--- title: Starburst Finish on Aluminum description: A starburst effect is achieved on aluminum using selective brushing and tones. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29893627-jpg/images/starburst-inspiration.jpg --- //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29893627-jpg/images/starburst-inspiration.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/78989/Starburst-Finish-on-Aluminum#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) - Starburst Finish on Aluminum # Starburst Finish on Aluminum [![](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%2F78989%2FStarburst-Finish-on-Aluminum) [![](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%2F78989%2FStarburst-Finish-on-Aluminum&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%2F78989%2FStarburst-Finish-on-Aluminum) [![](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%2F78989%2FStarburst-Finish-on-Aluminum) [Previous← Carbon Fiber Aluminum Finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/78292/Carbon-Fiber-Aluminum-Finishes) [NextWoodgrain Finishes on Metal →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/80184/woodgrain-finishes-on-metal) [Mitch Larson](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/mitch-larson) **Wed, Nov 16, 2011 ** ## ![starburst inspiration](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29893627-jpg/images/starburst-inspiration.jpg) The Inspiration A radial starburst is an interesting effect created by lines emanating from a central source. The line spacing increases as you travel away from the center creating an optical illusion of depth. An added level of detail is achieved when the remaining spaces between the lines are treated with different finishing techniques, such as a color or grain variation.  This is a great effect for accenting round shapes. ## Translated to Aluminum In this example, selective brushing is combined with tones to create a radial sunburst effect. The different grain directions caused by the brushing allows this finish to dance as it is flipped in the light. An added level of printed tones creates visual depth and gives the finish its overall dark appearance. ![radial starburst aluminum finish](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29890938-jpg/images/radial-starburst-aluminum-finish.jpg)   ![Disc Collection](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26238681-jpg/images/disc-collection.jpg)The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. It begins to illustrates the versatility of aluminum as a decorative substrate. The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification. The discs are useful when designing a custom finish. [Request a disc collection](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/78989/conversion-pages/request-disc-collection/) to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels.   Topics: [Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum), [Surfaces](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/surfaces)   ### Subscribe to Design Blog - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/78989/Starburst-Finish-on-Aluminum#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/78989/Starburst-Finish-on-Aluminum#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/78989/Starburst-Finish-on-Aluminum#) ### Resources ### Design ### About © 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911