---
title: Intricate Decorative Aluminum Trim
description: The combination of processes within a small area on aluminum trim convey luxury and precision across the part.
image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29884625-jpg/images/part1.jpg
---

 //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29884625-jpg/images/part1.jpg

[](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110431/Intricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim#main-nav)

[![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/)

- [Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog)
- Intricate Decorative Aluminum Trim

# Intricate Decorative Aluminum Trim

[![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/facebook_footer.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2Fbid%2F110431%2FIntricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/linkedin_footer.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2Fbid%2F110431%2FIntricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim&title=&source=%2F&summary=) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/twitter_footer.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20I%20just%20read&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2Fbid%2F110431%2FIntricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/googlefooter.png)](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2Fbid%2F110431%2FIntricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim)

[Previous← Attractive Marine Interior on Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110239/attractive-marine-interior-on-aluminum) [NextEnamel Colors with Simple Bright Aluminum Patterns →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110865/Enamel-Colors-with-Simple-Bright-Aluminum-Patterns)

[Kelly Kjos](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/kelly-kjos)

**Mon, Oct 29, 2012

**

![part](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29884625-jpg/images/part1.jpg)

Design intent for the decorative [aluminum trim](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/26098/Aluminum-Decoration) 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](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/108136/Sporty-Mechanical-Aluminum-Finishes) to create the in-laid metal design. The aluminum trim showcases decorative aluminum processes creating an eye-catching option for interior trim.

#### Selective Brush

Small areas on the trim piece feature our [selective brushing](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/108811/Introducing-3-New-Heavy-Brushed-Aluminum-Patterns) technique. The chosen areas are brushed in the opposite direction of the overall brush that spans across the part. A few of the inlaid areas also feature the base bright aluminum substrate with no brushing added. The combination of 2 direction brush and bright aluminum areas allows each surface to catch light and reflections differently, creating movement.

![AL brush](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26139490-jpg/images/al-brush.jpg?width=310&height=310&name=al-brush.jpg)

#### Engine Stripe

Engine striping is a mechanical finish that creates a distinct look with a lot of visual depth. To create an [engine stripe](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/25255/Architectural-Metal-Surfaces) pattern on aluminum, arcing brushes that face in the same direction polish the metal to the desired length and width. Generally this is an overall process, but in this case it is applied to selective areas further building on the unique movement already created with the selective brushing.

![AL engine stripe](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26139558-jpg/images/al-engine-stripe.jpg?width=310&height=310&name=al-engine-stripe.jpg) ![engine stripe aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26261552-jpg/images/half-inch-engine-stripe.jpg?width=310&height=310&name=half-inch-engine-stripe.jpg)

#### Selective Texture

The selective texture below resembles a [knurled finish](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/18050/Knurled-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Trim). To create this look on aluminum a diamond shaped pattern is printed onto the metal with a clear ink creating a raised texture. This pattern provides precision and detail while contrasting with the overall brushed pattern on the aluminum part.

![selective-texture-aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26139689-jpg/images/al-selective-texture.jpg)

#### Selective Gloss

Adding a little sparkle to the trim piece is accomplished through the application of a selective gloss. The majority of the part is a brushed background featuring a matte gloss. Applying this gloss selectively allows some of the inlaid areas to remain high gloss. The combination of high/ low gloss areas creates a subtle tone-on-tone look.

![selective-gloss-aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26139643-jpg/images/al-selective-gloss.jpg)

The processes applied to aluminum shown here illustrate some of the endless opportunities available to you in designing surfaces for metal trim.  Simple or precise, you customize the finish adding mechanical finishes, gloss and texture to create the look that represents your design intent.

For more on the decorative trim options used on this project, [click here](https://www.norcorp.com/products/case-studies-nameplates-decorative-trim/bid/109830/One-Carrier-for-Three-Authentic-Materials) to view the case study.

