The FGIA, previously known as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), developed three architectural performance coating specifications: AAMA 2605, AAMA 2604, and AAMA 2603.
Many people in the design community know the FGIA coating specifications in conjunction with liquid paint. However, it is key to note these specifications are for coatings, so whether it is a powder or a liquid coating, these specifications still apply.
The three coating specifications are designed to outline exactly what can be expected from a coating that meets the performance requirements of each specification. Each one requires a certain number of chemical, mechanical, and weathering tests to be completed and lays out the test method—with many of them being ASTM tests—and minimum performance requirements for each.
Some of the most important tests the FGIA requires are outlined in Table 1. There are many more tests than the ones outlined in the table, but these tests are some of the most telling.
The FGIA specifications are a great way to specify performance coatings, whether powder or liquid. This way, one gets to specify the performance they want, rather than the type of coating. Stating the AAMA specification required gives an absolute minimum performance level that must be met, and prevents a contractor from simply getting any coating in the right color, regardless of performance.
There are several different types of powder coatings that will meet and exceed the performance requirements of the FGIA coating specifications, but some of the most common are as follows.
Fluoropolymer powders
Just like fluoropolymer liquid coatings, fluoropolymer powder coatings will also meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2605 and make an excellent extrusion coating used on curtain wall, windows, doors, panels, and facade elements.
The most used fluoropolymer powder utilizes fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) fluoropolymer resin to deliver a single coat powder coated finish that will meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2605.
