---
title: 3 Options for Integrating Watermark Images into Aluminum Finishes
description: Watermarks integrated into aluminum trim offer a premium branding option in a cost effective manner.
image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26210576-jpg/images/cadillac-aluminum-watermark.jpg
---

 //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-26210576-jpg/images/cadillac-aluminum-watermark.jpg

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- 3 Options for Integrating Watermark Images into Aluminum Finishes

# 3 Options for Integrating Watermark Images into Aluminum Finishes

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[Deidre Kruser](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/deidre-kruser)

**Tue, Jan 25, 2011

**

### Watermark Images for Nameplates and Aluminum Trim

![photo DES-1205-AO Cadillac watermark](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26210576-jpg/images/cadillac-aluminum-watermark.jpg)

Integrating a watermark logo or graphic into an aluminum trim piece is a sophisticated alternative or addition to traditional branding.  This article explores three options for subtly adding an image to aluminum.  The images are layered with a printed texture.  Increasing the contrast in any of these will make the graphic stand out more.  You control the end result based on the desired effect. 

1. Brushed and bright aluminum
2. High gloss and low gloss
3. Opaque and transparent color

#### Brushed and Bright Aluminum

![photo DES-1205-AG Mustang watermark](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29879770-jpg/images/mustang-aluminum-watermark.jpg)

The background is brushed aluminum while the Mustang logo remains bright aluminum.  A dull black square pattern is printed across both surfaces.  

#### High Gloss and Low Gloss

![photo DES-1205-AAJ Volvo watermark](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29895493-jpg/images/volvo-aluminum-gloss-watermark.jpg)

This finish relies on a change in gloss levels to make the Volvo logo stand out.  A transparent grey tint is printed overall and a low gloss grey texture used for the square pattern.

#### Opaque and Transparent Color

![photo DES-1205-AK Volvo watermark](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29895514-jpg/images/volvo-aluminum-watermark.jpg)

In this case, a low gloss clear texture is printed overall.  The logo is defined with a high gloss black background and a transparent grey tint on the logo.

[Request samples](https://www.norcorp.com/conversion-pages/request-finish-samples/) of watermark finishes to begin exploring this option.  In addition to integrating this option into aluminum trim, it is available to be added in the background of [nameplates](https://www.norcorp.com/resources-nameplate-automotive-appliance-trim/nameplate/) or emblems.

 

 Topics: [Aluminum Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-trim), [Watermark](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/watermark)

 

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