Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

Organic Finishes on Aluminum

Blend polar extremes.  Balance is found between modernity and gathered natural references.  Ancient crafts and advanced technology combine.

The Origin mood board includes organic structures based on the familiar colors and structures in woodgrains.  The video summarizes the inspiration and processes behind the woodgrain-like 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 woodgrain-like finishes.

Straight Grain, Burl and Exotic Woodgrain Finishes

Woodgrains offer extraordinary surface realism and a new feeling of luxury with richly figured detail and elegant natural looks.

Woodgrains can be printed selectively and complimented with a bright accent bead or brushed aluminum.  Whether looking for sycamore, eucalyptus, and ebony macassar or birdseye maple, walnut and ash, a library of woodgrain finishes is available to be integrated into trim or customized.  Samples are available to assist you in exploring the various grains, colors and gloss levels.  Once a structure or grain is chosen, the overall color of a woodgrain can be adjusted to meet your final design intent.  Custom woodgrain finishes can be matched based on real wood surfaces. 

What trends in woodgrain trim are you are seeing used in products?  Do they vary across industries?  Across cultures?

Developing finishes with the familiar color and structure of a woodgrain without setting out to duplicate or imitate a woodgrain is the common theme of these aluminum finishes.  The trend toward authentic materials and surfaces is reflected in the series.  The foundation of the woodgrain-like finishes idea is based on the thought that if woodgrain trim is needed... it should be real wood.  There is no room for imitation woodgrain surface.  However, if a finish is developed with the warmth and character of a woodgrain without imitating a woodgrain then this finish is an interesting and unique finish in its own right.  It isn't an imitation.

India ink, brushes and paper were used to capture the linear quality of woodgrains in both of these finishes.  The warm woodgrain tones used in printing the aluminum finish help to create a familiar surface which is still unique. 

Woodgrain structures were the foundation of these finishes.  However, the process used is not a traditional woodgrain development.  The organic woodgrain detail is layered on to the aluminum using a combination of selective brushing and transparent colors.  The result is finishes with a familiar woodgrain structure that are obviously not real wood finishes.  The surfaces have depth, movement and metal quality.

The familiar woodgrain colors are used again in these finishes with a structure more organic, definitely not linear.  The ethereal quality is comforting like the surface of a favorite desk.

These same finishes would look fantastic in a completely different colorway.  The woodgrain quality would disappear and they would take on a entirely different character.  How would you like to see these finishes explored?  What other ideas do you have for creating a woodgrain-like surface?

Eucalyptus Woodgrain | Chrysler Pacifica Interior Trim

Our library of woodgrains on aluminum includes a wide variety of woods and woodgrains.  We have decades of experience interpreting the different types of woods in the world and their characteristics in terms of grain, texture, color and figure on to aluminum.  Designers can work from any of our existing woodgrain finishes to customize a woodgrain surface for their aluminum trim.  Custom matched woodgrains using real wood as a starting point are also an option.

The eucalyptus woodgrain chosen by Chrysler design for the Pacifica aluminum trim is unique in that it is has the same depth and movement seen in real wood.  The eucalyptus woodgrain had crossfires which are a reflection of light.  Matching this effect required a layering of printing to create the movement. The finish was included on door rails and across the dash. 

The finished parts include the wood grain accented by a satin silver finish.  There is a debossed bead between the two finishes giving the illusion of being two separate trim pieces.  This option allowed the designers to meet the design intent while staying within budget.

Interest in aluminum woodgrains reflects an increased need for cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to native and exotic hardwoods.  The printed woodgrain also allows flexibility unmatched in real wood.  For example, the structure of this woodgrain was curved slightly to follow the arching line of the instrument panel.  The result is a woodgrain finish that flows naturally with the shape of the part.  The Chrysler designer chose the exact area of the woodgrain for optimum aesthetics.  Our designers then gently altered the woodgrain. 

See for yourself the depth in this aluminum woodgrain finish by requesting samples.  Explore the possibilities of woodgrains on aluminum. 

What are the trends in woodgrain colors and strucures that interest you? Can you see these being integrated into trim?