTE: A 3-coat is NOT 2 layers of the Finish Coat!

What’s the difference between 2-coat and 3-coat PVDF paint systems?

This may seem obvious but basically, the difference is that one paint system consists of two layers whereas the other system has three layers. Typically, two-coat paint systems include a primer and a topcoat while three-coat paint systems also include a primer and a topcoat and then a third coating layer (typically a clear coat) that is applied last.

In metal coatings, it is important to note that the third coat is not just another layer of the second coat. It is not the same as painting your living room wall, where you step back and say “lets give it another coat to make sure there is even coverage”. Instead, the third coat is used for a specific purpose when the finish requires it.

When is a 3-coat finish required on coated metal?

Here are some examples of when paint manufacturers and coaters may develop a finish with 3 coats instead of 2 coats:

1. Metallic finishes that use aluminum flakes need a clear coat to protect the delicate flakes. In contrast, metallic finishes that use mica flakes – which are a hard stone material – do not need a third coat to protect the mica flakes. Always leave the decision of 2 coat or 3 coat, mica or metallic flake to the manufacturer!

2. Some finishes need a higher gloss level than can be achieved in the same coating that is producing the color. For example, the base and pigments needed to achieve a specific color may not also be able to achieve the desired gloss level. Therefore the combination of the second and third coat achieve both the color and the gloss level desired.

3. Patterned finishes have a base color, one or more ink layers, and then may require a clear coat to protect the ink.

Should I specify a 2-coat or a 3-coat finish on metal cladding?

The simple answer is NO – contrary to traditional opinion, the decision on whether a finish has 2 or 3 coats should be left up to the product manufacturer. Some finishes require 2 coats and some require 3 coats. Adding a 3rd layer to a 2-coat finish may alter the color and gloss level, and may even reduce the warranty, because the top-coat is not simply an additional layer of the 2nd coat, but rather a clear coat that may not be as UV resistant as the 2nd coat.

Instead, specify performance and quality requirements, like warranty, fade resistance, etc… referencing the AAMA 2605 standards.

Ordering Samples

Should you order a lab sample in both 2-coat and 3-coat to compare? We don’t recommend this. Both lab samples will look identical, and these lab samples are for visual purposes, not for technical evaluation. However there are times when matching a finish, it can only by matched in either the 2 or 3 coat finish, but not both. We recommend that you leave the decision on whether to have a 2-Coat or a 3-Coat to the experts at Fairview who know the application and understand the coating processes and how coloring and longevity are affected by the option of 2 or 3 coat paint systems.

Cost

It is inevitable that cost must come into the equation as the additional time and materials of 3-coat finishes will cost more. Also, if the third coat requires running the material through the coating line again, there will be additional waste and scrap that must be accounted for. However, there are other factors that go into pricing, so it is always best to get a quote to see which coating is better suited to your budget. For example, to add a third coat onto a standard 2-coat finish will be treated as a custom color, and therefore be more expensive than a standard 3-coat finish. As always, it is advisable to leave the decision on whether a finish should be 2-coat or 3-coat to the experts.

Warranties

To address the issue of coating performance, let’s look at warranties. Many don’t realize this, but the three-coat paint systems with the extra layer of protection may not have a longer warranty than the 2-coat systems. This is because the decision on whether to have a 3-coat system or 2-coat system is about the finish itself. Also, the stability and quality of a third coat may actually be inferior to that of the second coat, meaning that in some cases a longer warranty can be achieved with a 2-coat system than a 3-coat system. This is another reason to specify the warranty length, and not the number of coats.

Specifying a Coating System

There is an art to writing specifications to guarantee that you get what you want and avoid any post-bid up charges if there are areas that are open to interpretation. As a suggestion, we recommend including the term, “manufacturers full standard colors including solid and metallic finishes”, in your specifications. Instead of specifying that it must be a 3 coat or a 2 coat finish, we recommend that you specify an AAMA 2605 PVDF continuous coated finish, and not a spray applied finish. Not all finishes can achieve the warranty you may need, therefore we recommend you speak to a Fairview representative to choose finish that will look beautiful for years to come!

Final thoughts

In summary, the decision between a two-coat vs. three-coat paint system should be left to the product manufacturer. This should then be considered against other factors such as the project budget and construction schedule as part of the decision-making process. If you are still unsure of what is the best solution, we are here to help. Simply contact our team for a chat here.

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Capitol Vista: The Role of Fairview Architectural

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:23:26 +0000

(This article was originally published on www.FLSustainability.com)

Situated on prime real estate within Washington D.C., the Capitol Vista building exemplifies sustainability objectives of the district¹, with Fairview Architectural having a contributing role as a building product supplier. The building features Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels produced by Fairview Architectural, which are two sheets of 0.02” aluminum fused to a fire-retardant mineral filled core, for a total thickness of 4mm (0.157 inch)². The panels use 70% less aluminum than conventional 1/8” aluminum plate, thereby having the advantages of aluminum but in significantly lower quantity. This is significant considering virgin aluminum is especially energy-intensive to produce³, but aluminum can be considered highly sustainable when used sparingly. Compared to steel, aluminum is stronger and more lightweight.

