Chemetal: Dark Metal Designs in Demand Made in USA

Chemetal ALU custom New Balance

Many of Chemetal designs, darkened in response to popular demand, are made in its factory in Massachusetts. The Alu series of dark, aged aluminum designs emulate the look of weathered or blackened steel. To make these designs, aluminum sheets are dipped into a darkening solution and then brushed by a hand grinder to create a gentle, linear variation. These aesthetically pleasing sheets of thin aluminum are lighter and easier to fabricate than steel, which can make the installation lighter as well as easier and less expensive to create. Because of these qualities Chemetal was asked to create a special Alu for  New Balance’s new headquarters’ in Boston.

In addition to Alu, many of Chemetal’s 600 Series are blackened with subtle variations for interesting effects. Included in this category are some of its new Moving to Mood collection with the subtle richness of layered metal designs, subtle sheen and slightly reflective surfaces. Aluminum is a soft metal and, especially when it’s thin, can be cut and fabricated with traditional woodworking equipment, with minor modifications.  Available in standard sheet sizes or 4 feet x 8 feet and a laminate backer option for easy installation. More at www.chemetal.com.

353 Alu Medium
606 Blackened Aluminum bark
902 Brushed Aluminum bark

About Chemetal

Chemetal is one of the world’s largest sources for metal designs and laminates, with over 250 designs that are specified and installed in interior design projects all over the world. The company makes many designs in its Western Massachusetts manufacturing facility – aging, brushing and adding patina to metals– and sources other metal designs from Germany, Japan and domestic (USA) suppliers. Chemetal is a family-owned company that’s been in business for over 50 years. The company offers two other product lines, Treefrog Veneer, wood veneer laminate, and InteriorArts, HPL design laminates. Chemetal is sold worldwide through the company’s international distributor network.