Linetec's Copper and Bordeaux Anodize specialty finishes for aluminum present distinctive visibility, Red List Free sustainability, durability, longevity

Linetec’s Copper Anodize and Bordeaux Anodize specialty finishes offer two exclusive colors for architectural aluminum products in finishes that support sustainability, durability and longevity. These proprietary finish options support residential homes and commercial building projects seeking a uniquely modern metallic appearance, as well as those renewing historical properties to their former luster.

Linetec, part of Apogee Architectural Metals, is one of the nation’s largest paint and anodize finishers. Its proprietary Copper Anodize formulation launched in 2005. The finish retains its desired “shiny” appearance over time and under harsh environmental conditions. Following the success of Copper Anodize, Linetec added the bold, earthy Bordeaux Anodize. In addition to the two specialty colors, Linetec offers seven standard anodized finish colors: clear, champagne, black and four bronze tones.

Staying Power
“Architects and design professionals often specify anodized aluminum for its durability and natural metallic beauty, and appreciate our unique finish colors,” said Tammy Schroeder, marketing director for Apogee Architectural Metals. “Both Copper and Bordeaux complement contemporary color trends and restore luster to vintage palettes. They also pair well with layered colors and textures of biophilic wood looks, terra cotta and stone shades, and other metallic tones.”

“Our Copper and Bordeaux Anodize finishes are an elegant blend of art and science,” she continued. “With our Copper Anodize, the finished aluminum will never patina; it maintains its shine, keeping the intended look of rich, real copper. Bourdeaux Anodize also holds true to its original dark-burgundy appearance.”

As with all its anodized finishes, Linetec’s Copper and Bordeaux Anodize meet the industry-leading AAMA 611 Class I performance standards for color consistency, performance and longevity. Because it is an integral part of the substrate, the anodic coating results in a hard, durable substance providing excellent wear and abrasion resistance with minimal maintenance.

Red List Free
Anodize is nonhazardous. The finished aluminum material is inert, noncombustible and 100% recyclable. Linetec’s anodize finishing for aluminum has earned a Declare Label as Living Building Challenge™ (LBC) Red List Free. This means that Linetec’s anodize finishing, including Copper and Bordeaux Anodize, is in full compliance with the highest level of LBC criteria established through the International Living Future Institute.

The Declare Label for Linetec’s anodized aluminum indicates that there are no applicable VOCs (or any other harmful chemicals) associated with this product and lists a life expectancy of 40 years. Red List Free and sustainable building materials can contribute to green building certification programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System and the International WELL Building Standard™.

Protective Performance
The anodized finish is an integral part of the aluminum substrate created through the process of electrochemically controlling, accelerating and enhancing oxidation. Linetec’s Copper and Bordeaux Anodize finishes are achieved through an eco-friendly, three-step electrolytic coloring process. Anodization produces an oxide film that is uniform, hard and protects the rest of the aluminum from deterioration. The resulting finish does not require a clear coat or ongoing treatment to maintain color stability.

Linetec’s rigorous quality assurance program ensures anodized finishes meet AAMA 611 Class I industry specification standards. Finishes that meet this standard provide excellent resistance to abrasion, weather, UV exposure and salt spray, and exceptional wear in high-traffic environments. Linetec’s Copper Anodize has been on a test fence in south Florida for 20 years with no significant change to color or gloss.

“Compared with actual copper, anodized aluminum is one-third of the weight, making it easier and faster to install. It’s also a fraction of the cost and more durable,” added Schroeder. “The finished aluminum is readily available, easily formed, extremely durable and can be recycled at the end of its long life on the building.”

Architectural Applications
A single-source finishing services provider, Linetec works closely with manufacturers of architectural aluminum products. It is available for extrusion, stretch-formed and flat sheet aluminum, before or after assembly into:
• Window, skylight, curtain wall, storefront and entrance framing systems
• Doors, column covers, wall panels
• Façade and rainscreen systems
• Canopies, sun shades and other shading devices
• Coping, fascia and louvers
• Ornamental and decorative elements, trim and railings

Most recently, Linetec’s Copper Anodize finishes were selected for the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering’s recently renovated and expanded Fraser Hall. The nearly 100-year-old building underwent a complete redesign by VJAA and BWBR Architects. M.G. McGrath fabricated and installed a custom, copper-colored, perforated, sun shade system on the five-story addition.

Additional projects highlighting Copper and Bordeaux Anodize include:
• The Forge luxury apartments in Long Island, New York
• Iowa State University, Economic Development Core Facility in Ames
• Mountain View Corporate Center in Silicon Valley, California
• Nash Women’s Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina
• University of Arizona, Sixth Street Residence Hall in Tucson
• University of Massachusetts - Amherst, John W. Olver Design Building

Learn More
Earn up to 2.0 AIA/CES LUs and learn more about architectural finishes for aluminum. Visit Learn with Linetec, https://learn.linetec.com, for course offerings approved by the American Institute of Architects and recognized by other professional association’s continuing education programs.

Visit https://linetec.com for immediate resources on anodized finishes, including color selection cards and sample requests, capabilities and specialty finishes brochures, a three-part guide specification for metal finishes, quotation and sample warranty request forms, and a care and cleaning guide.

For personalized assistance from Linetec’s finishing experts, please call 888-717-1472 or email sales@linetec.com.

###

Photo credits:
The Forge, courtesy of Dri-Design and Apogee Architectural Metals
Iowa State University's Economic Development Core Facility, courtesy of Metal Design Systems and Apogee Architectural Metals
Nash Women's Center, courtesy of Dri-Design and Apogee Architectural Metals
University of Minnesota's Fraser Hall ©Joe Brennan, courtesy of Apogee Architectural Metals