Metal panels include 2 major parts, the substrate and the finish. While the finish color itself might be the seemingly most important feature of the panel, it actually is not. Nearly any hue, pattern, gloss, or texture can be achieved with certain metals and specific paint processes, but the longevity of the finish itself is the true key to specification.

The AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association) has developed 3 standards by which architects and designers can easily identify the differences between finish performance on metals:

• AAMA 2603 = Good performance
• AAMA 2604 = High performance
• AAMA 2605 = Superior performance

These standards measure the finish on a variety of factors, including:

• Dry film thickness
• Humidity resistance
• Cyclic corrosion
• Color retention
• Chalk rating
• Gloss retention
• Coating erosion
• Outdoor weather exposure testing (South Florida 10-Year Test)

The key to achieving the highest rating of 2605 is passing the South Florida 10-Year Test. Panels must be exposed to the South Florida environment for 10 years before the other readings can even take place!

Finishes that meet the 2605 rating offer designers, and subsequently building owners, a low-maintenance solution for exterior cladding. This rating also ensures that the materials designers specify today will not differ in appearance in a few short years, especially for those installed in harsh climates. Opting for AAMA 2605 finishes during each specification, especially over natural materials, ensures a legacy of maintenance can be entirely avoided.

Pure + FreeForm materials are all AAMA 2605 rated for Superior Performance for Exterior Coatings. Coupled with a 20-year warranty, our finishes bridge the gap between beauty and performance. To see our AAMA 2605 testing results, check our Product Facts page and download our full report!

More information on these tests and their standards can be found online at www.aamanet.org.