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 3 step Process

At Kolbe & Kolbe, we believe in the K-Kron finishing system. We follow strict guidelines in applying K-Kron to our 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. We 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 we have doubled our capabilities for producing K-Kron coated windows and doors. And, as proof of our confidence, we are extending 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.