Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

The variety of weave patterns available in carbon fiber have inspired many designers to explore this look on aluminum.  For some this means using the carbon fiber as a starting point and interpreting the surface on aluminum.  For others it is matching the original material as close a possible. 

This carbon fiber finish on aluminum is one of my favorites.  It features the traditional carbon fiber color but uses a non-traditional weave.  Selective brushing of the aluminum is layered with transparent colors to create movement and depth as seen in the real carbon fiber.  A high gloss topcoat adds further depth.  It can be applied to a trim piece overall or selectively.

Other interpretations of carbon fiber have explored adding texture to the weave which changes the look and creates further movement in the surface.  Texture adds richness and a tactile quality to the printed surface - a desirable sense of touch and feel. 

A unique approach to creating a carbon fiber pattern on aluminum is to adapt the look of the finish so it compliments carbon fiber but is not an attempt to duplicate the material.  The wide variety and sizes of weaves are just the starting point in this exploration.  Often mechanical finishes are used, creating flip in the finish.  A full palette of opaque and transparent color can be added to further customize the look.

What applications can you see for a carbon fiber finish? 

Carbon Fiber Samples on Aluminum

See for yourself the depth and movement created in these carbon fiber finishes.  Request free samples of carbon fiber finishes on aluminum.

Over the last year, two finishes or combinations of finishes on aluminum have gotten the most attention from our customers.  They are the two most requested samples from our pattern library.

Why is this? At first glance they look quite similar.  They share a similar color scheme.  Both take advantage of aluminum's reflectivity by using transparent tints of color.  They both are an unexpected use of the aluminum substrate.  The intent behind the two decorative aluminum trim pieces is very different.

Unexpected

This finish was inspired by athletic equipment and sporting goods.  Rather than combining finishes as you would on a traditional trim piece (a simple bright border of aluminum around the outside edge of the trim or as an accent across the top of the trim) these finishes are brought together in an unexpected way.  They are simple finishes.  Some areas are brushed and tinted aluminum.  Others are a simple geometric texture.  They overlap and break through one another.  Think of snowboards or running shoes and how they bring multiple materials or patterns together. 

Attention to Detail

This finish was an exploration in creating a texture with the end shape of the trim piece in mind.  Most decorative trim pieces utilize a small area of a larger pattern.  It is almost like a cookie cutter.  The trim piece looks nice but that pattern could have been made for any part.  The additional attention to detail is what I was after in this finish.  A unique design can be created that relates to the shape of the part.  This white pattern starts out as a simple pinstripe and changes as it travels across the part into wavy lines which follow the transition of the adjacent finish.  This is subtle and may go unnoticed at first.  It adds a level of interest when it is discovered.

Your Thoughts

What do you think?  Can you see how wide open the possibilities are?  How would you customize a pattern to a trim piece?  Inspiration is all around us.