Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

This series of aluminum finishes translates the distinctive stratification of authentic hand forged Damascus steel onto aluminum trim.  The lost Damascus Steel folding technique in which a sword smith painstakingly stacks and forges layers of steel results in a unique patterning which is easily recognizable.  Traditionally this wood-like grain pattern is known as the water mark.  This patterning has been explored in four unique colorways on aluminum creating dramatically different effects.  All are available to be integrated into aluminum trim or nameplates.

Etched Silver

Stainless Steel

Precious Metals

Anodized Black

Damascus Steel Finish Mood Boards

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The Damascus steel mood boards bring together intricate and bold variations of these structures.  The manipulated surfaces create controlled randomness.  Engineered imperfection is embraced and celebrated in mixed metal, etched, anodized black and stainless steel effects.

Aluminum Trim and Nameplates 

Why do we love working with aluminum? 

Let me count the ways...  

I love to watch a blank sheet of aluminum come to life before my eyes as we decorate it.- S. VonRuden, Design
It can look like anything you want it to.  You can decorate it to look like a piece of art. - J. Webber, Design 
There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating aluminum. The natural reflectiveness gives a unique look to each nameplate. - B. Humphrey, Process Engineering
I love the reflectivity of the metal when it is combined with tints of color and mechanical finishes. - R. Schultz, Design
Because it's bright and shiny and fun to play with.  And it's recyclable. - J. Hoerres, Art Department
It's real.  You can tell the difference between imitation and real metal. - D. Roberts, Automotive Trim Sales
It's versatile with a variety of options for decorating and forming including simulating stainless steel. - J. Sullivan, Appliance Trim Sales
I like the way light plays with the surface. - M. Larson, Design
It's versatile and flexible with endless possibilities for patterns.- L. Aspeslet, Gage Customer Service
I like the many different possibilities for decoration. - C. Jensen, Customer Service
I like the authentic look of the material when compared to plastic.- D. Kerska, Program Management  

Do you like working with aluminum?  Tell us why in the comments below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

This finish is one of the most popular aluminum finishes in our most recent trend presentation.  The theme for this mood board focused on taking a technological approach combining mechanical finishes, electronically manipulated designs and layering of processes.  We chose to integrate the image of a butterfly into the finish but it could be anything.  It might be a logo, a leaf or any graphic left to your imagination.  The pattern takes on an almost holographic effect.  The butterfly images come and go as you shift your viewing angle.  The interactive surface is built through a layering of brushing and lithography.  The structure is definitely man-made yet there is an organic quality to the surface.

What ideas does this give you for creating a new aluminum finish?  What type of images would you like to see translated into this type of surface?  What product would you use this type of aluminum trim on?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in aluminum surface design.

Scuffed and dusted treatments are seen in fashion, furniture and the products we use every day.  Further exploration into faux surfaces is a constant in our Design area.  Experimentation with finishing effects often combines contrasting elements for unique looks.  The crackle-effect finish brings together a weathered surface with reflective metal.  The faux painted surface is scuffed and crackled.  Try combining this finish with high gloss bright aluminum or a brushed tint to further push the combination of opposing surfaces.

Other examples of faux finishes on aluminum include patinaed metal and rubbed or worn leathers with an aged quality to them.  All can be customized in color, scale and gloss to meet your product branding needs.  How would you incorporate this type of surface into an appliqué or trim piece?

Request samples of aluminum finishes from our pattern library to begin exploring the breadth of possibilities available to you in creating a finish for decorative trim or nameplates.

Inspiration for the visual illusion in this finish came from the shape shifting patterning in stingray leather.  Reflecting both the natural and the organic, the finish evolves from large irregular circular shapes in the center to tightly spaced small shapes on the outer edge.  The finish pushes surface effects through carefully creation and alignment of the shifting structure to the shape of the trim piece.  The skin-like surface switches the natural for the unnatural.  Imagine the surface developed to follow a contoured trim piece, the finish relating to the shape and dimension of the trim product.

A high gloss texture against a matte black background creates a look of luxury and elegance.  The surface is reinvented with a futuristic twist when the cool, sleek surface of polished metal is introduced as a background to contrast with the natural texture. 

Both examples serve as starting points for your own exploration in pattern development.  How would you translate this finish on to an aluminum trim piece?  What products would you apply this type of surface to?  What other ideas come to mind for finishes that are designed to relate to the overall shape of a decorative trim piece?

Request a sample of this pattern to begin exploring the options available to you in playing with shape and form of finishes on aluminum.

When thinking of aluminum trim or nameplates, you don't typically think of stone or granite finishes.  However, these surfaces are only one example of the diverse range of faux finishes available on aluminum.  Printed texture adds to the realism of these surfaces.  All are easily adapted to meet your needs through custom color matching.  Using high contrast colors creates a bold effect while combining subtle colors results in a toned down look.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in aluminum surface design.

