Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

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.

Snowman and Snowflake Match Box Designs

The winter series of match boxes feature an engine turned detail in the graphics contrasted with a metallic blue background.  The simple process and clean designs effectively come together resulting in an attractive set of match boxes.  Small areas of bright and brushed aluminum are used to accent the designs.  The high gloss silver finish sits in contrast with the low gloss metallic silver creating a subtle tactile quality to the design.  The combination of opaque metallic color and mechanically finished aluminum is an attractive option for adding emphasis without the use of emboss.  It is equally successful whether used in aluminum patterns or nameplates.

What ideas do you have for using engine turn in a design? 

Metal Match Box Covers

The inspiration for this series of aluminum finishes comes from antique art deco wrought iron gates and doors.  The symmetry and repetition in the lavish and opulent art deco style are interpreted on to aluminum creating an elegant and stylish look. 

The surfaces combine mechanical finishes, litho printing and screen printing on aluminum.  The art deco finishes emphasize the metal character of the aluminum match box covers.

Mechanical finishes add movement to the finishes.  A printed mask allows the brush or spin to be applied selectively to the aluminum surface.  The mask is washed off after brushing revealing bright aluminum.  Layers of transparent and opaque color are then printed on the aluminum.

Gradations of color are litho printed to add further depth and detail to the finishes.

The final layers of printing involve adding low gloss details to the aluminum and printing a texture. This adds to the opulent art deco finish visually.  It also give the aluminum match box cover a nice tactile quality. 

The visually rich character of art deco, its use of metal and its bold stepped forms and sweeping curves are fertile grounds for inspiration in the decoration of these aluminum match box covers.  How might the art deco inspiration be applied to other surfaces or decorative trim?

Knurled Patterns

Knurled finishes on aluminum are one of our most popular metal finishes.  Knurling is a visually attractive diamond shaped pattern cut or rolled into metal.  This pattern allows you to get a better grip on the knurled object than would be provided by the original smooth metal surface. 

Many designers have looked to knurled surfaces for inspiration when creating patterns for aluminum trim or nameplates.  The pattern is a familiar industrial surface with a look of precision and detail.

The crisp diamond effect on actual knurled metal is duplicated in knurled aluminum finishes.  The decorative finishes are achieved through a combination of selective brushing and printing.  A texture is printed on the metal to mimic the texture of knurled metal.  The theme can be varied by changing the contrast or the scale of the pattern.

We have integrated the knurled finish into our aluminum match box covers.  The finish is complemented with printed borders and a low gloss brushed aluminum surface.  The logo is embossed and features phalynx diamond cut graphics.  The fine diamond shape in the diamond cut logo repeats the diamond theme in the knurled finish. 

The knurled aluminum surface makes this flat nameplate stand out.  The pattern has a texture which contrasts with the bright aluminum border and the matte aluminum background in the center of the nameplate.

I think knurled finishes on aluminum are most successful when applied selectively and accented with other aluminum finishes.  The knurled effect would also make an attractive trim piece.  How can you see these finishes used?