How Retail Environments Can Use Custom Anodized Aluminum

Anodizing aluminum is a common process that involves treating aluminum to improve the durability of the finish and the metal’s scratch and corrosion-resistant properties. Unbeknownst to many, we often encounter anodized aluminum products daily. Some of the most common applications where you might find anodized aluminum being used are aircraft, cars, boats, RVs, and even everyday consumer goods, like sporting equipment and home and kitchen appliances.

Anodized aluminum has long been a popular option and an integral component for exterior architectural and industrial projects.  Custom anodized aluminum is also an attractive interior design option for retailers looking to create beautiful and aesthetically pleasing shopping environments for their customers. Today’s consumers want to shop in an environment and purchase products that represent the lifestyle they envision for themselves, and the modern look and feel of anodized aluminum can do just that. If you’re a specialty retailer, store fixture manufacturer, or retail environment designer looking to turn window shoppers into paying customers, custom anodized aluminum is the solution for you. Read on to learn how aluminum applications and aluminum anodized finishes can offer the versatility, durability, and quality your retail establishment needs.

 

Why Retailers Need Custom Anodized Aluminum

Anodized finishes have made aluminum one of the most versatile, durable, and widely used materials today in retail and commercial environments. The breadth of anodized color finishes that can be applied to aluminum are endless and can be matched to virtually any texture or color you’re looking for. The versatility of anodized aluminum applications does not stop there. The high scratch-resistant surface of anodized aluminum makes it the perfect choice for high-traffic areas or surfaces exposed to harsh environments. The durability of anodized aluminum is unmatched and will protect the look of your interior, which will ultimately help reduce the cost of renovations and repairs.

This leads us to perhaps one of the most important reasons business owners should use anodized finishes on their building’s interior – it is a much more cost-effective option compared to traditional painting or powder coats. Traditional paints and powder coats offer less protection for a higher cost. Anodized aluminum applications will last longer than aluminum coated in traditional paint or powder coat. Another reason to consider adding an anodized finish to an aluminum extrusion is the protection you get from the elements. While aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, when exposed to high temperatures, moisture, and humidity, aluminum applications can benefit from the additional layer of protection that anodized finishes provide.

 

How to Decide What Should Be Anodized

Now that you know the benefits of using anodized aluminum in commercial retail settings, the next logical step is deciding what elements should be anodized. Most businesses choose to add anodized finishes to enhance the final look of raw extruded aluminum into something more aesthetically pleasing. However, your design strategy should go much further than covering exposed metal. While it is certainly smart to apply anodized finishes to exposed or raw aluminum, you should also consider how adding custom anodizing to certain building components, such as ceiling panels frames, store signage, door framing, and awnings may enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers. Store components that have functional properties and are more likely to come in direct contact with customers are prime examples of areas that should be given a custom anodized aluminum finish with a possible mechanical finish such as brushing. This small, but important, detail will not only make your business more visually appealing, but it can help make the products you sell more desirable and stylish.

 

Selecting Your Finish

Once you have identified what elements you want anodized, the next step is choosing a finish. You will want to choose a finish that best compliments your brand image and brand identity. The right combination of a beautifully designed retail fixture with anodized finishes and textured surfaces that complement your branding can deliver a retail experience that is truly unique and unrivaled by any competitor.

 

Anodized Aluminum from Eagle Mouldings

Eagle Mouldings has an incredible selection of aluminum finishes to fit any project. No matter the look you are going for, our anodized aluminum colors will suit your needs. From subtle and sophisticated colors to options that are bright and bold, there are so many to choose from. While we offer a range of standard finishes, we also specialize in creating customized anodized aluminum finishes to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our aluminum anodizing services and the finishes available.