--- title: Layering of Finishes Creates Illusions for Aluminum Decoration description: Creating Illusions image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29888865-jpg/images/pat-4710-a-framework-finish.jpg --- //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29888865-jpg/images/pat-4710-a-framework-finish.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/132791/Layering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration#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) - Layering of Finishes Creates Illusions for Aluminum Decoration # Layering of Finishes Creates Illusions for Aluminum Decoration [![](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%2F132791%2FLayering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration) [![](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%2F132791%2FLayering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration&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%2F132791%2FLayering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration) [![](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%2F132791%2FLayering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration) [Previous← Optic Aluminum Surfaces](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/127843/Optic-Aluminum-Surfaces) [NextDesign Resource - Three Dimensional Patterns eBook →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/140369/Design-Resource-Three-Dimensional-Patterns-eBook) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Wed, Nov 6, 2013 ** #### Creating Illusions with Layers of Finishes It never ceases to amaze me how aluminum can be transformed during decoration. The reflective properties of the metal enhance [brushing](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/119066/Understanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates) processes, allowing images and [pattern structures](https://www.norcorp.com/design/pattern-library/) to appear to move across the aluminum surface. Layering brushes with screened textures and printed colors creates illusions - fine lines or graphics that are not seen until a certain angle is available and then disappear again when that angle changes. The finishes below showcase this - from overlapping lines with an etched look to connecting the dots of a grid structure or enhancing a cross-hatch pattern for a two-tone effect. Each one offers a unique way to add interest and grab attention. ![PAT-4710-A](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29888865-jpg/images/pat-4710-a-framework-finish.jpg)  ![PAT-4712-A](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29888929-jpg/images/pat-4712-a-framework-finish.jpg)  ![PAT-4713-A](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29888940-jpg/images/pat-4713-a-framework-finish.jpg) *What illusion would you capture in your aluminum trim? * #### Related Articles [3 Options for Integrating Watermark Images into Aluminum Finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/43839/3-Options-for-Integrating-Watermark-Images-into-Aluminum-Finishes) [3D Aluminum Finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/57301/3D-Aluminum-Finishes) [Understanding Options in Brushing on Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/26765/How-to-Add-Depth-and-Movement-to-a-Finish-Understanding-Options-in-Brushing-on-Aluminum) [Callaway Watermark Nameplates](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/18127/Callaway-Watermark-Nameplates) [![New Call-to-Action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/1b6ec54f-adce-4e53-beeb-d30ba417b6fa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/1b6ec54f-adce-4e53-beeb-d30ba417b6fa) [![Subscribe to Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/5b1ae984-7364-4a92-9fa6-b5436385292c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/5b1ae984-7364-4a92-9fa6-b5436385292c)   Topics: [Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum), [Texture](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/texture), [Brushed Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum)   ### Subscribe to Design Blog - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/132791/Layering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/132791/Layering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration#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/132791/Layering-of-Finishes-Creates-Illusions-for-Aluminum-Decoration#) ### Resources ### Design ### About © 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911