Aluminum tread plate finishes have a reputation for being durable eye-catching surfaces used on truck beds, flooring and tool boxes.  This heavy-duty finish was the starting point for a slightly more refined version developed for Harley-Davidson.

The diamond plate finish is achieved through a combination of printing and mechanical finishes on aluminum.  The background of the finish is spun aluminum with a printed transparent tint of color.  Screen printing is used to add texture to the diamond plate finish.  It is interesting to see how the Harley-Davidson designers integrated the finish into two different trim pieces.  Graphics for the smaller round dial use a combination of spun aluminum, etching and diamond cutting to create a tone on tone look that coordinates with the diamond plate finish.  The graphics on the larger donut shaped trim piece are printed in a complementary warm grey color creating a distinct contrast against the background finish.  I like the approach of treating the graphics on the individual trim pieces in unique yet coordinating ways.  The resulting trim is more visually interesting when viewed together.

Black Diamond Plate Finish

A black diamond plate finish on the same part creates a distinctly different look.  The diamond plate pattern is printed on a high gloss back background with spun aluminum graphics.  The high contrast trim piece is eye-catching. 

Decorating aluminum with unique finishes and using the same tooling is a cost effective way to differentiate models or products.  This option works well when needing to differentiate between a low end and high end version of a product.  It can be used for product refreshes as well.  

How would you translate a diamond plate finish onto an aluminum trim piece?  What type of product would you use it on?

Request samples of diamond plate finishes to see some of our interpretations of this rugged finish.   

Understanding inspiration behind a finish, seeing how an idea is translated from concept to metal surface, illustrates the design process on aluminum.  This article educates you on the inspiration and design of art deco aluminum match box covers. 

The seed of inspiration for each of the art deco designs was a series of vintage 1920 French books, La Ferronnerie Moderne,by Henri Clouzot.   

The books highlight artistic iron workmanship from the 1920s art nouveau and art deco style exemplified in gates, balconies, screens, tables, lamps and a variety of doors and entrance ways.

The symmetry and repetition of large and lavish architectural ironwork translated onto tiny match box covers creates elegant jewel-like surfaces.  Our designers translated the designs using brushing, engine turning, printing and texture.

One of our goals in the design of this series was to really feature the aluminum surface.  This was done through a series of mechanical finishes applied selectively to the metal.  The result is a surface that dances before we have even started printing. 

Building on the foundation of brushed and bright aluminum, we layered transparent inks and clear textures on the metal.  A mixed metal effect was created with the addition of gold accents.

The possibilities are endless.  Change the scale.  Change the colors.  Or change the process.  What would you do?

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in aluminum surface design.

Inspired by the interaction between illusion and reality, faux finishes on aluminum play with color, pattern and texture to create captivating experiences for your customer.  This collection of faux surfaces - ranging from distressed metal to stone - is a great illustration of how a brand can use decorative processes on aluminum to integrate custom finishes into metal trim or nameplates.

Replicate natural surfaces, fusing the finishes with inlaid accents and embossed details to support your brand image.  Woodgrain, carbon fiber, marble, patinaed metal and leather finishes rely on standard printing processes to imitate the surfaces on metal while harnessing the power of touch with printed textures and graining.  Highlights of the naturally reflective surface add to the depth.

Whether integrated into automotive interior trim, cosmetic appliqués or nameplates, our library of aluminum finishes includes a large selection of faux finishes to be customized to meet your needs. 

How would you integrate a one of these finishes into a decorative trim piece?  What type of finish would you use?  Are there other faux finishes you would like to see developed on aluminum?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Pattern Development on Aluminum

Constantly working to explore the possibilities of aluminum as a decorative surface, we develop new surfaces to be integrated into decorative trim for automotive and appliance applications.  The finishes can also be applied to consumer electronics or nameplates.  They are the seed, the starting point for your creative exploration of the substrate. 

New Aluminum Finishes

Our latest venture on aluminum explored white-on-white accented with subtle metal details.  Careful layering of crisp whites, creams and ivories add depth to this clean palette.  Waves in water, ripples in sand and patterns of grasses are all inspiration for this airy white theme.  Structures are printed in translucent layers on aluminum contrasting the serene with the authentic metal surface.

White Out Mood Boards

The white finishes are brought together here in two new mood boards.  The mood boards combine aluminum finishes, text and photos to tell a story of soft organic structures.   

Find additional exploration of white finishes on aluminum on the following mood boards.

Pure | Aluminum Finishes
Beautifully sublime patterns and abstract designs with influences from nature.

Modern | Aluminum Finishes
Enamel white finishes layered with texture and aluminum details are cool and calm.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.