Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog

Each year our Design team takes a look at common decorating processes used across the globe in industries from automotive and appliance trim to motorcycle badging and cosmetic appliques. This review sparks inspiration for the annual Holiday Card as a way to showcase processes and decoration options ...
Just look at the dimension created when a technical pattern is used in the background! The border of this nameplate appears to be a higher level than the background, resulting in perceived depth without need for a custom emboss tool.
Design intent for the decorative aluminum trim plate was to create an intricate layered look conveying precision and sports luxury. The final design utilizes an alternative approach which integrates layers of processes combined with mechanical finishes to create the in-laid metal design. The ...
Brushed aluminum is a commonly requested aluminum surface. It's versatility makes it a popular choice allowing for custom color, gloss, and texture. Aside from these choices there are also different grain structures to choose from. The structure of our brushes offered range from a fine hairline to ...
Light-reflective engine turned surfaces play with light adding an interactive component to finishes. Glossy transparent tints of grey take the glitz factor down a notch for a refined sporty feel.
Creating Four Distinct Looks Using Common Tools The Dodge Charger takes full advantage of the versatility of aluminum by updating the metal finish to create four distinct looks for unique interiors. Both the instrument panel and shifter bezel take advantage of the naturally reflective surface of ...
Not to be confused with a cool new dance move, these first "steps" or mechanical finish options in building your decorative finish on aluminum are a few of my favorite.
Using Halftones with Mechanical Finishes to Create Visual Depth In this series of finishes, black halftones are layered over varying sizes of engine stripe. A deep blue tint is added for color then finished off with a high gloss topcoat.
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.