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Coastal Shield™ Premium Finishing

Well made millwork products perform with complete satisfaction when the proper finish is applied and maintained. The finish on wood fenestration is crucial because it protects the wood from extreme changes in relative humidity, ultra-violet rays, and other environmental factors that can negatively impact the performance of windows and doors.

 

Our experience, combined with research by the US Forest Products Laboratory and other independent labs, has resulted in our proprietary and exclusive "Coastal Shield™" finishing system. The Coastal Shield™ finishing system, which has been awarded for quality. Because of this, Stewart Brannen Millworks proudly offers the Coastal Shield™ Guarantee on all newly manufactured and finished products.

Step 1 – Wood Preparation
Our finishing process begins with the application of an impregnating agent, flow-coated to fully saturate the wood substrate. This treatment establishes the product’s color, carefully selected by the client. In addition to our standard stain offerings, custom colors can be developed to meet specific design requirements. Unlike conventional stains that fade with exposure, our impregnator is lightfast, allowing the color to remain rich and stable over time. It also contains an integrated anti-fungal compound that inhibits fungal growth and helps protect the wood from mildew and rot.

Step 2 – Sealing and Stabilization
Once the impregnator has cured, each individual component is carefully hand-sanded and prepared for sealing. A two-component sealer and insulator is then applied to all six sides of every piece, creating a protective barrier that stabilizes the wood and prevents moisture intrusion. After curing, the components are hand-sanded once more to ensure a smooth, uniform surface. At this stage, the parts are assembled and begin to take their final form.

Step 3 – Protective Topcoat
Following assembly, the units move to the final stage of finishing: the application of a high-build topcoat. This acrylic resin coating is formulated with a high concentration of UV absorbers and advanced stabilizing agents that protect against sunlight, moisture, and environmental exposure. The topcoat is applied to achieve substantial film thickness, creating a durable, long-lasting finish designed to perform in even the most demanding conditions, including coastal environments. On stained products, this finish enhances the natural grain while adding depth, clarity, and warmth.

Step 4 – Pigmented Finish Protection
For painted or pigmented finishes, the same high-performance topcoat is used, with the addition of carefully selected pigments to achieve the client’s desired color. These opaque finishes provide an additional layer of protection by blocking a greater percentage of ultraviolet radiation, further improving durability and extending the life of the finish.