When considering coloration, durability, and cost in terms of aluminum trim, both anodized and painted aluminum rely upon the same underlying material. However, they do differ significantly in a variety of other ways. Therefore, it&#;s essential to understand the differences between anodized and painted aluminum trim so you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs and those of the building project at hand.
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Here at EasyTrim Reveals®, we offer color options for our extruded aluminum trim systems in black anodized, clear anodized, stock white, and primed (ready to paint on the job site). Let&#;s discuss each choice&#;s benefits and potential limitations to ensure your next project matches the aluminum trim that will provide the best result for years to come.
Anodized aluminum is a process that creates a hard, durable coating on the surface of an aluminum base. The process is simple and has been around for over 100 years; it involves an electrochemical reaction that forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide on the surface of the base metal. This outer layer on the trim increases the overall strength and durability of the metal.
No matter what color you choose, you can count on the trim&#;s durability. Anodized aluminum has been tested and proven to be only second to diamonds in hardness because the outer anodic layer bonded to the original aluminum on a molecular level-making it naturally resistant to scratches and abrasions.
EasyTrim&#;s anodized aluminum trim is also a great choice because it doesn&#;t chalk, flake, chip, or peel. So not only will it stay looking good longer with no costly repairs, but it&#;s also easy to maintain.
Due to the trim&#;s protective layer, keeping it clean is simple and easy. An annual wash and rinse with mild detergent is all that is required.
Although initial costs are comparable to paint, anodized aluminum is more cost-effective when considering durability and the need for maintenance-providing a greater return on investment (ROI).
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Along with black and clear anodized aluminum trim options, EasyTrim Reveals® offers primed aluminum trim. This allows builders and homeowners the opportunity and freedom to paint their trim in any color they choose.
All EasyTrim aluminum trim systems that have not been anodized are primed using a PPG Duracron Primer and have a one-year paint application window after installation. To paint the trim, it is recommended that only high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint is applied.
Even with top-grade primers and paints being utilized on aluminum trim, it is within paint&#;s general nature to eventually peel, crack and fade. Unfortunately, this means you will be required to repaint and repair any affected trim an estimated every 5-10 years. Ultimately leading to higher maintenance costs over time when compared to anodized aluminum.
When using anodized aluminum trim, installation can be a quick and seamless process as the trim is fully set and prepped when it reaches the job site. On the other hand, primed aluminum trim will take longer to install due to having to paint before installation is completed.
While painting trim on site is an option with our primed trims, you need to make sure conditions are suitable. Weather and temperature can affect the curing process, and improperly cured paint can lead to chipping and peeling. EasyTrim Reveals offers painting with our ColorMatch® paint program.
If you&#;re considering aluminum trim for your next project, remember that both anodized and painted aluminum relies on the same underlying material&#;aluminum. If anodization is ultimately the best option for your needs, select a durable, high-quality manufacturer like EasyTrim Reveals®. It&#;s always a fine balance between cost, quality, and the effort it will take to achieve what you desire. This is true regardless of what material you choose to work with in your project. Contact us today, and one of our expert representatives will work with you to discover the best aluminum trim choice for your build!
Irregardless as to what you call it, the O.P. wanted to know what to use to protect his polished aluminum parts. Clear anodizing is the best way to protect those parts. It is quite impervious to common automotive chemicals, and a simple coat of auto wax will keep it clean & shiny almost forever. If you send aluminum trim out to a restorer such as "King of Trim" they will clear anodize the parts after polishing, and then apply any paint details last (as needed). The stuff I had done 10+ years ago still looks brand new.
There are many drawbacks to all other coatings. Any type of clear paint will change the color of the aluminum slightly, as well as almost always dulling the shine somewhat. They tend to flake/peel off too, mostly because in order to get paint to "stick" to metal it needs to be roughed up somewhat. Of course you cannot do that to polished parts.
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