Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

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.

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.

Custom Aluminum Finishes

A quick look through our library of finishes on aluminum and you'll recognize that inspiration comes from all around us.  The metal surface is a blank canvas.  Pure aluminum finishes are an option or you can push the envelope with unique custom finishes.  Layering processes and effects creates interactive surfaces.

Floral Embroidered Silk Inspiration

The inspiration for this finish came when one of our coworkers was sharing a beautiful embroidered silk purse that her daughter had bought her while on a trip to Asia.  The beauty and detail of the luxurious fabric caught our attention.  We knew immediately that this would be a great starting point for an aluminum finish.  We began development focusing on interpreting the finish on metal.  Our first efforts focused on creating movement, detail and shimmer in the metal finish.  This finish uses a combination of mechanical finishes including selective brushing and engine turning.  Printed halftones add depth.  Texture is used as an accent to add visual and tactile interest.  The surface is interactive with layers of processes and color adding to the interest of the finish. 

The same finish takes on an even more jewel-like appearance when a urethane dome is added to it.  The domed finish can be a small button or an accent strip.

Layering a transparent red tint on the finish changes the look completely.  The surface is still obviously metal.  Forming the finish emphasizes the natural highlights and shadows in the aluminum surface.   

In an interesting twist, this finish served as inspiration for a much larger version of the same finish.  This interpretation measures fifteen inches across.  Similar processes were used to create a large version of the floral design as elegant as the original embroidered silk.

What surfaces inspire you?  Do you have other examples of inspiration from a completely unrelated material translated into another substrate?

Request samples of these finishes to see the detail and movement in these aluminum finishes.

Damascus Steel Trim

The distinctive damascus pattern is the focus of this aluminum trim.  The simple, yet elegant, design is our interpretation of the classic damascene steel finish.  Damascene or damascus steel, developed over 1,500 years ago, is recognizable by a charachteristic swirl pattern on the metal surface.  Authentic damascus steel is somewhat rare.  You will find it used on knives.  The finish is created using stratified layers of hard and soft metal. 

Damascene steel is translated on to aluminum trim using a combination of mechanical finishes and transparent inks.  A bright aluminum border accents this trim.  How would you incorporate this finish into trim?  What type of product would you use it on?

Request a sample of this finish to begin exploring the options available to you in creating authentic metal trim for your product.  

Custom Knurled Finish on Aluminum

The custom knurled finish created for this series of Harley-Davidson badges and gauges was designed to coordinate with actual knurled parts on the bike.  The aluminum finish uses a screen printed texture to create the diamond-shaped pattern.  The black and silver finish is complimented by embossed bright graphics.

Inspiration for custom finishes comes from all around.  This is an excellent example of picking up on detailing elsewhere in the product.  It may be a direct interpretation or a starting point carrying a common theme across the trim and badging.

The high end aluminum speedometer gauge includes the knurled finish laminated to a backlit polycarbonate dial.  The aluminum and polycarbonate gauge offers the decorative options of metal with the functionality of a plastic gauge.  

What detail in fabric, leather, plastic or metal would you pick to carry a theme across your product branding?  

Large Scale Ornamental Graphic

This aluminum trim piece features a large scale ornamental graphic flowing across the edge of the part.  The bold graphic is applied using selective brushing.  The background is brushed horizontally.  The next step is to print a resist to protect the background.  A second brush is applied diagonally.  The resist is removed and the entire finish is coated with a transparent red tint of color.  The result is a subtle effect using the large scale bold graphic.  It has movement and depth.  The design element can be made more obvious or more subtle by altering the process.  The process allows for alignment of graphic elements across mating parts.  The design can be created to flow across trim in a vehicle or on a product.

This concept features an ornamental design but the idea works just as well with the popular tattoo and tribal images seen in fashion and print.  Integrating the image into the metal with the brush process creates a graphic with natural highights and reflections.  The image has the appearance of being two unique colors.

What types of images would you like to see treated in this process?  What type of products would you put this type of trim on?  Laptops?  Cell phones? Automotive interiors?

Request a sample to see the subtle movement created by the two direction brush in this finish.

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.

Enamel White Finishes on Aluminum

Enamel white finishes layered with texture and aluminum details.  Crisp and clean.  Multiple gloss levels.  Sophisticated combinations of detail and metal character.

The Modern mood board is based on the popularity of enamel white finishes.  The video summarizes the inspiration and processes behind the aluminum finishes.  The finishes can be integrated into decorative trim for automotive, appliance and electronic applications.  Request samples to see the subtle effects in the finishes.

Aluminum Patterns for Decorative Trim

The warm metal colors shown in this group of aluminum finishes are a versatile option in decorative trim.  The copper or bronze color is roll coated or screen printed on aluminum using transparent inks building on the reflective nature of the aluminum.  The patterns use a screen printed resist and brush process to add movement to the finish.  Additional detail and texture is printed in layers building on the warm metal colors.

What type of application do you see for these finishes?  Do you prefer the more technical or organic finishes in this color way? 

Request samples of the finishes to see the movement and feel the texture.