Return to flip book view

Architectural Wire Mesh Colors & Finishes

Page 1

WIRE MESH800.711.4939www.directmetals.comWIRE MESHWire Mesh Standard FinishArchitectural wire mesh is initially produced with a bare standard finish. If your wire mesh project calls for added aesthetics and corrosion resistance, we recommend asecondary finish. Note: Diamond drawn wire may at times exhibit varying degrees of light and dark shading. This subtle shading is not a defect, but is part of the natural beauty of the material.Wire Mesh Secondary FinishesCertain materials react to the surrounding atmospheric conditions by rusting or tarnishing. To minimize these natural reactions and protect architectural wire mesh from the elements, secondary finishes for interior and exterior applications are available. Secondary finishes typically applied to wire mesh include powder coat, black oxide, anodizing, plating and other copper based alloy finishes. When applied, these wire mesh finishes help the material achieve a specific color, reflectivity or corrosion resistance. Wire Mesh Powder CoatingPowder coating is an excellent choice for an architectural wire mesh finish. When the powder is heated, the coating fuses into a protective layer on the metal adding color and durability to the wire mesh. Powder coating is effectively used as a powder paint finish when added to steel wire. Another option is to use an e-coat primer before the final powder coating to provide long lasting corrosionresistance.COLORS AND FINISHES FOR ARCHITECTURAL WIRE MESH

Page 2

WIRE MESH800.711.4939www.directmetals.comWire Mesh AnodizingAnodizing is adding a layer of aluminum oxide to the surface of a metal, usually aluminum. The anodized layer is very hard, and depending on layer thickness, very durable. In addition, a broad range of colors is available to suit the aesthetic requirements of any wire mesh product. A special quality of anodizing is the ability for the coated end application to retain the metallic look of its base metal even once the coloring is applied. A multitude of architectural applications use anodized aluminum and woven aluminum fabrics. Wire mesh and expanded metal can be readily anodized.Wire Mesh Decorative Metal PlatingDecorative metal plating is a metal finish that may be applied to any architectural mesh pattern woven in carbon steel. The electroplating process transfers metal ions onto the wire mesh through an electric current while suspended in an electrolyte. Unlike paint, the plated wire mesh maintains a metallic reflective look and feel of copper, pewter, brass, nickel or chrome – whatever plating material is being used to make the carbon steel more attractive and protect it. Finishes are available in satin, bright satin and antique. Once plated, a lacquer coating preserves the finish.Wire Mesh Oil Rubbed Bronze FinishFreshly drawn bronze wire mesh is striking and finds its place in many architectural designs. Bronze wire cloth is considered “bare” and turns naturally towards a darker brown color or a green patina over time, depending upon the environmental conditions. To keep a fresh bronze look, the architectural mesh must be cleaned before applying a synthetic coating.For those who want to speed up the process and arrive at a consistent darkened finish, an oil-rubbed process must be utilized. Unlike a powder coat finish, this finish produces a dark oxidized surface that still retains the characteristics of whatever metallic material it is applied. The diverse woven patterns and their individual reflective properties make this finish a designing option that results in a one-of-a-kind rich look on wire cloth.