Metal Finish Guide

Electro-chemical process that converts the aluminum surface to a harder, more corrosion resistant aluminum oxide finish. Standard color options only. No custom colors. UV Stable and salt resistant finish that won't peel or crack. Aluminum only.

Directionally brushed face (also available in polished)

Bead blasted returns

Clear anodic matte coating of .4-7mils thick

Colored anodic matte coating of .7mil-1mils thick

Studs REQUIRED

Top and bottom mounted letters will still require studs in back due to anodizing process

Anodized aluminum has the highest durability in coastal climates compared to all other metal alloys Gemini has in stock, including 316 Stainless Steel!

Due to the various chemicals used in the anodizing process, color can vary slightly from order to order.

If matching existing signage, a sample is required

If matching a Gemini sample, please return the sample for matching.

Brushed

Directionally Sanded face (Vertical by default)

80-100 grit

Bead Blasted Returns

Low Gloss Clear Coat

Aluminum: Yes

Stainless Steel: No (Unnecessary protection, additional risk of debris trapped in finish)

Bronze/Brass/Copper: Yes

Close to #2-3 finish, or US92.

Variations

Horizontal

Raw: No clear coat

#4 Brushed: Directionally sanded, 150 grit, available on request with upcharge.

Chamfered/Eased Edge

Precision CNC cut letters with the outer face edge cut to an angle. Once angle is cut, they are finished via our usual laser/waterjet cutting method.

Chamfered and Eased Edge

Colorlast

Digital print applied to face and sealed with a clear coat.

7 year exterior warranty, lifetime interior warranty

What is Colorlast?

Cor-Ten

Cor-Ten steel, known as weathered steel, is fabricated from a group of alloyed metals. It is composed of copper, chromium, and nickel alloys. Cor-Ten steel forms a protective rust layer when exposed to atmospheric elements over time. The surface layer corrodes to hinder further corrosion, which maintains steel strength.

When you order flat cut metal in Cor-Ten, it is cut and shipped in its natural state. Cor-Ten is naturally silver in appearance. Achieving a weathered look requires time and exposure to atmospheric elements. Every letter and logo may not appear the same due to the sign location and duration of element exposure.

Caution:
Due to the surface rust layer, we do not recommend mounting Cor-Ten letters and logos to stainable surfaces.

Spacers are recommended to minimizing bleeding onto installation surface.

Orbital

Non-directionally sanded face with a DA sander

80 grit set at Random

Fine, irregular scratches throughout the face

Bead blasted returns

Low Gloss Clear Coat

Oxidized (Brass/Bronze only)

Directionally brushed face

Bead blasted returns

Chemically treated to provide antique face look, and black returns

Low gloss clear coat

Bronze US9 finish

For a less expensive option, consider alternate oxidized

Available in: Light, Medium, and Dark

No longer available for Copper.

Due to the chemicals used in the oxidizing process, color can vary slightly from order to order.

If matching existing signage, a sample is required.

If matching a Gemini sample, please return the sample for matching.

Painted

Directionally sanded face to remove imperfections

Bead blasted returns

Liquid painted, then oven baked

Available in Gloss, satin, or matte sheen

Metallic colors default to matte sheen

Otherwise, gloss is the default sheen

Custom Color matching available

Returns can be painted a different color, with an upcharge

Detail on the face can be masked and painted, or printed, both with an upcharge

Standard Paint Colors

Grain will be slightly visible through paint. This is typically only visible when viewed up close at certain angles, and is not typically prevalent at typical viewing distances.

Painted with no grain is an option, with an upcharge.

Otherwise, consider painted acrylic or PVC

Patina

Bead blasted face and returns

Chemically treated to produced colored, aged look.

Available in Traditional Verde Patina, or Turquoise.

Light clear coat

Will continue to age over time, depending on install environment, contact with moisture, and temperature.

Red metals only

Polished

Polished face to a smooth, glossy luster

Close to a #8 near mirror finish

Bead blasted returns

Aluminum and Stainless steel do not receive a clear coat

Bronze, Brass, and Copper receive a clear coat.

Cast aluminum cannot be polished.

Studs Required

Polished finish may have some minor finishing lines in the face, only visible up close and viewed at an angle.

This is not visible when examined at a typical viewing distance.

Premium Finishes

Gemini’s premium finishes elevate metal letters for a superior, refined look. Premium finishes are available in select metal materials and corresponding thicknesses in letters over 3 inches tall. These letters are laser-cut and then hand-sanded or polished to have little to no rounding on the letter edge. Depending on the finish, letters can be buffed to a high sheen. 

Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, and Bronze only. No copper

Hand brushed returns are brushed front to back, no exceptions.

		Hand-sanded face with a hand-sanded return
		Polished letter face with a hand-sanded return
		Hand-sanded letter face with a polished return
		Polished letter face with a polished return

Random Arc

Multiple swirls and arcs in the face

Non-directional sanded face with a DA sander

Finished with 180 grit set at Rotary

Bead blasted returns

Low gloss clear coat

Textured Paint

Sand like texture that can conceal fingerprints and smudges

Paint is gloss but texture makes sheen appear satin

Additive added to any paint, standard or custom

More About Flat Cut Metal Letters and Logos

Overview: Flat Cut Metal

Product Specifications: Flat Cut Metal

Finish Guide: Flat Cut Metal

Design Guide: Flat Cut Metal

Project Examples: Flat Cut Metal

Product Warranty: Flat Cut Metal