--- title: Woodgrain-Like Finishes on Aluminum Trim description: Finishes with the familiar colors and structure of woodgrains add warmth and character to decorative trim. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29886968-jpg/images/pat-4090-a.jpg --- //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29886968-jpg/images/pat-4090-a.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/19620/Woodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-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) - Woodgrain-Like Finishes on Aluminum Trim # Woodgrain-Like Finishes on 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%2F19620%2FWoodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-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%2F19620%2FWoodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-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%2F19620%2FWoodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-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%2F19620%2FWoodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Trim) [Previous← Gradations of Color on Aluminum Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/20101/gradations-of-color-on-aluminum-trim) [NextSoft Touch Texture on Aluminum Trim →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/20797/Soft-Touch-Texture-on-Aluminum-Trim) [Deidre Kruser](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/deidre-kruser) **Wed, Aug 19, 2009 ** Developing finishes with the familiar color and structure of a woodgrain without setting out to duplicate or imitate a woodgrain is the common theme of these aluminum finishes.  The trend toward authentic materials and surfaces is reflected in the series.  The foundation of the *woodgrain-like* finishes idea is based on the thought that if woodgrain trim is needed... it should be real wood.  There is no room for imitation woodgrain surface.  However, if a finish is developed with the warmth and character of a woodgrain without imitating a woodgrain then this finish is an interesting and unique finish in its own right.  It isn't an imitation. ![linear woodgrain like finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29886968-jpg/images/pat-4090-a.jpg) ![organic linear woodgrain like finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29883537-jpg/images/nwg-979-a.jpg) India ink, brushes and paper were used to capture the linear quality of woodgrains in both of these finishes.  The warm woodgrain tones used in printing the aluminum finish help to create a familiar surface which is still unique.  ![woodgrain like aluminum finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29883495-jpg/images/nwg-977-b.jpg) ![woodgrain like aluminum finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29883512-jpg/images/nwg-978-b.jpg) Woodgrain structures were the foundation of these finishes.  However, the process used is not a traditional woodgrain development.  The organic woodgrain detail is layered on to the aluminum using a combination of selective brushing and transparent colors.  The result is finishes with a familiar woodgrain structure that are obviously not real wood finishes.  The surfaces have depth, movement and metal quality. ![woodgrain like aluminum finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29886753-jpg/images/pat-3943-b.jpg) ![woodgrain like aluminum finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29886727-jpg/images/pat-3943-a.jpg) The familiar woodgrain colors are used again in these finishes with a structure more organic, definitely not linear.  The ethereal quality is comforting like the surface of a favorite desk. These same finishes would look fantastic in a completely different colorway.  The woodgrain quality would disappear and they would take on a entirely different character.  How would you like to see these finishes explored?  What other ideas do you have for creating a *woodgrain-like* surface?   Topics: [Aluminum Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-trim), [Woodgrain](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/woodgrain)   ### Subscribe to Design Blog - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/19620/Woodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Trim#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/19620/Woodgrain-Like-Finishes-on-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) - 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