Colors + Finishes

With the exception of the copper based alloys, the metals we weave (steel, stainless, aluminum), when highly polished, will exhibit specular reflection with little or no color shift from the illuminating source. In other words, the color of the metal is a function of the color of the light source. However, it should be noted that architectural fabrics produced from very smooth diamond drawn wires will, at times, exhibit subtle striations of varying degrees of light and dark. These are not defects, but rather, part of the natural beauty of the material.

In order to achieve absolute color uniformity, post weaving treatments such as pickling and electro-polishing must be applied. It should be noted that these treatments can result in a look that resembles an overly retouched or enhanced photograph.

While not a new technology, powder coating continues to develop new and improved products. If you want color and durability, you need to consider powder coating. A particularly effective combination for woven fabrics is Bezinal™ or Galfan® coated steel wire with powder paint finish. Banker, in collaboration with Payne Fence Co. has several commercial installations consisting of powder painted Galfan® that are showing no signs of corrosion after two years of service.

Learn more: www.powdercoating.org

Anodizing is the formation of an aluminum oxide layer on the surface of aluminum. This surface is very hard, and, depending on layer thickness, very durable. In addition, a variety of coloring or staining techniques are available that give a broad range of colors, many retaining the metallic look of the base metal. Myriad architectural applications use anodized aluminum, and woven aluminum fabrics can be readily anodized.

Learn more: www.anodizing.org

Decorative metal plating can be applied to any Banker Wire mesh pattern that can be woven as Carbon steel. The electroplating process transfers metal ions onto the wire mesh through an electric current while suspended in an electrolyte. Unlike paint, the plated wire mesh maintains a metallic reflective look and feel of Copper, Pewter, Brass, Nickel, or Chrome. Available finish categories include Satin, Bright Satin, and Antique. Once plated, a top coat of lacquer preserves the finish. Please call 800-523-6772 for more information.

Banker Wire uses bright, freshly drawn bronze wire when weaving for an architectural job. The reflective surface of the bright woven bronze mesh is striking and finds its place in many architectural designs. This bronze wire is considered "Bare" and will naturally continue to turn towards a darker brown color or possibly a green patina over time. The environmental conditions greatly affect the speed and outcome of this change. To keep the fresh Bronze look, the mesh must be cleaned before applying a synthetic coating.

For those who want to speed up the process and arrive at a consistent darkened finish, an oil rubbed process must be applied. Unlike a powder coat finish, the US10B finish produces a dark oxidized surface that still retains the highlights characteristic of a metallic material. The large range of woven patterns and their individual reflective properties that Banker Wire can produce makes the US10B finish a designing option that results in a one-of-a-kind rich look.