Most Andersen® products include Perma-Shield® prefinished exteriors that are available in a variety colors. The exterior of some Andersen products may be painted or stained, however, improper painting and staining may cause damage to vinyl, aluminum and other exterior materials. Please adhere to the following guidelines when painting Andersen product exteriors.

• Products in Sandtone or Terratone® color may be painted any color lighter than Terratone using quality oil base or latex paint.
• When painting White units, submit color samples to Andersen for approval. (See below.)
• When painting Sandtone or Terratone colored units any color darker than Terratone, submit color samples to Andersen for approval. (See below.)
• Do not paint Forest Green exteriors.
• Creosote-based stains should not come in contact with Andersen products.
• Do not paint weatherstripping.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or solutions containing corrosive solvents on Andersen products.
• Factory applied exterior silicone fillet beads may not accept paint.
• Andersen does not warrant the adhesion of paint to product exteriors.
• For additional painting and preparation instructions, contact your Andersen supplier.

Customers considering painting Andersen white, sandtone and Terratone® colored products should submit a color chip of the paint to Andersen and provide the following information if available:

• Name of the paint manufacturer
• Product brand name
• Paint type
• Color/tint number
• Color name and
• Type of product

Forward this information to:

Customer Service
Andersen Corporation
100 Fourth Avenue North
Bayport, MN 55003

Upon receipt of this information, Andersen will determine and advise if color choice is likely to damage the white, sandtone or Terratone colored vinyl. Dark colored paint on white, sandtone or Terratone colored Perma-Shield products may cause damage to the vinyl due to excessive heat build up.

Exterior Vinyl Frame Components Colors and restrictions:

White vinyl units - may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 60 (approximately Sandtone color or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen for testing.

Terratone® colored vinyl units - may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 40 (approximately Terratone color or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen for testing.

Sandtone vinyl units - may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 40 (approximately Terratone color or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen for testing.

Forest green vinyl units - Andersen does not recommend painting forest green units. Read and follow finishing manufacturer's instructions and warnings on each container of finish material for priming, painting and staining.

Painting Suggestions:

1. Wipe surfaces to be painted with a cloth dampened with Acetone (a solvent available from paint stores). Buff with a 3M Scotch-Brite® pad, 00 steel wool, or 240 grit sandpaper. WARNING: Acetone is flammable. Carefully follow manufacturer's instructions on safety.
2. Prime surfaces with a fast-dry flat alkyd primer in a neutral color. Follow manufacturer instructions.
3. Use a high quality oil or water base compatible trim paint.
4. Paint with sash/panel open and do not close until thoroughly dry.

"Scotch-Brite" is a registered trademark of 3M Company.