Surfaces on Aluminum

Mesh - Featuring Nova Trim 

Expression of the latest meshes and metal fabrics used in architecture is a trend observed in product design.  Aluminum brings the ornamental quality with an origin in industrial applications to life. 

The look, feel and technical precision of mesh are captured in this new group of aluminum surfaces. The illusion achieved through selective brushing, color and texture pressed or coined into the surface of the metal invites a closer look and touch.

Nova Trim is a coining process involving mechanically applying texture to aluminum which enhances the authentic look and feel of the metal. The three dimensional finish is robust. It combines with the full range of metal decorating options to allow layering of geometric shapes and selective or overall color.  Our mood boards, shown here, feature the series of Nova Trim finishes.

The coined aluminum finishes are popular in automotive trim design.  The simple clean surfaces can be integrated into trim for laptops, cell phones or cosmetic compacts.  Nameplates feature the coined patterns as detailed accents.

Piano White Finishes on Metal

Enamel white surfaces have been popular in a wide variety of products in recent years.  The clean modern surface is appropriate on products ranging from automobiles and electronics to appliances and cosmetics.  Our designers have taken this popular look one step further.  This series of finishes relies on the enamel white finish but layers the white finish with additional pattern creating another level of detail.  From a distance the surfaces read as white finishes.  It is only upon closer examination that you discover the additional detail.

The look of enamel is achieved by screen printing a white finish on aluminum.  This surface is further enhanced by a high gloss clear topcoat.  One option in adding detail to these aluminum surfaces is to screen print a texture on the enamel white surface.  This creates a very subtle effect whether it is a fine grid pattern, diamond pattern or a large scale geometric. 

Further detail can be added to the finishes by applying the enamel white surface selectively allowing small areas of aluminum to show through.  The finishes still read as a predominately white finish.  However, when taking a closer look you discover the geometric details of aluminum.

The advantage of working with a printed aluminum substrate is that the finishes can be applied selectively to the decorative trim.  The enamel white finish can be accented with a bright aluminum border.  A low gloss brushed aluminum finish can be combined with the enamel white finish creating a premium look.  Details can be embossed adding further emphasis.

This series of finishes works well when combined with chrome accents and white or black.  They take on a completely different look when accented with bright colors.  How would you integrate these types of finishes into aluminum trim?

Decorative Trim with Distressed Metal Surfaces

Patinas add character to decorative metal trim.  They occur naturally on metals as they age and oxidize.  Artists and metalworkers often add patinas to metal surfaces to simulate wear and exposure to the elements.  Our decorative metal processes allow you to match the look of patinaed metal on aluminum.  The aged and patinaed surfaces of copper, brass, bronze, nickel or silver are reproduced on aluminum using a combination of litho and screen printing. 

Cool gunmetal colors are used in this series of patinas on metal.  The printed aluminum finish is protected by a clear topcoat which is roll coated on to the metal.  Topcoat is the final step in the decorative process and is what determines the overall gloss level of the finish.  These patinas work well in high or low gloss.

Warm metal colors are mixed with cool gunmetal colors for a mixed metal effect in this series.  The overall gloss level changes the look and feel of the metal surface.  The aluminum is decorated in the flat sheet and formed after printing and topcoat.

The same cool and warm metal colors come together in this series of patinas.  The structure is more organic and the surface created is subtle.  Printing the finishes allows complete control over the repeatability of the finish.  Decorative trim can be manufactured with the exact same finish on each part.

These are only a few of the patinas on metal in our library of metal finishes.  We continually explore these distressed metal surfaces creating new finishes.  What application would you suggest for decorative metal trim with a patina?

Decorative Metal Trim

Recently we featured finishes from the second half of our trend presentation in our email newsletter.  One of our theme or mood boards, Invincible, was of particular interest to many who received the aluminum surface update.  This article features the slideshow covering our Invincible mood board.

The trend presentation is a series of seven mood boards developed around themes.  The first three themes focus on new mechanical finishes.  The remaining four themes focus on the use of mechanical process, color and texture to create finishes which are our interpretation of trends in the market.  All of the finishes are meant to be inspirational, a starting point for creating a surface for your trim or nameplate application. 

The presentation has been well received by designers in industries ranging from automotive and appliance to cosmetics and electronics. 

Invincible | Aluminum Finishes Mood Board

Surfaces take a technological approach combining mechanical finishes, electronically manipulated designs, layering of processes and multiple gloss levels.  Images focus on the man-made theme and are all the result of human endeavor whether special effects created electronically or taking inspiration from shibori.

Would you like to see these finishes and the rest of our trend presentation?  Contact us to receive samples of some of the finishes or request a presentation of all the aluminum finishes.