Specialist Metal Finishes
Specialist metal finishes
Complementing our architectural metalwork we have developed a range of distinctive finishes for stainless steel, brass and other materials, a selection of which are shown below along with examples of projects into which they have been specified.
Combining specialist finishes with textures, folding and laser-cutting
The specialist finishes and methods can be combined to create further intricate and unusual applications. For example, the PVD colouring process can be used on textured stainless steel, patinated brass can be laser-cut and V-grooved material can be powder-coated.
Contact Alex to ask about specialist metal finishes and how to combine them to create distinctive effects at [email protected]
Bespoke metal finishes
We offer a range of specialist finishes however sometimes our clients want a finish that is unique to their project. It maybe to convey the brand of their client, the identity of the building or for other special reasons. We work with interior designers and architects to develop finishes that are exactly what they are seeking to utilise in their project.
Cost-effective alternatives to solid materials
If value-engineering is needed – and if the specification is originally a material such as bronze then value-engineering often IS needed, then we can help with proposals, mock ups and samples of alternative materials and methods that will be a lighter weight, more cost-effective and that produce less waste material.
Materials, finishes and coatings
Architectural mesh
Stainless steel Architectural Mesh is a strong and relatively lightweight product specified for interior and exterior applications
See a range of designs, PVD colourways and ways to use mesh here.
PVD coloured stainless steel
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coloured stainless steel is a sustainable alternative to anodising and electro-coating both of which involve chemical baths. PVD coloured stainless steel is created through the use of heat and gas and produces no waste products.
Stainless steel can be folded after PVD colouring without cracking or fissuring.
Textured stainless steel
Textured stainless steel brings another dimension to specifying PVD coloured stainless steel. The range of embossed, surfaces provide tactile qualities as well as reflecting light in subtle ways which add to the creative possibilities when designing with this material.
Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager via [email protected] to ask about textured stainless steel.
Cor-ten
Cor-ten or, or weathering steel, is designed to develop a rusty patina, be corrosion-resistant and, of course, not need painting or touching up.
John Desmond Ltd have formulated a specialised method of accelerating the development of the patina. This means that fabrication can be carried out in this material and yet meet commercially viable timescales.
Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about patinated brass for your project.
Patinated Brass
Left untouched, all brass would develop into patinated brass. However ready-patinated brass created by John Desmond Ltd already has an aged, richly-toned surface and is stabilised in appearance with the application of a natural sealant.
Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about a Cor-ten finish for your project.
Blackened stainless steel
The blackening of stainless steel actually increases its corrosion-resistance however is mostly specified for its gleaming appearance not easily achieved through other methods.
See how blackened stainless steel has been used to create a dramatic staircase at Google headquarters
Marron Powder Coat
The powder coat colour Marron is an interesting extension to the range of metal finishes as it has a bronze, metallic appearance. It is a cost-effective way to achieve a bronze look for items such as planters.
Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about Marron powder coat for your project .
Vibration stainless steel
Vibration finish stainless steel is a versatile finish for stainless steel being non-directional and relatively un-reflective. It is one of a range of finishes on stainless steel offered by John Desmond Ltd.
See PVD coloured stainless steel in Vibration and other finishes and order a sample.
Shot-peened stainless steel
Shot-peening, also known as sand-blasting, increases the longevity of steel and is commonly used for aeronautical components. However it also has an interesting and versatile non-directional appearance and is consequently specified for its aesthetic as well as its relative non-reflectancy.
Enquire to John Desmond Ltd about specifying shot-peened steel and stainless steel [email protected]
Anodised aluminium
Aluminium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material and through the process of anodising can be transformed into a range of coloured finishes.
See the domed gold anodised aluminium ceiling at Wood Lane Underground Station
Laser-cutting
The laser-cutting of stainless steel combined with PVD colouring and V-grooving provides a multitude of creative possibilities for interior and exterior applications.
See how lift-core and stairwell became a dramatic feature in the upgrade of The Gaslight Building
V-grooved and folded in PVD and specialist finish stainless steel
V-Grooving and folding of PVD, specialist finish and laser-cut stainless steel further adds to the range of possibilities for creating very finely crafted and intricate metalwork, screens, cladding and profiles.
V-grooving and folding enables sharp bends to be created. The folds can be so tight as to give the impression of being solid bar material whilst being lighter, less expensive and easier to work.
Domed gold ceiling to main traffic area in new London Underground station
A striking ceiling achieved by anodising aluminium to a pale gold colour. Aluminium is a good material to use for ceilings as, apart from its relative light weight, it is sound-absorbent. Additionally it does not rust so negates the need for extra sealants and maintenance.
The process of shot-peening, used on the stainless steel wall-cladding, created a finish that is visually non-directional and that has strengthened, or work-hardened, the stainless steel in the process.
Contact Alex to find out more on anodised aluminium for your project on [email protected]
Spectacular laser-cut, V-Grooved PVD coloured stainless steel stair balustrade and lift-core
This interior lift shaft cladding and stair balustrading combines three finishes and treatments to create a multi-layered and faceted cladding. The intricate and subtle pattern and surface changes with different light and angles, creating an unforgettable centrepiece to the building.
The three-layered screening was meticulously designed and developed to the millimetre to dovetail with the existing stair treads.
Statement overhead glass rack for the exclusive Devonshire Club Hotel
Overhead glass racks have become an important part of the status and welcome that a bar gives to its customers and are often a “statement” element to bar design. Combining practicality with being aesthetically desirable this glass rack is a striking centrepiece for the Brasserie bar in this highly exclusive hotel. The material is gleaming Mirror stainless steel coloured Champagne, a soft gold, through the PVD process and then V-grooved and folded to appear as solid material.
This PVD finish was used throughout the hotel creating a harmonious, “suited” range of fixtures and furniture.
Upgrade of office building façade using textured stainless steel
Three finishes and treatments were applied to create the retro-fitted façade comprising brise soleil, column and cladding.
This building needed a significant upgrade to bring it up to its surroundings and to achieve the rent revenue desired by the client.
PVD coloured textured stainless steel was used as the cladding material which was V-grooved and folded to give sharp outlines to the column and brise soleil fins.
The brise soleil fins were formed from timber and clad with the textured PVD stainless steel to create a relatively lightweight solution.
Retro-fitted Blackened stainless steel staircase with natural over-waxed finish
The decision to use blackened stainless steel was a departure from specifying a more shiny, corporate-looking material and John Desmond Ltd worked with the designers to create the exact “blackness” required to create this dramatic staircase.
As part of Google’s Biophilic approach to its office design its architects wanted a finish that develops a patina and ages and changes with time, not a fixed appearance that would result from using a synthetic polymer-based sealant.
The natural wax creates a protective layer to the stainless steel but allows it to age.
PVD coloured stainless steel mesh balustrade to sweeping retro-fitted staircase connecting two office floors
The openwork of the mesh gives an airy feeling to the balustrade and staircase as it descends from the upper floor of this two storey leased section of the building.
The use of a mesh in the pale gold coloration is a contemporary departure from a traditional brass or a more industrial natural stainless steel. This material was continued through the offices with the use of floor and ceiling mounted screens demarcating work zones from meeting space.
Find out more about PVD coloured stainless steel architectural mesh