Surfaces on Aluminum

Soft Touch Rubberized Texture

One of the many options available when screen printing a texture on aluminum is soft touch.  The rubberized feel stands in contrast to the metal surface.  Since it is a printed process, soft touch can be applied in any number of patterns from dots and ellipses to pinstripes and grids.  Soft touch is screen printed in clear or with color added to the texture.  The finish can be applied selectively and combined with other finishes.

The geometric patterns shown here utilize a black soft touch contrasting with low gloss brushed aluminum.  The mixing of cool metal and soft touch texture result in visually and tactilely appealing surfaces.  The aluminum finishes would be appropriate for a number of applications including automotive, electronics and sporting equipment.  You might consider applying the finish selectively to an area of the trim that is touched frequently.

What patterns or surfaces would you like to see explored with a printed soft touch?  What type of products would you integrate this type of finish into? 

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?

Color Fades on Aluminum

Aluminum finishes are transformed by gradations of color traveling across the surface of the metal.  Used as a subtle background or integrated into a pattern, the shifts in color highlight the metal character of the finishes.  The theme has been popular when used before and is explored further here.

The dots in this surface shift from dark blue to light blue to silver as they travel across the surface of the trim.  The low gloss black backgrounds sits in high contrast to the reflective metal dots.

The organic purple line structure interacts with a fade of purple colors in the background of this surface creating both low contrast and high contrast finishes as the fade of color evolves. 

A simple pinstripe texture is transformed when combined with the subtle gradation of brown and tan colors in this finish.

Just as the green color shifts in the background of this finish, the low gloss texture evolves as it travels across the part.  The positive dots morph into squares and then again in to negative dots.

The finishes are combined into a series of surfaces focusing on color integrated into aluminum trim.  Mood boards feature this exploration of the use of gradations of color on aluminum surfaces.

What other structures would you combine with gradations of color?  Do you prefer a high contrast finish or low?  What type of product might have this type of finish integrated into the trim?

Faux Tortoise Shell Finish

Beautiful appearance and organic warmth are why designers often consider integrating tortoise shell finish into high end trim or nameplates.  Faux tortoise shell is an attractive, multi-colored finish where complex shapes fade softly from one to another in random or distinctly directional patterns.

Interpretations of tortoise shell finish can be printed on aluminum or polycarbonate to meet your needs.  Selective application of the finish on aluminum creates an in-laid tortoise and precious metal effect. 

Aluminum Trim

Tortoise shell finish, printed on aluminum and coated with a high gloss protective topcoat, creates a durable and elegant trim piece.  The decorated aluminum can be in-molded or crimped around a plastic carrier.

Nameplates and Inserts

Product designers integrate the faux finish into nameplates, badges and inserts creating a premium image for product identification.  Additional details are embossed into nameplates adding dimension while doming further enhances the tortoise shell finish. 

What ideas do you have for integrating a tortoise shell finish into a nameplate.  How might you see using the faux finish in decorative trim?  What other faux surfaces might be considered?