Metal — and finishes
Metal offers unmatched durability and a wide range of aesthetic possibilities for custom awards, from sleek modern forms to classic, weighty pieces.
Metal is a cornerstone material for custom awards, prized for its inherent strength, longevity, and remarkable versatility. Whether forming the entire award or serving as a striking accent, metal brings a sense of permanence and prestige. We work with several distinct metal alloys, each offering unique technical properties, processing capabilities, and, crucially, different colors. This allows us to craft awards that are not only visually compelling but also perfectly suited to their purpose and environment. Beyond the base material, a variety of finishes can transform the metal's surface, adding texture, sheen, or a custom color to achieve a truly distinctive piece.
Metal alloys
*The foundational choices for strength and color*
Our selection of metal alloys provides a spectrum of possibilities for custom awards. Each alloy is chosen for its specific characteristics, influencing everything from the award's weight and workability to its inherent color and resistance to environmental factors. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the perfect material that aligns with your design vision and functional needs, ensuring your award is both beautiful and enduring.
Oxidized steel
*Rich, bronze-like appearance*
Oxidized steel is a fundamental material for creating sculptural awards and structural components. We often use it for pieces that evoke fine art, crafting intricate forms that stand alone as small works. To protect steel from rust and achieve its final aesthetic, we either oxidize it to a rich, bronze-like color or metalize it through processes like chroming, giving it an exclusive and durable finish.
Stainless steel
*Naturally rust-resistant and silver-gray*
As its name suggests, stainless steel offers inherent resistance to rust, eliminating the need for additional protective coatings. This material is characterized by its clean, silver-gray color. We utilize stainless steel for flat elements, bent forms, and can construct simple, hollow spatial structures using TIG/MIG welding techniques. Its natural durability and sleek appearance make it a popular choice for modern, minimalist designs.
Brass
*The warm glow of gold*
Brass is valued for its distinctive golden color, making it an excellent choice for awards designed to emulate the look of gold. However, brass oxidizes easily, which can alter its color over time, especially in humid environments. To preserve its lustrous golden hue, we apply a clear lacquer, protecting it from tarnishing and ensuring its brilliance remains intact for years to come.
Aluminum
*Lightweight, soft, and easily machined*
Aluminum is a gray-silver metal significantly lighter and softer than steel, making it easier to process. This characteristic makes it ideal for creating spatial and thicker elements, such as robust blocks, sturdy metal bases, or awards with more complex shapes. Its workability allows for intricate designs to be precisely machined using CNC milling, offering versatility for unique and detailed custom pieces.
Casting
*For intricate shapes and larger orders*
Casting allows for the creation of highly detailed and complex metal figurines. We typically use zinc and aluminum alloys for casting, a method that becomes cost-effective for orders exceeding 50 pieces due to the initial investment in mold creation. This process begins with a 3D computer model, which guides the production of a physical pattern and subsequent molds. Cast awards are exceptionally durable; zinc alloy, in particular, offers a degree of flexibility that helps prevent small elements from breaking under pressure.
Metal finishes
*Transforming surfaces with texture and sheen*
Beyond the inherent properties of each metal, various finishing techniques allow us to manipulate the surface, creating diverse and striking effects. These finishes can dramatically alter the award's aesthetic, from a subtle matte texture to a brilliant mirror-like shine. The choice of finish is crucial for enhancing the metal's character and ensuring the final award perfectly embodies your design vision.
Brushing
*Elegant matte or semi-matte texture*
Brushing is a popular technique that imparts a sophisticated matte or semi-matte finish to metal surfaces. This effect is achieved by applying thousands of fine, parallel "scratches" using a specialized tool. The repeated brushing creates a uniform texture that diffuses light, resulting in a refined, understated appearance. Brushing is our most frequently used metal finish, favored for its elegant and contemporary appeal.
Polishing
*Mirror-like brilliance and reflection*
Polishing transforms a metal surface into a brilliant, mirror-like shine. This meticulous process demands perfect accuracy, as any imperfection in the material or finish becomes highly visible. Polished elements are visually impressive, reflecting light in a distinctive way. However, they require careful handling, as even minor scratches can detract from their pristine aesthetic.
Sandblasting
*Uniform, frosted appearance*
Similar to its application on glass, sandblasting metal creates a uniform matte structure across the surface. This technique uses abrasive material propelled at high speed to etch the metal, resulting in a consistent, frosted appearance. Sandblasting is an effective way to achieve a non-reflective, textured finish that can add depth and a modern feel to an award.
Painting
*Custom color in any hue*
Painting offers limitless color possibilities for metal awards. We can apply paint to any type of metal, either covering the entire element or specific fragments. For awards that are to be fully painted, we often opt for steel due to its ease of processing and lower material cost. This technique allows for complete customization, enabling us to match any desired color scheme or branding requirement.
6 pieces from metal in the gallery.
Real commissions using this material. Click through to see materials, dimensions, and engraving details per piece.
Working with metal.
What metals do you use for custom awards?
We primarily work with oxidized steel, stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. Each alloy offers distinct properties, from the bronze-like finish of oxidized steel to the golden hue of brass and the lightweight versatility of aluminum. We select the best metal based on your design, desired aesthetic, and functional requirements, ensuring a durable and impressive award.
When should I consider a cast metal award?
Casting is ideal for complex, intricate designs and larger orders, typically 50 pieces or more. While initial setup costs for molds are higher, it becomes very cost-effective for volume production. Cast awards, often made from zinc or aluminum alloys, are exceptionally durable and can achieve unique three-dimensional forms that are difficult to create with other methods.
How do metal finishes affect the look and feel of an award?
Metal finishes dramatically alter an award's appearance and tactile quality. Brushing creates a sophisticated matte texture, while polishing delivers a striking, mirror-like shine. Sandblasting offers a uniform frosted look, and painting allows for any custom color. The right finish enhances the metal's inherent beauty and complements your award's overall design.
How are metal awards protected from tarnishing or rust?
Protection depends on the metal. Oxidized steel is treated with oxidation or chroming to prevent rust and achieve its final aesthetic. Brass, prone to tarnishing, is sealed with a clear lacquer to maintain its golden luster. Stainless steel is naturally rust-resistant and typically requires no additional protective coating, ensuring lasting brilliance with minimal maintenance.
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