Reason For Use:
Metallisation has seen many diverse uses of its metal spraying equipment
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In the 95 years we have been operating we are still regularly surprised by one of our long term customer’s. Artistic Metals, based in Uckfield, specialise in metal spray finishing with an aesthetic twist and provide a wide range of diverse decorative items ranging from a bronzed pear, dining tables and chairs through to the revolving doors of the Houses of Parliament. The company has been operating for over 30 years and has been a fan of the Metallisation MK61 system since it started using the metal spraying process over twenty years ago.
Chris Bose at Artistic Metals, says: “We have taken this traditionally industrial anti corrosion process to a whole different level. By developing some additional finishing we have created a range of durable contemporary metal finishes. We specialise in using our own applied metal finishes to create stunning effects. Antique bronze is especially popular because of its warm and luxurious appearance. While copper, brass and Verdigris give a real wow effect. We also use the ever popular mirror polished stainless steel for a complete contemporary look.”
Chris has many years’ experience in metal spraying, which has enabled him to perfect the metal finish range used by interior designers and architects around the UK on commercial and non-commercial projects. Artistic Metals recently completed the bronze finishing on the surround of the London Bridge war memorial, which is located within London Bridge Station. This hugely successful project required the finish on the new surround to match the existing bronze plaque. To achieve this, Artistic Metals applied Bronze finish AM7 to a stainless steel substrate using the MK60 pistol. Chris continues: “The bronze finish AM2 and AM7 have proven to be particularly popular over the years, as these shades have a timeless quality that reflect both style and substance. In the London Bridge war memorial project the client was delighted with the finish, which is exactly the response we aim for every time.”
The metal spray finish, used by Artistic Metals, can be substantially more cost effective compared to solid metal constructions. For example, an MDF desk finished in bronze antique,will mimic the look and feel of a real solid bronze desk, as the bronze applied is actually bronze, unlike bronze coloured paint, which is why this finish is so popular.The metal sprayed finishes work well on many surfaces including metal, wood, plaster, concrete, fibreglass, hardboard, some types of plastic or even thick card. Every project is different, and every customer’s needs will vary, and the Artistic Metals team are on hand to deliver a bespoke, professional service every time.
One of the issued faced when metal spraying large, flat panelled areas is the potential for distortion, which is caused by the surface preparation blasting. In order to balance this Chris and the team usually flash blast the reverse of the panel to counter flatten and rebalance. The surface preparation is a crucial part of this process, as any flaw, no matter how tiny, will be visible on the finished surface.
Metallisation prides itself on the diversity and longevity of its metal spraying equipment, which is highlighted by this specific project, as Artistic Metals’ MK61 pistol dates back to circa 1995. This successful long term working relationship with Artistic Metals, and many other customers around the globe, demonstrates Metallisation’s commitment to delivering high quality products and consumables and excellent customer service.
Stuart Milton, Sales Director at Metallisation, says: “We are thrilled with the ongoing relationship with Artistic Metals. It’s great to see our systems being used in such an innovative way. We regularly work with industrial and engineering customers providing anti corrosion or engineering reclamation projects, but Chris and his team regularly surprise and delight us with their coating finishes.”
