Surfaces on Aluminum

Digital linear structures intersect in playful random order.  Are they etched?  No, but they have fooled many close examinations by an expert eye.  Precisely registered details combine creating laser-etched precision on brushed aluminum.  Bright aluminum and gloss texture mix completing the illusion.  These finishes begin to explore this modern concept in cool metallic shades.  Straight and radiused lines travel in parallel and intersecting pathes in an endless array of combinations.

Varying line width and adding color transforms the entire look of the finish.  Transparent blue is printed on a brushed background in this option.  Lines are layered on top using opaque color, texture and contrasting gloss.

Of course aluminum patterns aren't limited to tints of color and brushed finishes.  This version explores the layering of lines on an enamel white finish.  Lines are printed as a texture on a high gloss opaque white background.  The advantage of creating this finish on aluminum is that you can apply it selectively accenting it with a bright aluminum border or graphics.

Does this inspire you to play with lines creating a unique finish?  What processes and color would you use to make your design come to life?  What application do you see for this type of finish?

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

Wood with Metal Inlay Gallery

This series of aluminum accent trim takes inspiration from the unique designs found in pool cues.  The works of arts are created by craftsmen who combine exotic woods, precious stones, metals and other materials to create unique cue designs.  The detail found in the pool cues was the starting point for combining multiple finishes together onto a decorative trim piece.  The versatility of aluminum as a decorative allows wood finishes to be printed in precise alignment with brushed accents, gold details and matte black inlays.  The translations found here include a variety of woods from the faux finishes in our pattern library.

Pool cues are one source of inspiration.  Fountain pens, watches and nature are some more.  However, the items and surfaces around us only become inspirational when looked at from a different perspective, one of curiosity and inquisitivity.  I find myself continually asking how this or that might translate into a pattern or texture.  Then when I think about combining the finishes to tell a story of elegance, simplicity or toughness... I find no shortage of possibilities.  We started with a cue stick and asked what if.  Where will you start? 

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

Frost Patterns

Another cold morning in Wisconsin... so what do you do?  Look around for inspiration for our next aluminum finish, of course.  This group of wintery white finishes fuses the crisp random crystal structure of frost with the cool touch of aluminum. 

We find inspiration all around us in nature.  The finishes shown here illustrate a more literal interpretation.  They can also be the starting point for a finish where the inspiration is no longer recognizable.  I can picture all of these finishes in a near black colorway that uses layers of transparent tints.  Patterns and textures often have a heritage or story to tell.  The structure may have been inspired by frost but then someone may ask "what if"'.  It's this exploration and childlike curiosity that results in many of the unique finishes in our pattern library.  Think of all the ways a child can take an ordinary object and turn it into something extraordinary.  This is our passion, taking an ordinary object and creating an extraordinary metal finish. 

What ideas do you have for this group of finishes?  What color?  What size?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Combine linear sharpness with precisely brushed aluminum and a touch of texture.  The result is a modern mechanical finish with juxtaposed bright and brushed details.  Layers of brushed pinstripes and linear texture add depth and movement to the real metal surface.

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.