On this page
Guidelines for contractors working with glass and paint at SA government schools and preschools.
Windows and glass
Size and placement
The preferred maximum pane size for windows is in the order of 1200mm x 1200mm (or equivalent area) to reduce maintenance costs.
Consider the articulation of window frames to reduce the size of individual glazing panels.
Types of glass
Glazing in new windows must be minimum 6.3mm laminated safety glass and/or meet AS 1288 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation specifications where these exceed the minimum 6.3mm laminated safety glass.
Toughened glass is not accepted.
Solar/safety film can be used on existing windows to provide sun shielding and protection against forced entry.
Mirror reflective film is not acceptable as it causes discomfort from reflected glare externally.
When a high level of security (or anti-vandalism) is required, 9.5mm thick marr-resistant type of polycarbonate sheets must be used as the preferred glazing material. The size of polycarbonate sheet has limitations due to flexing. Consult with the department’s Security and Emergency Management team for information on the level of security required.
For further information, refer to the design standards (PDF 1.2MB).
Painting
Use paints from the Australian Paint Approval scheme (APAS) to ensure paints have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Light colours should be selected to increase natural light and to accommodate students with disabilities who may be affected by bright colours.
Recommended finishes
Outdoors
|
Surface |
Finish |
|---|---|
|
Concrete/cement render |
Satin acrylic |
|
Fibre cement wall cladding |
Satin acrylic |
|
Timber fascia, barges, rafters |
Flat acrylic (a) |
|
Steel beams, posts, handrails, balustrades, bag racks |
System c and gloss enamel or galvanised finish (b) |
|
Fibre cement soffits |
Low sheen acrylic |
|
Timber doors and frames |
Full gloss enamel (c) |
|
Timber window frames |
Full gloss enamel (c) |
Indoors
|
Surface |
Finish |
|---|---|
|
Plaster and plasterboard wall |
Satin acrylic |
|
Plasterboard ceilings and bulkheads |
Flat acrylic |
|
Fibre cement toilet partitions |
Factory polyurethane |
|
Timber doors and frames |
Full gloss enamel (c) |
|
Timber windows |
Full gloss enamel |
|
Timber sills, skirtings, and trim |
Full gloss enamel or clear finish |
|
Timber joinery |
Full gloss enamel or clear finish or melamine surface |
|
Steel columns and beams |
Full gloss enamel (b) |
For further information, refer to the design standards.
- External timber subject to weather is best protected with oil based pink primer and flat acrylic finish coats.
- Galvanising is the preferred finish to metal surfaces that take wear. Metal surfaces to be painted must first be treated with System C protection and not galvanising.
- Full gloss enamel is the preferred finish to timber surfaces that receive any hand contact, internally and externally.
