Surfaces on Aluminum

Watermark Images for Nameplates and Aluminum Trim

Integrating a watermark logo or graphic into an aluminum trim piece is a sophisticated alternative or addition to traditional branding.  This article explores three options for subtly adding an image to aluminum.  The images are layered with a printed texture.  Increasing the contrast in any of these will make the graphic stand out more.  You control the end result based on the desired effect. 

1. Brushed and bright aluminum
2. High gloss and low gloss
3. Opaque and transparent color

Brushed and Bright Aluminum

The background is brushed aluminum while the Mustang logo remains bright aluminum.  A dull black square pattern is printed across both surfaces.  

High Gloss and Low Gloss

This finish relies on a change in gloss levels to make the Volvo logo stand out.  A transparent grey tint is printed overall and a low gloss grey texture used for the square pattern.

Opaque and Transparent Color

In this case, a low gloss clear texture is printed overall.  The logo is defined with a high gloss black background and a transparent grey tint on the logo.

Request samples of watermark finishes to begin exploring this option.  In addition to integrating this option into aluminum trim, it is available to be added in the background of nameplates or emblems.

Decorative Wire Mesh Finishes

Woven structures and patterns are a perennial favorite among designers.  Inspiration can be found in carbon fiber, architectural wire mesh and stainless steel mesh.  Once translated onto aluminum, the options are endless.  Brushed and bright aluminum are combined within the structures to add realistic movement.  Engine turned details add to the depth and are disguised when layered with coordinating printing.  Printed texture adds to the attraction of the finishes capturing the unique feel of woven wire. 

This article illustrates the use of color to translate the woven surfaces into elegant real metal surfaces for your products.  A warm champagne tint of color was chosen for this collection of aluminum finishes.  The brushed tint shown on the right was the inspiration.  The combination of any one of the woven surfaces with the brushed metal finish would make a tasteful mix of finishes.

The success of these finishes relies on the combination of decorative processes and colors.  Using transparent color layered over mechanical finishes takes the guesswork out of color selection.  The color takes on lighter and darker effects over the various metal surfaces creating a tone on tone look.  Texture printed in high or low gloss also takes on the color of the finish below it.  Combining small areas of bright or brushed aluminum into the finish adds interest to the surface.  Lithography is used to print fine details which add to the realistic woven effect.

One of the things that I like about this group of finishes is how well they coordinate with eachother.  It is always fun to take existing finishes and develop them in new colors.  Do this with a group of finishes and the result is a collection of finishes that work well together visually.  The metal surfaces translate a color into rich variations in value and chroma.

What color would you like to see these decorative mesh finishes translated into?  What applications come to mind for these types of finishes?  Does changing the color change the options for end application?

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in designing decorative metal finishes for accent trim and product identification. 

First Impressions Count 

Accent trim enhances a product supporting the brand image and making a statement.  It can help create a product's unique personality.  Aluminum is a blank canvas for design of accent trim.  Build on it to create a surface that speaks to your vision.  The finishes which can be achieved are as diverse as the customers that purchase your product.  What type of finish would you design for each of your models or target markets?  Finishes can be traditional, contemporary, tough or elegant.  Changing the finish is a cost effective way to refresh and makeover accent trim.  Explore the possibilities in our surface collections. 

Aluminum Surfaces Inspiration

The following examples use options in decorating aluminum to achieve a diverse range of looks for accent trim.  The entire look and feel of the trim piece is changed through updates to the aluminum decoration. 

A large scale floral graphic is brushed into the surface of the aluminum
creating subtle definition and movement.

Rings of texture emanate from the volume control button in this
center console.

Inspired by ancient nautical charts, longitude, latitude and dashed
directional lines are layered on a brushed background.

Boundaries of traditional aluminum trim are pushed through
the exploration of illustration on aluminum.

Volvo designers apply unique finishes to this benchmark aluminum trim piece creating updated looks for new vehicles.  The complex shape of the part highlights the naturally reflective metal surface.

Brushed stainless steel finish on aluminum.

Aged bronze surface on aluminum.

Large scale graphic brushed into the surface of aluminum.

Vivid transparent blue tint on brushed and engine striped aluminum.

A stainless steel finish on aluminum is used on the production version of the Whirlpool ice and water dispenser.  Design concepts explore additional options in decorating the trim ranging from aged metal surfaces to contemporary large scale graphics. 

Aluminum trim is integrated into products ranging from cars and appliances to laptops and cameras.  It enhances the brand.  How would you use it to support yours?  You never get a second chance to make a first impression.   

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

No, literally, hold your thumbs up and look at the fingerprint on each.  Every person is born with their own one-of-a-kind set of fingerprints.  No two fingerprints have been found to be exactly alike, not even on a person's own hand.  Unique swirling lines make up the pattern that is an individual's fingerprints . This unique mark is yours and yours alone.

We are constantly looking to make a unique mark when we develop our finishes on aluminum.  So what better place to start than with a fingerprint?  This finish began with a fingerprint, those pesky things you try to remove from a table top or mirror.  We looked at the fingerprint in a little different way and said what if we made it larger than life and used it as the basis for a new finish.

The inspiration for the resulting finish is not immediately recognizable.  The organic structure is built up with a layering of processes including brushing and screen printing.  Screen printed texture adds a tactile quality to the surface.

The finish takes on a distinctly different look when printed in a other colorways.  It has been a popular finish on aluminum ceiling tiles creating almost water-like effects when printed in blue.  The copper version takes on the look of a patinaed surface.

This finish was one of the first finishes I worked on when joining the Design team at Northern Engraving many years ago.  It has stood the test of time as finish with many potential applications.  What other unremarkable thing might be the inspiration for a quite remarkable finish?  Tell us your thoughts below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in aluminum surface design.  Make your mark!