Is Factory Finish a product or a process?

Factory Finish is a product and a process. The process is often referred to as Machine Staining. ACI applies finishes to different substrates and distribute those finished products to retailers and customers directly.

What is the Factory FinishING Process?

ACI Pre-finishing assures that an even coat of primer or stain is applied to ALL sides in a controlled environment. ACI finishes are applied under factory controlled conditions and the most stringent quality control procedures are followed. All six sides of the board, including the butt-ends, are completely covered ensuring the ultimate protection from nature's elements. The finish is brushed deep into the surface for maximum penetration. it is then allowed to dry thoroughly thus stabilizing the siding and preventing possible shrinkage.   ACI finished siding arrives at the construction site protected from exposure to water and sunlight.

Why should I specify pre-finished wood siding?

It's more economical! Pre-finishing can cost as little as half of the price of a painting contractor painting on site. The siding arrives at the jobsite protected from the elements.   Finishing in a controlled factory setting ensures the greatest penetration and uniformity possible with no brush laps or skips. The entire piece gets finished. Wood sidings are prone to seasonal dimensional changes, due to moisture content fluctuations. Finishing on site may cause "shrink back marks" as unfinished wood from under the lap appears.

What products does ACI offer?

ACI OFFERS A COMPLETE LINE OF ALL naturalWood, ENGINEERED AND fiber cement SIDING, TRIM, PANEL AND SOFFIT PROFILES. SAME BATCH PAINTED NAILS, TOUCH UP FINISHES AND CAULK ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. ACI CAN PROVIDE YOU EXTRA FINISH TO COVER YOUR Accessories: Shutters, flower boxes, louver vents, outlet boxes, and MAIL boxes.

What is engineered wood siding?

Engineered Products such as LP® SmartSide®, are made from various combinations of wood veneers, fibers or flakes, bound together with glues, resins, and/or waxes.   They offer the natural look of cedar without many of the problems commonly associated with wood.   They are designed to withstand tough environments and resist fungal decay and termites.

What is fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie®, is relatively new in America but has been used for many years in foreign countries. Fiber cement is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, cellulose, silica, and additives which are autoclaved and molded into finished siding products. Fiber cement won't burn, rot, or cup and is impervious to salt spray, termites, and woodpeckers. It can come in lap siding or panels with a variety of textures. Installation is similar to wood siding but requires specialized cutting blades and safety precautions due to the dust produced during cutting with power tools. Manufacturer's installation recommendations should be strictly adhered to and particular attention paid to the painting and finishing recommendations for a quality installation.

Is FINISHing the backside important?

"Back priming," or coating the backside on the same run in the factory, is a process we do on every bevel and board order at ACI. We believe this process will greatly reduce moisture content fluctuations, thereby enhancing a siding's performance. It will also help in avoiding cupping and prolonging the life of the finish. And, back priming can only be done before installation.

What are my color choices?

ACI is proud offer the Cabot® Family of wood care products in over 70 CABOT® FACTORY FINISH colors. If you DON'T SEE A COLOR YOU LIKE, ACI OFFERS COLOR MATCHING TECHNOLOGY. with aci, YOUR CHOICES ARE LIMITLESS. DOWNLOAD CABOT® FACTORY FINISH COLORS

Which is better latex or oil?

The two major categories of finishes used in the prefinishing process are latex and oil. Each has its own ADVANTAGES, WHICH will dictate which to use in any particular application. Latex coatings breathe allowing moisture to pass through, thus blistering is less likely to occur. Oil or solvent based stains are brittle sealing type stains which work as a primer because of their ability to penetrate.

What kind of finish will last the longest?

Solid finishes offer more protection than semi-transparent because they block out UV light and moisture. Acrylic latex solid topcoat works the best on exterior sidings because they breathe out moisture and are flexible. At least two coats are recommended for maximum performance of any film building finish on exterior sidings.