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.
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)
Copper and Tin = Bronze (Brown colour)
Brass
Brass, 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.
Bronze
Bronze 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
Ferrous Metals
Steel
Non Ferrous Metals 1
More Interior Decorating Finishes - Menu
Carpet, what ist is made of and how it is constructed, it's appearance pitfalls, types of carpet, underlay, installation types.
Paint, how it is made, what are it's uses, oil based, enamel, acrylic, PVC paint, which paint to use.
Paint manufacture, recognising painting defects, specialist paints
Wallpaper, wallpaper defects, types of wallhangings, adhesives, stone flooring, timber flooring, hard flooring, vinyl flooring
Types of timber, countries of origin - South America,Canada / Usa, Europe, Africa, Pakistan / India / Burma / Sri Lanka / Malaysia / Indonesia, Australia / New Zealand / Pacific Island
Introduction to metals, types of metals, ferrous metals, non ferrous metals
Timber / Wood - What it is and how it is used in interior design, Trees and how we get timber, Properties of Timber - flexibility, colur, strength and more. Timber Deviations - grain and figure, Timber Based Boards - different types of boards made from timber. Uses for Timber - flooring, panelling, veneer, Timber Moldings- different types made from timber.
Decorative Painting, Faux Finishes, Decorative Finishes
Different types of fabrics, their definitions, the fibers used in making fabrics
Further Reading and Related Articles on this Topic
Interior Design Finishes - Carpet Contents
Paint Contents
More Paint Contents
Wall Hangings and Flooring Contents
Types of Timber Contents
Metals Contents
Timber Uses Contents
Decorative Painting Contents
Fabric Contents
Introduction
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
Fabrics
Floor Covering Resources
Paint Resources
Soft Furnishings Resources
Wall Finishes Resources
More Useful Interior Design and Decorating Web Sites from interiordezine.com
Color
Bedrooms
Curtains
Kitchens
20th C Furniture
BlogBathrooms

Squidoo
Photos
Resources
Design Directory
Shopping
Design Tips
Styles & Periods
|