Surfaces on Aluminum

Large Format Decorative Metal

The Surfaces on Aluminum Blog focuses on finishes used primarily for decorative trim and product identification.  However, we also support metal finishes for the architectural industry.  The ceiling tiles and large format wall finishes we manufacture are sold through Gage architectural products.  Recently, we have had interest in many of these finishes in other industries.  The detailed finishes also have potential application for large appliances.  This is one example of the cross-over that we see so often.  A process or product that is developed for one industry finds an application on another unrelated product.

Request samples of large format metal finishes to begin exploring some of the options available to you.

First Impressions Count 

Accent trim enhances a product supporting the brand image and making a statement.  It can help create a product's unique personality.  Aluminum is a blank canvas for design of accent trim.  Build on it to create a surface that speaks to your vision.  The finishes which can be achieved are as diverse as the customers that purchase your product.  What type of finish would you design for each of your models or target markets?  Finishes can be traditional, contemporary, tough or elegant.  Changing the finish is a cost effective way to refresh and makeover accent trim.  Explore the possibilities in our surface collections. 

Aluminum Surfaces Inspiration

The following examples use options in decorating aluminum to achieve a diverse range of looks for accent trim.  The entire look and feel of the trim piece is changed through updates to the aluminum decoration. 

A large scale floral graphic is brushed into the surface of the aluminum
creating subtle definition and movement.

Rings of texture emanate from the volume control button in this
center console.

Inspired by ancient nautical charts, longitude, latitude and dashed
directional lines are layered on a brushed background.

Boundaries of traditional aluminum trim are pushed through
the exploration of illustration on aluminum.

Volvo designers apply unique finishes to this benchmark aluminum trim piece creating updated looks for new vehicles.  The complex shape of the part highlights the naturally reflective metal surface.

Brushed stainless steel finish on aluminum.

Aged bronze surface on aluminum.

Large scale graphic brushed into the surface of aluminum.

Vivid transparent blue tint on brushed and engine striped aluminum.

A stainless steel finish on aluminum is used on the production version of the Whirlpool ice and water dispenser.  Design concepts explore additional options in decorating the trim ranging from aged metal surfaces to contemporary large scale graphics. 

Aluminum trim is integrated into products ranging from cars and appliances to laptops and cameras.  It enhances the brand.  How would you use it to support yours?  You never get a second chance to make a first impression.   

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum.  It begins to illustrates the versatility of aluminum as a decorative substrate.  The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification.  The discs are useful when designing a custom finish.  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels.

Stainless Steel Alternative

The rich depth of traditional bronze sculptor is explored in this Whirlpool ice and water concept.  This bronze finish is an example of the chameleon-like quality of aluminum to be decorated in a variety of metal finishes.  Patinaed, antiqued and distressed surfaces on copper, bronze, titanium or brass are some of the possibilities.

Metal Clad Appliance Trim

Aluminum is decorated in the flat sheet using a combination of mechanical finishes, lithography, screen printing and roll coating.  The inks and topcoats are formulated to be flexible enough for the complex forms common in appliances, consumer products and automotive trim yet durable enough to meet the requirements of the environment.

This appliance trim concept incorporates two complementary bronze finishes into the design.  The outer frame of the ice and water dispenser incorporates layers of transparent inks on selective brushing to create an interactive surface with depth and movement.  The finish uses the aluminum in-mold process to create a robust trim piece.  The back wall of this design features a brushed aluminum with a transparent bronze tint of color.  The generous radius highlights the reflective quality of the metal.  This portion of the concept is mocked up in our prototype shop illustrating the potential for incorporating metal into the back wall.  This idea can be used to create a uniform aesthetic across the refrigerator or, as in this case, to incorporate complementary finishes for a refined look.

What type of product would you incorporate a bronze finish into?  How would you use the wide variety of finishes available on aluminum to upgrade the look of large appliance trim?  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Mix it Up | Aluminum Trim

Consumers are mixing and matching favorite colors and patterns in kitchen design.  Aluminum trim is a natural match for this trend.  Historically aluminum trim has been decorated in white, black or stainless steel finishes.  The possibilities beyond traditional appliance finishes are limited only by your imagination.

Aluminum In-mold Trim

The Whirlpool ice and water dispenser concept design shown here adds personality to appliance design with a brushed leaf pattern.  The aluminum in-mold trim piece uses two direction brushing to define the finish.  The result is a subtle interactive pattern.

This concept shows only one of the many possibilities available in designing a custom finish for appliance trim.  It also illustrates the versatility of aluminum trim as a cost effective option for product refreshes.  Once an investment is made in tooling, the overall look of metal trim can be updated by simply decorating the aluminum with a new finish for new models. 

How would you use the wide variety of finishes available on aluminum to upgrade the look of large appliance trim?  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Attention to Detail in Laundry Panel Design

The designers at Speed Queen were inspired by the idea of creating a custom aluminum pattern or texture for their laundry panels.  Their challenge was to create an updated look for their brand using the existing profile of the panel.  The versatility of aluminum allowed them to consider many possibilities.  Their focus was on the flowing evolving lines in one of our aluminum concept finishes.

The aluminum panel design evolved around a flowing graphic on the panel.  A high gloss texture was used for the lines in the finish.  The lines followed the contour of the graphic in a soft ebb and flow across the metal trim.  The contour is accented with a bright bead of aluminum.

The bright aluminum accents compliment the metallic silver detail of the panel and help to make the Speed Queen logo stand out.  The attention to detail in this appliance panel design is a nice alternative to an overall white design.