The material of the core, thin as it is, is based on minimally processed minerals that are compatible and fusible with the extremely thin aluminum sheets. The Vitrabond® panels are an example of dematerialization, the concept of using less material to fulfill an intended purpose. This correlates with less embodied resources and lighter weight load. As another factor to sustainability, the panels have minimal maintenance and outstanding longevity.

Outstanding Finishes

The exterior finish is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards⁴, providing an exceedingly high level of durability⁵, and resistance to dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula³. Fairview Architectural has extensive options regarding the aesthetics of PVDF finishes. The variability of formulations allows for a wide range of colors, gloss, and special effects such as metallic speckling⁵. Specific formulations are proprietary, but constituents such as metal oxides and mica pearlescent are used for aesthetics⁵. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating⁶, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, pretreated, primed, coated, cured in finish oven, then recoiled. At Capitol Vista, the finishes are Ascot White, Pewter Metallic, and Smoke Silver Metallic.

Production of Panels and Fabrication

Sustainability in the architectural industry involves considerations of the building materials, specifically raw materials, supply chain, and characteristics of the end product. The Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels are produced by merging the PVDF top-coated aluminum sheet fed from above, with the mineral-based core material as a heated extruded layer fed laterally, along with the backside aluminum sheet fed from below, together passed through rollers in a continuous automated process. The combined interactions of cooling, drying, and pressure cause fusion of the aluminum sheets to the core material as an incredibly thin rigid composite, having a top-coating that is exceptionally durable to the exterior environment. Fabrication is a different stage of production by a separate entity, in this case by Del Metro Inc. Fabrication involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edge to result in a continuous return for attachment of respective panels.

Method of Attachment

Vitrabond® panels can be integrated into numerous attachment systems available to the building industry. At Capitol Vista, the panels attach by rivets to the Arrowhead® Flex system, also by Fairview Architectural. The patented system is designed to simplify installation, minimize fallibilities, and reduce labor costs⁷. The system consists of small, intricately shaped linear profiles, which in this context can be referred to as pieces. First a base piece is fastened through shims to the substructure. An intermediate piece, to which the Vitrabond® panels are attached, interlocks to the base piece by an innovative T-clip⁸. The Arrowhead® Flex system is non-sequential, meaning respective panels are installed independently of adjacent panels, thereby allowing flexibility in the construction process. Shown below is a detail of the assembly.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Grimm + Parker Architects for reviewing the article and Del Metro Inc. for the assembly detail.

References

¹District of Colombia, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. 2015. Request for Proposals: Capital Vista (2nd & H Streets, N.W.)

²Vitrabond® Aluminum Composite Panel Technical Information. 2013. Fairview Architectura

³Ehrlich, B. 2014. Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade. Environmental Building News 23(9): 1-10.

⁴Vitrabond® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

⁵Iezzi, R. A. 2015. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Coatings Technology. In: ASM Handbook, Volume 5B, Protective Organic Coatings. K. B. Tator (ed.)

⁶Vitrabond® FR Metal Composite Material, Façade System Specification Template. 2016. Fairview Architectural.

⁷Arrowhead Information Flyer. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

⁸DrJ Engineering, LLC. 2021. Technical Evaluation Report TER 2006-02 Arrowhead® Fastening System. Fairview Architectural.

The post Capitol Vista: The Role of Fairview Architectural first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

808-812 Memorial Drive: Retrofitting for Sustainability with Vitrabond®

Victoria Tayler — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:55:04 +0000

(This article was originally published on www.FLSustainability.com)

Retrofitting existing buildings with new cladding is highly efficient with aluminum composite panels. Constructed in the 1970s, the two buildings at 808-812 Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts were cold and drab aesthetically, and characteristically had deterioration of the facade and inefficient thermal performance¹. The extensive renovation, designed by Bruner/Cott Architects, involved new construction layered to the outside of the preexisting exterior. The buildings now feature Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels produced by Fairview Architectural, which are two sheets of 0.02” aluminum fused to a fire-retardant mineral-filled core, for a total thickness of 4mm (0.157 inch)².

The panels use 70% less aluminum than conventional 1/8” aluminum plate, thereby having the advantages of aluminum but in significantly lower quantity. This is significant considering virgin aluminum is especially energy-intensive to produce³, but aluminum can be considered highly sustainable when used sparingly. The material of the core, thin as it is, is based on minimally processed minerals that are compatible and fusible with the extremely thin aluminum sheets. The Vitrabond® panels are an example of dematerialization, the concept of using less material to fulfill an intended purpose. This correlates with less embodied resources and lighter weight load. As another factor to sustainability, the panels have minimal maintenance and outstanding longevity.

