Faux Metal Finishes

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tlbrewer

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Moriarty, New Mexico
I have a potential customer for a very large job that wants a "brushed aluminum look" on several frames. The largest one would be 5' by probably 3'. Originally they wanted metal frames, but now the idea of wooden frames with a metalic finish is something they are considering. I only work with wood in my shop so if they want metal, I will refer them to someone else. However, they would like to see a sample of what I can do in the way of a metal looking finish on wood. I have some ideas, but I'm looking for suggestions or some tried and true finishes that you all may have used in the past.

Also, since I typically work with much smaller material, what are some ideas for hanging a piece that large (5' x 3' +)that will obviously be very heavy. I'm thinking cleats much like those used for hanging cabinets.

Tom
 
Don't know how to apply a metallic finish to wood, but there are several standard wood mouldings around that present a pretty convincing brushed metal look.

Framerica has a big selection. These are basically finishes on something like MDF, they're relatively cheap...

http://www.framerica.com/index_html.php

And Universal has some too, this one's about 4" wide...

http://universalframing.com/Scripts...0&strSearchMax=0&strSearchCat=0&sortField=sku

I think O'Malley's has examples of each. Most moulding manufacturers have simulated metallic mouldings.

The best way to hang big frames is a hook on each of the two vertical sections, near the top of the frame. This avoids the kind of stress you get with wires pulling the sides in and twisting them. If the mouldings don't have enough width you may need some cross bracing on the back. But in any case you need at least a wire or strap running from the center of the top section to the center of the bottom section to prevent the glue joints from breaking if somebody tries to pick the frame up from the center of the top section.
 
Larson-Juhl’s “Ferrossa” line comes to mind as well. It has the look of a hand wrought finish.

I don’t think you can link to their site without an account password, however.
 
Yeah, those are good lines. A job this big might not be the best place to start learning to work with leaf.
 
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