Surfaces on Aluminum

Taking advantage of the natural characteristics of metal is the best part about working with finishes on metal. This series of finishes does just that. We used simple geometric shapes as a starting point and stepped these into a base pattern. This base pattern is selectively brushed. Then the same base pattern is inverted and offset before being selectively brushed again in an opposite direction. The layering of brush directions creates a surface with a lot of visual depth and movement that takes on different characteristics depending on how the light hits it. Texture is added to satisfy the need for these finishes to have a "feel".

Some of the finishes are coated with a transparent black tint while others feature a low gloss topcoat without a tint. The finishes are fully customizable in scale, color and gloss. They are intended as a starting point to inspire you for your next nameplate or trim project.

 

Here's another sneak peak at new finishes we are creating for our latest series of mood boards. They are part of a set of boards we are putting together featuring dimensional finishes exploring simple geometric shapes. These finishes combine multiple selective brushes that are layered creating patterns with an almost holographic effect. Watch for these, and the entire series to be featured here.

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

 

 

Linear fretwork, layered grids and lattice configurations are formulaically applied to surfaces, as process is embraced. Connected, joined and engineered structures mimic exoskeletons that come to life and move, animating functional design.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4712-B, PAT-4708-A, PAT-4710-A, PAT-4715-A, PAT-4708-A, PAT-4714-B *patterns not shown to scale

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

We're working on new finishes for our latest mood board. Here's a sneak peek at a couple of new finishes that will be featured. These are part of a new series of dimensional finishes exploring simple geometric shapes. Selectively brushed surfaces are combined with subtle printing and texture to maximize visual depth.  Watch for the entire series to be featured here.

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

With the year over, I thought it would be interesting to see which articles were of most interest to you in 2012. It's a fascinating exercise to see what resonated most with you as we look back on the year through our blog.

	1. Aluminum Finishes Inspired by Woven Wire Mesh Thick strands of metal woven together create 3-dimensional mesh structures which translate into interesting surfaces on aluminum. Read More
	2. Dark Brushed Aluminum Finish | Inspired by a Saucepan A saucepan with a near black brushed finish caught our attention. Read More
	3. Black Textured Aluminum Combinations of matte and glossy layers. Read More

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification.  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels.

 

 
 

These finishes feature a twist on a traditional technical pattern by layering two patterns that when combined create an overall technical finish with slight variation. The layered structures gradually fall in and out of alignment as the pattern travels creating a secondary organic pattern.

Process Combinations

A layer of contrasting texture is applied over a satin gloss, tan finish with subtle brushed/ bright details. This creates a textured surface that is metal in appearance along with good visual depth and movement.

Customization

 

 

These finishes were designed to flow across a 3.5” area for sample purposes. The intent would be for the pattern to flow across a custom part size. As with most all of our finishes, the color and gloss are fully customizable.

Request aluminum finish samples to begin exploring the options available to you in surface design.

Embracing simplicity, shapes are taken back to their most basic forms.  Bright aluminum is paired in hard contrast with piano black and enamel white patterns.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-3886-A, PAT-3885-B, PAT-3888-A, PAT-3885-A, PAT-3889-A, PAT-3888-B *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

This series of finishes is inspired by woven wire surfaces used in architectural applications.  Selective brushing and texture add movement and depth to the patterns.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4265-A, PAT-4181-D, PAT-4264-A, PAT-4263-A, DES-1070-EQ, PAT-4242-A *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

 

The Inspiration

We set out to create an organic aluminum finish focusing on patterns found in nature at a macro level. The photograph above came from a trip in the woods with my camera. I particularly liked the way the grain flowed in the exposed area where the bark had peeled away. It would be a great starting point to re-imagine this structure on aluminum. 

Translated to Aluminum

Using the photograph as a starting point, a cropped area was manipulated in photoshop and repeated to create an 18” square image. Two different values of grayscale were pulled out of the image to use for printing separations. In this case, opaque and transparent whites were printed to contrast with the natural aluminum surface. The different levels of opacity and gloss creates a stunning metal finish that shimmers.

18x18 image

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. It begins to illustrate 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

The earthy warmth of natural metals is highlighted through transparent tints of color coated on brushed aluminum.  Interactive surfaces reflect light creating highlights and shadows. 

(from left to right, top to bottom) DES-1070-CU, DES-1070-BQ, PAT-3897-B, DES-1070-AW, DES-484-AV, DES-1070-CD *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.