Kolbe & Kolbe Primed Wood Windows
What's the best exterior coating for wood windows and doors? The answer is black and white: Kolbe & Kolbe K-Kron. K-Kron is a high performance finishing system which relies on PPG Industries' Flexacron topcoat. In 1967, PPG Industries began manufacturing high performance finishes specifically for factory finishing wood windows and doors and, since then, over 45 million window and door units have been coated in whole or in part with those finishes. Flexacron is one of the few non-fluoropolymer coatings to meet most of the performance requirements of AAMA 2603 and 2604 specifications.
The Three-Step Process
Kolbe & Kolbe applies K-Kron to their wood windows and doors
in a three part system:
The first step in keeping Kolbe & Kolbe wood windows and doors
beautiful is in the preservative. We use PILT® (Preservative
In-Line Treatment) by PPG, the world's largest industrial coatings
manufacturer. PILT® is a patented liquid pre-treatment that
was formulated to improve the water repellence of wood. It incorporates
a fungicide, which helps wood resist decay. PILT® meets the
preservative and water repellence requirements of the WDMA I.S.4-2000.
Wood pieces that will be exposed to the exterior are completely
immersed in PILT® before assembly, providing them with armor
against the elements. Further, PILT® works to improve the performance
of any coatings that are subsequently applied to it. So, whether
windows and doors are factory-finished, painted or stained by
the homeowner or a contractor, those topcoats may perform better
as a result of the PILT® treatment. Color and gloss of the subsequent
finish may hold up better as a result of PILT®, and there may
be a greater resistance to cracking on the final finish.
Step two is a controlled multi-step spray application of Polyurea
primer. This helps seal the wood and provides a bonding surface
for the final topcoat.
Step three - the Flexacron topcoat - is applied to the unglazed
unit using an airless, controlled-spray system which follows
WDMA TM11 and TM12 guidelines. This provides complete, consistent
coverage to the exterior surface. The topcoat is formulated
to resist weathering, chemical attack, ultraviolet deterioration
and chalking. It is designed to help resist industrial acids,
alkalis and salts, as well as erosion from wind, sleet and snow.
Kolbe & Kolbe is a Certified Applicator of Flexacron
Being a certified applicator means that Kolbe & Kolbe works together with PPG Industries to ensure success of the K-Kron system. They use recommended preservatives, as well as PPG's primer and topcoat, which have been formulated to work together to achieve the best results. And it means following rigorous procedures to achieve optimal coverage and long-lasting protection.
K-Kron Protects
K-Kron is both flexible and tough, as it features an elastomeric polyurethane resin similar to natural rubber. Inorganic, ceramic pigments and the highest quality UV absorbers ensure retention of the beautiful colors over time. And, because K-Kron is non-corrosive, it is often chosen for seacoast applications.
The Flexibility of K-Kron
Aluminum cladding simply cannot offer the authentic look of
wood, which is especially important on architectural renovation
projects. Therefore, to remain true to historical construction
while maintaining contemporary standards for long-lasting beauty
and low-maintenance, there is no match for wood windows and
doors covered using the K-Kron system.
And, though K-Kron lends itself to colonial and traditional
architecture, it also works well to achieve the contemporary,
"clean-painted" look that is popular today.
Kolbe & Kolbe offers a wide range of standard K-Kron colors.
K-Kron also allows the ability to incorporate custom colors
into a home's design. What's more, house trim paints can be
matched easily, as PPG is part of the Architectural Coatings
network, which includes Pittsburgh® paint, Lucite®, and Olympic®
products.
The K-Kron System - It Works
K-Kron is the highest quality warranted finish for exterior
wood substrates in the industry. It is continuously monitored
in harsh environments and tested for film erosion, color and
gloss retention, chalk and chemical resistance. That's why so
many architects and contractors insist on using K-Kron coated
windows for their projects.
Kolbe & Kolbe believes in the K-Kron system to such an extent
that it has become one of Kolbe & Kolbe's standard offerings.
In the past few years they have doubled our capabilities for
producing K-Kron coated windows and doors. And, as proof of
their confidence, they provide a 10-year film integrity warranty
directly to the homeowner.
So, what's the best exterior coating for wood windows and
doors? Though the answer to that question is black and white.
it opens up a veritable rainbow of possibilities.