[![aluminum finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26238681-jpg/images/disc-collection.jpg)](https://www.norcorp.com/conversion-pages/request-disc-collection/)

[Request a disc collection](https://www.norcorp.com/conversion-pages/request-disc-collection/) to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

[0 Comments Click here to read/write comments](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110057/Woven-Mesh-Aluminum-Finishes#Comments)

 

 Topics: [Texture](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/texture), [Brushed Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum), [Mechanical Finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes), [Gloss](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gloss)

 

### Subscribe to Design Blog

- [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110431/Intricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim#mia-topics)
- [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110431/Intricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim#mia-popular)

- [2021 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/2021)
- [3D (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/3d)
- [Aluminum (88)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum)
- [Aluminum In-mold (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-in-mold)
- [Aluminum Trim (87)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-trim)
- [Anodize (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/anodize)
- [Appliance (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/appliance)
- [Architectural (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/architectural)
- [Art Deco (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/art-deco)
- [Automotive (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/automotive)
- [Black Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/black-finish)
- [Boats (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/boats)
- [Brushed Aluminum (25)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum)
- [Carbon Fiber (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/carbon-fiber)
- [Ceiling Tile (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/ceiling-tile)
- [Classic (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/classic)
- [Coating (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/coating)
- [Coined (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/coined)
- [Color Development (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/color-development)
- [Color Trend (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/color-trend)
- [Copper Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/copper-finish)
- [Cosmetics (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/cosmetics)
- [Custom Patterns (49)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/custom-patterns)
- [Customization (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/customization)
- [Customized Patterns on Aluminum (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/customized-patterns-on-aluminum)
- [Decorated Metal Cards (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/decorated-metal-cards)
- [Diamond Cut (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/diamond-cut)
- [ebook (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/ebook)
- [Faux Finishes (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/faux-finishes)
- [Favorite Finish (19)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/favorite-finish)
- [Fine Art (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/fine-art)
- [geometric (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/geometric)
- [Geometric Finish (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/geometric-finish)
- [Gloss (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gloss)
- [Gold Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gold-finish)
- [gray (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gray)
- [Holiday Card (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/holiday-card)
- [IDSA (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/idsa)
- [Inlay (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/inlay)
- [Large Format (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/large-format)
- [linear (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/linear)
- [Linear Finish (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/linear-finish)
- [Lithography (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/lithography)
- [Match Box Cover (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/match-box-cover)
- [Materials and Processes (29)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Mechanical Finishes (37)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes)
- [Metallic (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/metallic)
- [Micro Finish (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/micro-finish)
- [Modern (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/modern)
- [Mood Board (30)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mood-board)
- [Nameplate (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/nameplate)
- [NeoCon (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/neocon)
- [Organic Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/organic-finish)
- [Organic Finishes (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/organic-finishes)
- [Patina Finish (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/patina-finish)
- [Pattern on Pattern (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/pattern-on-pattern)
- [Powerful (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/powerful)
- [Process Color (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/process-color)
- [Promotional Products (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/promotional-products)
- [Recycled Aluminum (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/recycled-aluminum)
- [Resources (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/resources)
- [Selective Patterns (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/selective-patterns)
- [Silver Finish (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/silver-finish)
- [Simplicity (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/simplicity)
- [Stainless Steel (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/stainless-steel)
- [Surface Collection (32)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/surface-collection)
- [Surfaces (87)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/surfaces)
- [Technical (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/technical)
- [Texture (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/texture)
- [Top 10 (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/top-10)
- [Top 3 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/top-3)
- [Watermark (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/watermark)
- [White Finish (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/white-finish)
- [Woodgrain (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/woodgrain)
- [Worn (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/worn)
- [Woven Finish (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/woven-finish)

[see all](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/110431/Intricate-Decorative-Aluminum-Trim#)

<http://www.youtube.com/user/northernengraving><http://pinterest.com/norcorp/><https://www.facebook.com/80370266723><https://twitter.com/NEngraving>

### Resources

### Design

### About

© 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911