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Types of Metal for Interior Design and Decorating Interior Finishes
Types of Metal for Interiors - Non Ferrous Metals
Included here are Copper, Nickel, Tin, Cadmium, Zinc, Aluminium and Lead. Precious metals are excluded as the likes of silver and gold are usually reserved for art works or plating.
Copper
Copper is a pink or salmon red colour when polished. It is a reasonably soft metal and is both malleable and ductile. Copper has until the invention of the fiberoptic cable been almost extensively used for the lines for the telecommunication industry. When left to oxidise it turns a soft green colour or patina. As designers both of theses colours are desirable for either the bright or rustic finish.
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We as designers use copper for effect with timber trim, as bench tops or splashbacks, and very often for ornamental work, roofing and spouting. It is also used for table tops and as a colour to fixings such as dome studs to a table. Copper does have a drawback however as it has to be kept polished to retain the bright effect unless treated with perhaps a lacquer. When used as a bench top beware as it will react with ammonia and needs to be polished often unless you are happy with the patina look. Copper when mixed with zinc or tin produces alloys such as Brass or Bronze respectively. Copper and Zinc = Brass (Golden colour) BrassBrass, like most metals, comes in various grades including gilding and cartridge brass. Brass is classified according to its Zinc content. Because brasses are resistant to corrosion we see them used a lot in situations where they are exposed to the elements and in particular the sea. Ship's brass is a particular type of brass and is particularly resistant to the salt water however it will still corrode which is why we see the polishing and maintenance of fittings on ships and yachts. Designers use brass for effect on trim such as light fittings, screws, and especially as good quality hardware for cabinetry and doors. |
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BronzeBronze is the alloy produced when tin is mixed with copper. It is very fluid when molten and that is one of the reasons that it is used for castings. (Being fluid allows the metal to flow into small details). Hence we see it on intricate work such as busts or other artwork. Designers often use it for ornate nameplates and also hardware. To Continue Articles on Interior Design and Decorating Interior Finishes - Metals - next page is Non Ferrous Metals 1 Metals More Interior Decorating Finishes - MenuPaint manufacture, recognising painting defects, specialist paints Introduction to metals, types of metals, ferrous metals, non ferrous metals Decorative Painting, Faux Finishes, Decorative Finishes Different types of fabrics, their definitions, the fibers used in making fabrics |
In this Section:
Interior Design Finishes - Carpet Contents | Home Paint Information | More Paint Information | Wall Hangings and Flooring | Types of Timber | Metals | Timber Uses | Decorative Painting | Types of Fabric | Introduction to Interior Finishes | Carpet | Paint | Wall Hangings | Timber Flooring | Hard Flooring | Clay Based Flooring | Stone Flooring | Semi Hard Flooring | Types of Timber and Wood | Metals | Timber and Wood | Decorative Painting | Fabric Types |
Interior Design Finishes - Carpet Contents | Home Paint Information | More Paint Information | Wall Hangings and Flooring | Types of Timber | Metals | Timber Uses | Decorative Painting | Types of Fabric | Introduction to Interior Finishes | Carpet | Paint | Wall Hangings | Timber Flooring | Hard Flooring | Clay Based Flooring | Stone Flooring | Semi Hard Flooring | Types of Timber and Wood | Metals | Timber and Wood | Decorative Painting | Fabric Types |
