--- title: 3 Options to Dress Up Aluminum Nameplates with Inlaid Finishes description: Aluminum nameplates, emblems and decorative trim can be dressed up with inlaid finishes. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-1146186081-jpg/images/jennair-np-2a.jpg --- //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-1146186081-jpg/images/jennair-np-2a.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/206918/3-Options-to-Dress-Up-Aluminum-Nameplates-with-Inlaid-Finishes#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/) - [Nameplate Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog) - 3 Options to Dress Up Aluminum Nameplates with Inlaid Finishes # 3 Options to Dress Up Aluminum Nameplates with Inlaid Finishes [![](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%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F206918%2F3-Options-to-Dress-Up-Aluminum-Nameplates-with-Inlaid-Finishes) [![](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%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F206918%2F3-Options-to-Dress-Up-Aluminum-Nameplates-with-Inlaid-Finishes&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%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F206918%2F3-Options-to-Dress-Up-Aluminum-Nameplates-with-Inlaid-Finishes) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/googlefooter.png)](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F206918%2F3-Options-to-Dress-Up-Aluminum-Nameplates-with-Inlaid-Finishes) [Previous← Nameplate Archive | Embossed Vintage Truck Grill Emblem](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/207551/Nameplate-Archive-Embossed-Vintage-Truck-Grill-Emblem) [NextCan an Aluminum Badge Have a Tapered Emboss? Yes! →](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/206169/Can-an-Aluminum-Badge-Have-a-Tapered-Emboss-Yes) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Tue, Aug 26, 2014 ** It's a common question raised by brand owners in every industry and on just about every consumer product out there. **How can I dress up my aluminum nameplate**? You may be surprised how adding an inlay finish can increase the perceived value for your brand identity. #### **3 Ways to Use Inlaid Finishes with Aluminum Nameplates** 1. **Transparent Tint for Contrast **Bright aluminum is a classic look when designing for decorative trim. Adding a hint of [transparent color](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/56167/Translating-PMS-Colors-to-Transparent-Tints-for-Nameplates) provides opportunity to frame the logo and text. This adds an artistic flair to a straightforward design. ![JennAir NP 2a](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-1146186081-jpg/images/jennair-np-2a.jpg?width=300&height=160&name=jennair-np-2a.jpg) 2. **Screened Texture for Dimension **Fine, tactile detail can be added to aluminum nameplates with [screened texture](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/25713/Screen-Printed-Metal-Nameplates) to give dimension. This provides opportunity for accent borders or text to have a jewelry like appearance, raising the perceived value of the product. A clear texture on brushed aluminum results in a simulated etched look. **![Waldorf Towers](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-1129011271-png/images/waldorf_towers.png?width=300&height=349&name=waldorf_towers.png)** 3. **Faux Finish or Pattern for Accent **Aluminum provides a versatile foundation for decoration to show a faux finish or other pattern structure with brand awareness. Faux finishes from [wood grain](https://www.norcorp.com/surface-collections/surface-collection-page/bid/46325/Style-Aluminum-Surface-Collection) and [stone](https://www.norcorp.com/surface-collections/surface-collection-page/bid/46368/Assorted-Aluminum-Surface-Collection) patterns to [carbon fiber](https://www.norcorp.com/woven-surface-collections-ebook-copy/) and [animal skins](https://www.norcorp.com/surface-collections/surface-collection-page/bid/47907/Faux-Real-Aluminum-Surface-Collection) can be translated into the decoration. Incorporating a finish like this provides an accent area to draw interest.  ![describe the image](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29087158-jpg/images/ameritage.jpg?width=300&height=218&name=ameritage.jpg) #### Conclusion Aluminum nameplates and emblems have wide open possibilities for the look and the message that is given in the marketplace. Dressing up that nameplate or emblem can be accomplished by adding a hint of color for contrast, using a screened texture for dimension or incorporating a pattern into an area for accent. The possibilities are endless. ** *How will you dress up your brand identification? Let us help!* [![Namplate Samples, Aluminum Nameplates, Plastic Labels](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67) [![Subscribe to Nameplate Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/0a3388fd-bb8c-4c82-8b38-fc280d838dce.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/0a3388fd-bb8c-4c82-8b38-fc280d838dce)   Topics: [Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum), [Nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate), [Materials and Processes](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/materials-and-processes), [Inlay](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/inlay)   ### Subscribe to Nameplate Blog   [Go to Nameplate Blog Home](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog)   [![Request A Quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c) - 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