Finishes that Make a Difference

The exterior finish is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards⁴, providing an exceedingly high level of durability. Additionally, PVDF finish-coating resists dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula³. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating⁵, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, pretreated, primed, coated, cured in finish oven, and recoiled. With PVDF coil coating, solid colors are of unsurpassed color consistency. Specifically at 808-812 Memorial Drive, the finish colors are warm earth-tones of Clay, Sedona, and equivalent of Pantone 41-6U, which are all customized colors.

Production of Panels

Method of Attachment

Vitrabond® panels can be integrated into numerous attachment systems available to the building industry. Specifically at 808-812 Memorial Drive, the panels, fabricated and installed by Sunrise Erectors, are layered over Kingspan® KarrierPanel® wall system. The assembly includes 4” thick insulation panels of polyisocyanurate faced with light-gauge steel. The panels are profiled at the edges for reciprocal jointing, and the joints are sealed with butyl sealant. A specially designed rail (KarrierRailTM) is fastened over the insulation panels so that the air vapor barrier is not penetrated and the insulating layer is continuous⁶,⁷. The vertical rails extend 1” beyond the insulation panels and function as a substructure for the route and return attachment system by Sunrise Erectors, consisting of intricately small linear aluminum profiles to which the Vitrabond® panels attach. Shown below is a detail of the assembly.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Bruner/Cott Architects and Sunrise Erectors for specifics on the exterior wall assembly.

References

¹New Ecology. 2020. 808-812 Memorial Drive: Energy & Water Savings through the Auditing Process.

²Vitrabond® Aluminum Composite Panel Technical Information. 2013. Fairview Architectural.

³Ehrlich, B. 2014. Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade. Environmental Building News 23(9): 1-10.

⁴Vitrabond® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

⁵Vitrabond® FR Metal Composite Material, Façade System Specification Template. 2016. Fairview Architectural.

⁶KarrierPanel® Wall System Installation Guide. 2022. Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.

⁷KarrierPanel® Universal Barrier Wall Solution. 2022. Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.

The post 808-812 Memorial Drive: Retrofitting for Sustainability with Vitrabond® first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

CSX East: Sustainability with Vitrabond

Victoria Tayler — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 05:10:35 +0000

(This article was originally published on www.FLSustainability.com)

In Southeast Washington D.C., a site formerly owned by CSX has been developed into a unique urban complex designed by R2L:Architects. The three buildings feature Vitrabond® aluminum composite panels produced by Fairview Architectural, which are two sheets of 0.02” aluminum fused to a fire-retardant mineral-filled core, for a total thickness of 4mm (0.157 inch)¹. The panels use 70% less aluminum than conventional 1/8” aluminum plate, thereby having the advantages of aluminum but in significantly lower quantity. This is significant considering virgin aluminum is especially energy-intensive to produce², but aluminum can be considered highly sustainable when used sparingly.

Compared to steel, aluminum is stronger and more lightweight. The material of the core, thin as it is, is based on minimally processed minerals that are compatible and fusible with the extremely thin aluminum sheets. The Vitrabond® panels are an example of dematerialization, the concept of using less material to fulfill an intended purpose. This correlates with less embodied resources and lighter weight load. As another factor to sustainability, the panels have minimal maintenance and outstanding longevity.

Palette of Finishes

The exterior finish is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards3, providing an exceedingly high level of durability. Additionally, PVDF finish-coating resists dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula². There is an array of PVDF finish coatings for not only color options but also gloss level, texture, and color mottling. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating⁴, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, pretreated, primed, coated, cured in finish oven, and recoiled. With layered coil coating capabilities, variations such as blotches, markings, or patterning of coats are applied in sequence according to preconfigured design having a collective aesthetic effect. The resulting coil-coated print can have a distinctively aged and weathered appearance, while in actuality it is exceptionally resistant to aging and weathering. Specifically, the finishes used at CSX East were: Nimitz Blue, Azure Patina, Longhorn Rust, Nebula Blue, Mesa Rust, Mojave Rust, and Sierra Rust. Fairview Architectural takes special ownership of having worked in coordination with the architect to develop these customized faux metal finishes.

Production of Panels

Method of Attachment

Vitrabond® panels can be integrated into numerous attachment systems available to the building industry. Specifically at CSX East, the panels were fabricated and installed by Custom Walls & Windows, Inc. (CWW). Fabrication involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edge to result in a continuous return for attachment and jointing of respective panels. The CWW RR200 (Rout and Return) system is used, consisting of intricately small linear aluminum profiles to which the panels attach. The aluminum profiles are fastened through plastic shims, which function as a thermal break, to z-girts as a spacer for 2” of semi-rigid insulation. Joints consist of 1/2” gap which is sealed with Precora 890 silicone sealant. Shown below is a detail of the assembly.

References

¹Vitrabond® Aluminum Composite Panel Technical Information. 2013. Fairview Architectural.

²Ehrlich, B. 2014. Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade. Environmental Building News 23(9): 1-10.

³Vitrabond® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

⁴Vitrabond® FR Metal Composite Material, Façade System Specification Template. 2016. Fairview Architectural.

The post CSX East: Sustainability with Vitrabond first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.