Use and Care Manual

04/08/08
FINISHING, CARE &
MAINTENANCE
Architectural Windows by Frontline Bldg. Products Inc. are manufactured with care and crafts-
manship to ensure beauty and durability. Constructed of select pine and hardwoods, they are
then treated with a water repellant preservative. If you choose wood exterior surfaces, occasional
painting will be required. Frontline Bldg. Products Inc. clad wood units feature exterior
surfaces made of extruded aluminum with a thick coating of high performance paint.
Finishing Windows
1. Temperature and humidity have a major effect on drying and may affect paint film characteris-
tics. Paint should be applied at product, surface, and air temperatures between 50
o
F (10
o
C)
and 90
o
F (32
o
C) unless product label specifies differently. Relative humidity should be below
85%.
2. Use only high grade materials and follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully to assure a long
lasting beautiful finish.
3. Surfaces to be painted must be thoroughly dry and free from dust or dirt, oil or grease, wax,
chalk, or other contaminants. Remove dust or dirt by scrubbing or hosing. Remove oils, grease
or waxes with paint thinner. If mildew is present, it must be removed prior to painting. Sand to
remove any surface roughness and wipe clean.
4. Be sure that all nail holes, gouges or other surface indentations are filled before coating to en-
sure the performance of the topcoat.
5. Apply two coats of high quality trim paint to the exterior of primed units within thirty (30) days of
installation. Failure to finish the primed surface within a thirty (30) day limit may require a new
primer coat and will void the warranty. Again, be sure to apply paint in accordance with the
manufacturer’s directions.
6. Each coat of paint should be applied evenly. Make certain the surfaces are dry before applying
the next coat.
7. Be sure to overlap paint or urethane by 1/16” onto glass to seal glazing and seal joint. Do not
break this seal when removing paint from glass surfaces or when cleaning.
8. To the interior of your window units, apply a coat of high quality primer and two or three coats of
trim paint. Or, if you desire a natural finish, apply a coat of sanding sealer and two coats of
urethane.
9. Cellular PVC units can be painted with high quality acrylic latex. Heat reflective paint must be
used for dark colors having an L value of 56 to 0.
Care of Clad Exterior
Occasional cleaning of the exterior aluminum surfaces will help maintain the luster of the original
finish. Use a mild soap with water to clean the aluminum surfaces.
Glass Cleaning
Glass surfaces should be cleaned regularly with a mild, nonabrasive commercial window washing
solution in order to maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Be aware that tempered glass
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