Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

Faux Marble and Stone on Metal

Marble finishes are translated on to aluminum using four color process printing.  Process color has been widely used in our aluminum ceiling tile designs manufactured for Gage Corporation.  Aluminum is desirable in architectural applications, creating the look of marble and granite on a lightweight and sustainable substrate.  Aluminum is decorated in flat sheets and formed, creating realistic dimension seen in marble tiles. 

This marble finish uses a combination of opaque and transparent inks creating reflective details in the stone finish.

Process color is a versatile option in metal decorating, facilitating realistic reproduction of natural surfaces.  Marble, stone and granite surfaces can be printed overall or applied selectively for an inlaid effect.  Metal borders or woodgrain finishes combine with marble finishes creating classic ceiling tile designs.

What applications come to mind for faux surfaces printed on metal?  What marble finish would you like to see reproduced on metal?

Decorative Metal Ceilings

Aluminum ceiling tiles combine mechanical finishes, printing, coating and forming providing an unlimited pallet of unique patterns, textures and color.  Collaboration behind a custom tile often begins with a concept drawing.  The custom aluminum tile shown here was developed to be an interlocking finish creating a design flowing across the tiles.  Our library of aluminum finishes includes many patterns which are created off of a base element which is repeated.  The aluminum ceiling tiles are a larger version of this process.  Concept drawings explore options in scale, color and overall design prior to committing to prototypes.

The dramatic ceiling manufactured for Gage Corporationfor Foxwoods Casino Resort uses one aluminum ceiling panel to create the interlocking pattern.  It takes advantage of the reflective metal using transparent gold for a shimmering opulent ceiling.

We are surrounded by patterns.  Have you ever stepped back to look for the repeat in a pattern?  What is the base element that makes up the design?  Complicated and intricate designs are often made of the most basic shapes.

What ideas do you have for creating a pattern, large or small, based on a single element?  What processes would you use to translate the pattern to metal?

Metal Ceiling Tiles

The popular art deco theme on metal is translated on to aluminum ceiling tiles designed and manufactured by Northern Engraving and available through Gage corporation.  Elegant and stylish mathematical geometric designs come to life when combined with mechanical finishes and printing on aluminum.

Two direction brush and texture are the only processes used in the creation of this art deco design.  The brush is applied selectively using a screen printed mask to protect the areas of metal that are not brushed.  Bright aluminum boarders are used to outline the simple linear elements of the design.

The same process are used on this metal tile with the addition of a printed transparent gold tint.  The gold tint takes on the appearance of several colors as it overlaps multiple brush directions and bright aluminum.  The silver and gold finishes combine to create a mixed metal effect.

This tile also builds on the processes featured in the two previous art deco tiles.  The major difference in this tile is the addition of gradations of color.  The tiles interlock to create an opulent art deco motif.

The basic processes of selective brushing and printing transparent tints are the building blocks in decorating aluminum.  They can be used to create modern, Victorian or art deco designs.  The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

What designs springs to mind when thinking about combining brushed aluminum and transparent tints of color?  What other art deco themes would you like to see on a metal ceiling tile?  Can you see art deco themes integrated into product trim?