Increasing the customization options available for its architectural metal mesh, GKD Metal Fabrics has introduced a full spectrum of colours for designers who “want the funcaitonal advantages of stainless steel mesh but want to explore a colour palette beyond the alloy’s signature silver.” 

By using three different secondary finishing techniques – powder coating, wet coating or screen printing – the material can be specified in a wide array of colours while still maintaining its resistance to extreme heat, cold, bending and flexing. 

When powder coating, the mesh is rigorously cleaned using an ionic bath that removes dust, dirt, oil and other particles from the surface before high-grade pigment powders are applied and bonded to the metal through heat. Any quantity of wire can be powder coated and, depending on the mesh, it can be used for panels up to six by 1.8 metres.   

With the wet coating process, which is similar to automotive painting, pre-cut meshes are spray-painted to achieve an even coating with a high surface quality. Standard colour options are available (as well as a range of metallic effects direct from the automobile industry) and the process also allows for reproduction of specific colour samples as custom finishes. 

Lastly, screen and digital printing techniques are used to produce complex or colourful graphics onto the metal fabric’s surface. The custom capabilities of the three techniques allow for unique applications indoors and outdoors, while careful consideration is given to geographical characteristics like exposure to sun, moisture and other elements as well as viewing distance, angle and readability to ensure the most suitable colouring option is selected.