What is a Woodgrain Finish?

An accurate and realistic reproduction of an image of natural woodgrain on powder coated aluminium panels and extrusions. 

How do you get a Woodgrain Finish?

The woodgrain image is 'printed' into (rather than onto) the aluminium through a method known as sublimation. Sublimation is the process of going from a solid to a gas, then back to solid, skipping into liquid state. For the sublimation of the woodgrain finish on aluminium, a high definition image of a natural woodgrain is moved into position on the powder coated extrusion by vacuum suction. The film and extrusion are then placed into specifically designed heat press like machine, which reaches temperatures of up to 200 degrees. When subjected to extreme heat and pressure, the dyes from the image are transformed into a gas which is forced beneath the surface of the aluminium extrusion. There, they settle and solidify. Once the extrusion is removed from the press and the extrusion cools, the woodgrain images are permanently embedded. 

What are the benefits of a Woodgrain Finish?

Mixing the warmth and aesthetics of a natural woodgrain finish and durability of Aluminium has significant appeal. Any type of natural woodgrain finish can be applied, this includes those from scarcer varieties of wood which can be left to grow. There are no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) released in the atmosphere, due to the use of water based dyes, making it an eco friendly process. A woodgrain finish is also fully customisable, whereas real wood designs are often complication by the grain. 

How to care and maintain a Woodgrain Finish.

As the dyes are embedded int the powder coated extrusion, the care and maintenance required is the same as that of powder coated aluminium extrusions. 

Cleaning powder coated aluminium requires the use of solvents, the choice of which is of the utmost importance. A hard solvent may cause irreversible damage to the colour and result in gloss loss within a truncated period of time. Solvents to be avoided include acetates, dulon thinners, Methyl Ethyl Ketone and Petrol products, along with any alcohol based cleaners or those with acidic or alkali ingredients. 

Use of mild solvents such as White Spirit, Methylated Spirits and Turpentine is advised. Before applying the solvent it is recommended the area be cleaned with a mild liquid detergent. After which the area should be rinsed thoroughly, particularly those are not normally reached by the rainfall. Do not leave any solvent on for a prolonged period and it is advisable to test a small surface area first. 

As regards maintenance intervals, three monthly is recommended unless in a marine or industrial environment, where an increased frequency is desirable. A cleaning interval of 6 months in normal conditions should be considered the absolute maximum. 

View the Metwood Woodgrain Range.