--- title: How to Dress Up Brushed Aluminum with Patterns description: Dress up aluminum trim with patterns to add interest and increase perceived value for a product. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-2112800650-jpg/images/Slingshot-Side-Trim.jpg --- http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-2112800650-jpg/images/Slingshot-Side-Trim.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/207738/How-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns#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) - How to Dress Up Brushed Aluminum with Patterns # How to Dress Up Brushed Aluminum with Patterns [![](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%2F207738%2FHow-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns) [![](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%2F207738%2FHow-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns&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%2F207738%2FHow-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns) [![](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%2F207738%2FHow-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns) [Previous← Aluminum Finish Inspired by Hexagon Shapes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/aluminum-finish-inspired-by-hexagon-shapes) [NextArt Deco Inspired Aluminum Holiday Greetings →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/art-deco-inspired-aluminum-holiday-greetings) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Thu, Nov 20, 2014 ** #### Dress Up Brushed Aluminum with Patterns Simple brushed aluminum provides a classic and clean look for decorated trim as well as nameplates and brand identification. While this is attractive, there is opportunity to **capitalize the surface area to include intricate patterns and finishes**. This opens opportunity for design to be sporty or playful. It also creates an avenue to add a bit of interest or accent an area of the piece of trim. ![Slingshot-Side-Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-2112800650-jpg/images/Slingshot-Side-Trim.jpg) I really like the subtle accent that the pattern gives to this piece of aluminum trim. From a distance, there simply appears to be black geometric shapes on a piece of brushed aluminum. A closer look, however, and you can see the pattern in those areas. It is an unexpected detail which takes the trim from something basic to a premium piece, increasing the perceived value of the product. While this part uses a [micro](https://www.norcorp.com/download-free-ebook-micro-surface-collection-ebook) dot pattern which speaks to a sporty look, a completely different feel could be achieved using a faux [woodgrain](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/18125/Custom-Woodgrain-Finish-on-Automotive-Trim) or stone pattern. Or instead of a pattern with a texture, a [selective engine stripe](https://www.norcorp.com/products/case-studies-nameplates-decorative-trim/bid/204657/Volvo-R-Series-Racing-Stripe) could be incorporated. Changing up the pattern style is one way to maximize the tool investment and [differentiate between models of a vehicle or product](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/28598/High-End-Aluminum-Finishes). *How would you dress up brushed aluminum trim? Let's talk!* *[![ALUMINUM FINISHES, DECORATIVE PATTERNS, NAMEPLATE OPTIONS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/6623b8a2-c919-4b56-bd19-f61cf3f1ced2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/6623b8a2-c919-4b56-bd19-f61cf3f1ced2) * *[![Subscribe to Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/12a1e8b9-7204-4d38-83f0-09172f95367b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/12a1e8b9-7204-4d38-83f0-09172f95367b) *   Topics: [Aluminum Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-trim), [Brushed Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum), [Custom Patterns](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/custom-patterns)   ### Subscribe to Design Blog - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/207738/How-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/207738/How-to-Dress-Up-Brushed-Aluminum-with-Patterns#mia-popular) - 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