Prints on brushed aluminum is a specialized graphic for those seeking a metallic appearance to enhance or become an integral texture in the final image. The color and texture of the background can come forward in the highlights of the image. The brushed aluminum surface adds a subtle luminosity overall in subjects which adapt the subtle sheen.

Flatbed UV printing on brushed aluminum offers a great aesthetic especially appropriate for images of industrial equipment or any object with a metallic surface, such as stainless steel or aluminum. This print surface works nicely with duotone or monotone images or black-and-white images, where ‘the brush surface’ can show up in the highlights.

Typically, we start 1/8 inch mill finish aluminum plate, and then sheer it to the print size. We can use any thickness aluminum plate, up to 2 inches thick. Obviously, the thicker aluminum requires more handling and more cost. Thinner aluminum plate stock, such as 1/8 inch thick, can be conned toward cut to any shape on our CNC router. Thicker material can be cut with a waterjet. Typical uses are produced utilizing an Illustrator file containing vector information to describe the lines and curves. The aluminum plate can be recycled by sanding and refinishing the brushed surface, ready to be print again.

The silvery tones of brushed aluminum metal can be played up as an asset or muted if it interferes with image. Frequently the highlight areas of your image, or areas of sky and water, are what show off the silvery appearance. UV direct inks are transparent and build opacity with additional ink passes. ‘Additional printer plates’ can be set up in your digital file to increase areas of opacity. For a different look, you could selectively set  up areas for an opaque white ink layer undercoat. This is for areas where you want to mute the  characteristic silver-toned base.

Prints on brushed aluminum can be used indoors or outdoors. For indoor displays, their durability and shelf life last a long time. For outdoor displays, there should be some consideration for how the sun’s rays will strike the graphic, what intensity, and for how many hours a day. Obviously, shelf life would be reduced when sitting in high intensity rays all day. An outdoors print on brushed aluminum displayed in open shade or North facing, or in a semi-protected area, can last many years. These applications are for commercial businesses, museums, and personal interior design displays. Call us with your questions about prints on metal 1.800.829.4562