Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog

This week, Gerald R Hoerres, the Graphic Arts Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing the steps of pattern creation and the joy it has brought him to be involved in the process. There are several methods to design a pattern for aluminum, but this is one example that stood out to Gerald.
Adding Finish or Pattern to a Nameplate Selecting a background finish can be difficult. Each design and project is unique. Here are some reasons to add a finish or pattern to your nameplate or trim.
Adding Interest to a Background Finish with Patterns These finishes all have one thing in common, they all feature a subtle pattern added to enhance the aluminum finish. The subtle look is achieved by either printing a tone on tone or screening a simple gloss change. Using these processes, finishes ...
Crisp precision and repetitive alignment transform ordinary geometric shapes into complex interlocking structures. Layering of textured and brushed structures creates interactive surfaces with depth.
The simplicity of basic dot patterns is counterbalanced with the technical precision of machined metal surfaces creating a laser-etched or perforated effect.
Organic finishes are a diverse category of patterns taking inspiration from nature, handcrafted surfaces and modern graphic effects. Linear structures are popular as well as large scale graphic effects. Random, imperfect and irregular details add interest to the surfaces which work well with the ...
Machined finishes traveling across the surface in a serpentine manner. A smooth straight line that bursts into motion. Carefully placed miniature spins all designed with the end application in mind.
The Inspiration Crazing is a glaze defect in which a network of cracks develop in the fired glaze. These cracks are often very fine, but can also be quite severe. Certain glazes, referred to as crackle glazes, are specifically composed to develop a controlled form of crazing. This cracking of the ...
Exacting metal finishes synthesize precision and purity. Stainless steel woven wire mesh and cloth inspiration. Brushed aluminum in satin black, coarse brush and warm tinted grey.