Nameplate Blog

Combining metallic colors with authentic metal finishes, like bright or brushed aluminum, creates an increased perceived value. The ability to differentiate a nameplate design can also be achieved through the use of metallics. This cost-effective option depicts an etched appearance on aluminum, and accordingly changes the tone and color of your design. Metallic effects range from fine metallic to coarse metallic and can be added to a variety of colors and can be paired with a variety of finishes. The most common references to metallic colors include gold, silver and bronze. In addition, metallics can be applied to the graphics or background of your nameplate or badge, or it can be integrated into the entire composition.

The Amana nameplates shown above are unique due to the combination of various metallic colors. These nameplates also incorporate bright and brushed aluminum accents paired with the desired metallic finish. You will also notice lines across the background, which help to separate the change in metallic finish color. These nameplates emphasize the fact that metallic effects create richness, and added interest, signifying a custom product.

Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand the options available to you in designing a nameplate. Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples to assist you in the process.

Metallic and Transparent Tints of Color on Metal Logos

All of these aluminum nameplates have one thing in common, they utilize metallic inks in their design.  Although metallic silver is the most popular option when specifying metallic colors, they are also available in custom color matches.  This article features examples of color translated into both metallic colors and transparent tints of color.

How would you integrate this option into your product branding?

Transparent and metallic color used together in product identification is an attention getting combination. Typically the translation of a transparent tint of color to a metallic color or vice versa is a straight forward process.

Gold


Blue


Light Gray


Dark Gray


For more information regarding color, click on the image to request our eBook: Guide to Color.

Metallic inks, like the one featured here on the Raynor nameplate, are an attractive option in creating cost effective product branding.  Available in a variety of colors with the ability to be integrated into backgrounds or graphics, they offer visual texture.  Whether placed in contrast to brushed or bright aluminum or complimenting opaque and transparent colors, metallic colors create a quality look.

Understanding the options and limitations in a process allows you to fully utilize it.  This article is an excerpt from our Color Specifying for Product Identification ebook.  It covers considerations when choosing colors to be matched in a metallic ink.

Translating Opaque Color to Metallic Color on Metal Logo Plates

Metallic colors, commonly used in the background of nameplates, rely on metal pigments (flakes, powders, or pastes) added to color formulations to create options ranging from fine to coarse metallic effects. The most popular choices are low gloss metallic silvers and grays used in contrast with high gloss graphics. Metallics create an etched appearance and can be effectively used in graphics. To ensure success, it is critical to understand the limitations in developing certain colors into metallics.

Basic Match

Grey successfully translates into numerous metallic effects. Typically another metallic color is referenced when specifying how coarse the metallic should be.

Black

As discussed in the section on translating opaque color to transparent tints, black is an opaque color. Adding any metal pigment impacts black making it lighter. The more metallic added to black, the lighter and less black it becomes.

White

White is similar to black in that adding any metallic pigment to white impacts the color. Metallic pigments added to white darken the color. The more metallic pigment added to white, the greyer it becomes.

Saturated

Adding metallic pigments to saturated colors begins to grey the color and lighten it. The result is a less chromatic color.

For more information on color, click here to view our eBook.