Surfaces on Aluminum

There has been considerable interest in shape-shifting finishes on aluminum.  We have seen this trend in finishes that evolve across a larger piece of trim.

Here's an example of a shape-shifting pattern used on a small nameplate. The simple dot pattern evovles and shifts across the background, giving a sense of movement and added depth. When combined over a gloss black, the contrasting silver engine striped logo appears to float on top of the background, giving this flat nameplate quite a bit of depth.

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.

Aged and patinaed surfaces combine warm and cool metal colors for a mixed metal effect.  Authentic distressed metal finishes create an industrial look.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4179-C, PAT-4179-B, PAT-4282-A, NAS-107-J, NAS-107-M, NAS-52-A *patterns not shown to scale

This is an interesting finish where two separate honeycomb patterns are layered onto each other. A small scale black honeycomb texture is layered over large scale selectively brushed honeycombs in the background.

Depending on how the light hits it, the larger scale honeycombs may disappear altogether. The end result is a finish that has a lot of visual depth and movement.

How else could you see this finish achieved? Possibly a subtle tone on tone with a gloss change instead of black texture?

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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.

The combination of surfaces in this collection present an interesting marriage of simple geometric textures and brushed aluminum accented with inlaid border effects.

(from left to right, top to bottom) DES-1079-BN, DES-1205-AU, DES-1205-M, DES-1079-BB, DES-1205-R, DES-1205-AT *patterns not shown to scale

When viewing our plethora of aluminum finishes, it is often asked, “How was that done?” Well, I’ll share one method that was used that may be a little unexpected.

Most of the finishes in our pattern library can be broken down into three categories of creation.

1. Patterns or structures created on the computer.
2. Patterns or structures from found objects or places that are photographed or scanned.
3. Physically creating a pattern or structure by hand that can be photographed or scanned.

Using Yarn to Create an Organic Linear Structure

The original design intent here was an organic linear finish. Thinking outside the box, our designers wrapped decorative yarn around a piece of cardboard which in turn could be scanned and used for our base structure.

Once scanned into the computer, the structure can be manipulated and printed in any color desired. In this case a dark copper finish was chosen with dark accents.

Here is an example where the same base structure was stretched then printed in a deep blue tint with dark accents.

Inspiration comes from anywhere, the unique aspect is how you translate that idea onto an aluminum finish.

How might you go about creating a similar organic linear structure?