In an earlier post I discussed the use of pigmented hot patinas that we use to add realism to some of our animal themed door handles and in particular how we use a pea green pigment to create the vivid green of our Anole lizard handle. Hot patinas however, over time, will change with exposure to the elements and to ultra violet and while to many the aging of the patina adds beauty, for commercial settings a more durable longer lasting color is preferred.
Typically, for hospitality projects, our Ergo and Morphic styles are specified as we cast both in durable corrosion resistant stainless steel a medium well suited to heavily trafficked areas.
Typically, for hospitality projects, our Ergo and Morphic styles are specified as we cast both in durable corrosion resistant stainless steel a medium well suited to heavily trafficked areas.
Many brands have their own distinctive color and we are now working to find ways of incorporating brand colors into our steel handle designs. We recently worked with Mike Hong to add a particular shade of blue to a custom scroll ended handle for a resort in the Bahamas. To create a finish that was durable we turned to a local powder coating company, Primo Powder Coating and developed a custom blue powder that was a match for the brands “Toronto” blue color. The specific shade of blue was created by comparing the clients color chip with a data base of available blues, finding a base match and then adding and subtracting pigmented powders to create a match both as to color and lustre.
The powder was then heat infused with the steel surface and essentially baked to create a strong bond and one that will last for many years. While the process may sound simple it takes considerable skill to apply the powder strategically to create a two tone effect.
Currently we are experimenting with color to add shading to our Ergo entry door grips. The Ergo style was designed to be two tone and we achieve this look by highly polishing some of the surface facets but leaving other areas brushed. As with powder coating, the skill lies in masking these 2 contrasting areas. We are looking at suitable colors that will be applied to the brushed surfaces and will be keeping you posted on our progress.
