In the field of architectural and industrial design, the **expressive** appearance of materials and the **integration of functions** are often the key to the success of a product. In the field of architectural and industrial design, the expressive appearance and functional integration of materials are often the key to the success or failure of a product. With its simulated texture technology and multifunctional coatings, colour coated aluminium is transforming itself from a single metal material into a ‘customisable art carrier’. Whether it is the warm texture of natural wood grain, the luxurious atmosphere of marble grain, or the industrial aesthetics of brushed metal, coloured aluminium can be perfectly presented through the pre-coating process, providing designers with unlimited creative space.
through high-precision roller coating or gravure printing, the wood grain pattern (such as oak, walnut, bamboo) is reproduced on the surface of aluminium rolls, and the error is controlled within 0.01mm.
transparent protective coating (e.g. polyurethane) is covered on the wood grain layer to enhance the scratch resistance and UV resistance, and the colour will not fade after 10 years of outdoor use.
Building Decoration: Oasia Hotel in Singapore uses vertical greening and woodgrain coloured aluminium on the exterior wall to create the concept of ‘Forest Hotel’.
Furniture manufacturing: wood grain coloured aluminium is used for cabinets and door panels, replacing solid wood, which is both environmentally friendly and durable.
Packaging design: wood grain aluminium foil packaging for high-end tea cans and wine boxes to enhance the added value of products.
| Characteristics | Solid wood | Wood grain coloured aluminium |
| Corrosion resistance | Easy to be deformed by humidity | Waterproof, insect resistant |
| Processing complexity | Needs to be spliced | One-piece moulding |
| Environmental protection | Cutting down trees | Recyclable aluminium substrate |
Through computer-controlled nozzles, ceramic pigments are sprayed on the surface of aluminium coils to form natural marble and granite textures.
Combining mechanical embossing and coating process, it simulates the concave and convex texture of stone, which is highly unified between touch and vision.
Dubai Mall: stone pattern coloured aluminium curtain wall imitates Carrara white marble, the cost is only 1/3 of natural stone.
Sanitary products: stone pattern coloured aluminium is used for shower partition and washbasin, which is anti-mould and easy to clean.
Fire protection performance: the coating flame retardant grade reaches B1, suitable for shopping malls, hospitals and other public places.
Anti-bacterial treatment: silver ion coating is added to inhibit the breeding of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Mechanical brushing: one-way friction on the surface of aluminium coils through high-speed abrasive belts to form a delicate and uniform hairline pattern.
Chemical etching: Using acidic solution to etch the aluminium surface, and controlling the reaction time to form different thicknesses of brushed effect.
Electronic Products: Apple MacBook case is made of brushed coloured aluminium in deep sky grey, which is delicate to the touch and fingerprint-proof.
Kitchen appliances: hoods and ovens made of brushed coloured aluminium are grease-resistant and easy to clean.
High-end architecture: the brushed aluminium sunshade system in Tokyo's Ginza commercial centre combines sunshade with the art of light and shadow.
| Texture Type | Cost | Weather Resistance (Years) | Applicable Scene |
| Wood Grain | medium | 10-15 | Indoor and Outdoor Decoration, Furniture |
| Stone grain | high | 15-20 | High-end curtain wall, sanitary ware |
| Brushed | low | 8-12 | Electronics, Kitchenware |
- Highly corrosive outdoor environments: Priority is given to Fluorocarbon coated stone grain coloured aluminium.
- Pursuing cost-effective: polyester coated wood grain coloured aluminium is more economical.
- Industrial style design: brushed coloured aluminium with matte coating.
The texture revolution of coloured aluminium not only reshapes the visual language of the material, but also pushes the boundary of innovation in the design industry. From ecological wood grain to technological wire drawing, from luxurious stone grain to artistic gradation, colour aluminium makes cold metal both natural beauty and intelligent function in the form of ‘universal canvas’. In the era of personalisation and sustainable development, colourful aluminium is using the magic of ‘72 changes’ to write a new chapter of material science.
Next time, when you touch a wood grain aluminium door, see a stone curtain wall, or hold a brushed aluminium laptop in your hand, please remember: this is not a replica of natural materials, but a perfect collision of industrial science and technology with artistic inspiration.
