AAMA Specifications - Spectrum International

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AAMA Specifications

AAMA Specifications

Architects and building owners should determine which performance specification is required, along with the paint color. In order to ensure the paint performance expected for a given application, one of three AAMA specifications should be referenced: AAMA 2603, 2604, and 2605. These three specifications apply to progressively stronger levels as indicated by South Florida of America outdoor exposure and laboratory accelerated testing results as shown below.

AAMA Specifications for Paint

Specification	2603	2604	2605
Florida Weathering:
Color retention	1 year: "slight" fade	5 yrs: Fade = 5 Delta E	10 yrs: Fade = 5 Delta E
Chalk resistance	1 year: "slight" chalk	5 yrs: Chalk = 8	10 yrs: Chalk = 8
Gloss retention	No specification	5 yrs: 30% retention	10 yrs: 50% retention
Erosion resistance	No specification	5 yrs: 10% loss	10 yrs: 10% loss

Dry film thickness	0.8 mils minimum	1.2 mils minimum	1.2 mils minimum
Pretreatment System:	Chrome or Chrome Free *	Chrome or Chrome Free *	Chrome or Chrome Free *
Accelerated Testing:
Salt Spray	1,500 hours	3,000 hours	4,000 hours
Humidity	1,500 hours	3,000 hours	4,000 hours

Spectrum is 100% compliant of all AAMA specifications. For detailed spec information or to purchase AAMA specifications visit www.aamanet.org. All AAMA documents may be ordered through the Public Store.

Spec Performance

AAMA 2603
AAMA 2603 is typically an interior specification. Baked enamel (acrylic/polyester) paints should meet AAMA 2603. The baked enamel coatings are harder than the fluoropolymer PVDF (Kynar) coatings and often are used for interior application where color retention is not required. These paints are less expensive, but have poor resistance to color fading and chalking.
Storefront.

AAMA 2604
AAMA 2604 is an "intermediate" specification. A paint meeting this specification would be a 50% fluoropolymer. An application for this paint would be storefront, doors, or other high-traffic areas. This finish will provide good color and gloss retention. It also will provide good hardness and abrasion resistance.

AAMA 2605
AAMA 2605 is the high-performance exterior specification. A paint meeting this specification would be a 70% fluoropolymer. These finishes exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals. An application for this finish would include monumental architectural projects.