Surfaces on Aluminum

This series of aluminum finishes translates the distinctive stratification of authentic hand forged Damascus steel onto aluminum trim.  The lost Damascus Steel folding technique in which a sword smith painstakingly stacks and forges layers of steel results in a unique patterning which is easily recognizable.  Traditionally this wood-like grain pattern is known as the water mark.  This patterning has been explored in four unique colorways on aluminum creating dramatically different effects.  All are available to be integrated into aluminum trim or nameplates.

Etched Silver

Stainless Steel

Precious Metals

Anodized Black

Damascus Steel Finish Mood Boards

| Get your SlideShare Playlist

The Damascus steel mood boards bring together intricate and bold variations of these structures.  The manipulated surfaces create controlled randomness.  Engineered imperfection is embraced and celebrated in mixed metal, etched, anodized black and stainless steel effects.

Aluminum Trim and Nameplates 

Why do we love working with aluminum? 

Let me count the ways...  

I love to watch a blank sheet of aluminum come to life before my eyes as we decorate it.- S. VonRuden, Design
It can look like anything you want it to.  You can decorate it to look like a piece of art. - J. Webber, Design 
There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating aluminum. The natural reflectiveness gives a unique look to each nameplate. - B. Humphrey, Process Engineering
I love the reflectivity of the metal when it is combined with tints of color and mechanical finishes. - R. Schultz, Design
Because it's bright and shiny and fun to play with.  And it's recyclable. - J. Hoerres, Art Department
It's real.  You can tell the difference between imitation and real metal. - D. Roberts, Automotive Trim Sales
It's versatile with a variety of options for decorating and forming including simulating stainless steel. - J. Sullivan, Appliance Trim Sales
I like the way light plays with the surface. - M. Larson, Design
It's versatile and flexible with endless possibilities for patterns.- L. Aspeslet, Gage Customer Service
I like the many different possibilities for decoration. - C. Jensen, Customer Service
I like the authentic look of the material when compared to plastic.- D. Kerska, Program Management  

Do you like working with aluminum?  Tell us why in the comments below.

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

This finish is one of the most popular aluminum finishes in our most recent trend presentation.  The theme for this mood board focused on taking a technological approach combining mechanical finishes, electronically manipulated designs and layering of processes.  We chose to integrate the image of a butterfly into the finish but it could be anything.  It might be a logo, a leaf or any graphic left to your imagination.  The pattern takes on an almost holographic effect.  The butterfly images come and go as you shift your viewing angle.  The interactive surface is built through a layering of brushing and lithography.  The structure is definitely man-made yet there is an organic quality to the surface.

What ideas does this give you for creating a new aluminum finish?  What type of images would you like to see translated into this type of surface?  What product would you use this type of aluminum trim on?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Scuffed and dusted treatments are seen in fashion, furniture and the products we use every day.  Further exploration into faux surfaces is a constant in our Design area.  Experimentation with finishing effects often combines contrasting elements for unique looks.  The crackle-effect finish brings together a weathered surface with reflective metal.  The faux painted surface is scuffed and crackled.  Try combining this finish with high gloss bright aluminum or a brushed tint to further push the combination of opposing surfaces.

Other examples of faux finishes on aluminum include patinaed metal and rubbed or worn leathers with an aged quality to them.  All can be customized in color, scale and gloss to meet your product branding needs.  How would you incorporate this type of surface into an appliqué or trim piece?

Request samples of aluminum finishes from our pattern library to begin exploring the breadth of possibilities available to you in creating a finish for decorative trim or nameplates.

Inspiration for the visual illusion in this finish came from the shape shifting patterning in stingray leather.  Reflecting both the natural and the organic, the finish evolves from large irregular circular shapes in the center to tightly spaced small shapes on the outer edge.  The finish pushes surface effects through carefully creation and alignment of the shifting structure to the shape of the trim piece.  The skin-like surface switches the natural for the unnatural.  Imagine the surface developed to follow a contoured trim piece, the finish relating to the shape and dimension of the trim product.

A high gloss texture against a matte black background creates a look of luxury and elegance.  The surface is reinvented with a futuristic twist when the cool, sleek surface of polished metal is introduced as a background to contrast with the natural texture. 

Both examples serve as starting points for your own exploration in pattern development.  How would you translate this finish on to an aluminum trim piece?  What products would you apply this type of surface to?  What other ideas come to mind for finishes that are designed to relate to the overall shape of a decorative trim piece?

Request a sample of this pattern to begin exploring the options available to you in playing with shape and form of finishes on aluminum.