Liquid metal leaves
Liquid Metal Leaves: Innovation in metal coatings
Liquid metal leaves is one of the innovative designs created by the talented Metalier team at HQ in New Zealand. The design uses real leaves. What are the leaf options available in your country?
The season for natural leaves - and liquid metal leaves
Almost any time of the year is great for the collection of natural suitable leaves - except winter, of course. Spring, summer, autumn or fall all produce leaves at different times of their maturity. Liquid metal leaves can be produced throughout the year as long as you plan ahead And it goes without saying that big and little leaves produce different designs. And placement is key to design.
Design innovation
Creating new and unique designs is part of the art of the excitement of the Metalier liquid metal process. Our workers really are artists and artisans. That was the inspiration behind the name Metalier. Metal is obvious and "atelier" is French for workshop. So a new word was created over 13 years ago and we've never regretted our choice of name.
Join with us in creativity
Metalier now has hubs in the UK, the USA and the Middle East. We are working right now with new potential hubs in Europe, India, Russia and Hong Kong. The establishment of hubs means that it is easier and cost-effective for new applicators and sub-distributors to set up shop, purchase our materials and learn our creative processes. We are, right now, working on a private internet platform of videos and instruction sheets. Everyone who comes on board will not only be taught our processes but will have a reference point always available to check back in on. Part of the training we give will show you how to create liquid metal leaves.
We love sharing what we have created and learning what you have done as well. Becoming part of the world-wide Metalier team is about sharing creativity and enjoying the work of others. If this sounds like you then please get in touch soon.
Black Linen Metal
Black Linen is the name we have given to one of our newer textured finishes.
Why Black Linen?
Black, somewhat obviously, was a no-brainer as the finish is created and pictured in our exclusive metal colour, Black Copper. We love black copper at Metalier HQ partly because black is not a colour usually associated with metal. We also love it because it polishes up to a very high sheen. This looks amazing in our sanscrit pattern, particularly on splash backs.
The finish looks to us very reminiscent of the open weave of linen. Most linens don’t have the patchiness of this finish. The patchiness is deliberate, however. Our creative team pushed the boat out and made a finish that looks fabulous and interesting on large areas and panels. If you want a less patchy finish, we can do that too.
The name also makes us smile. You don't associate a fabric like linen with metal. It's a bit of a play on words, an oxymoron if you will.
All the metal colours
As with almost all our metals the linen pattern can be created in any colour and looks particularly great in brass.
Metalier textures
Metalier’s texturing process allows our talented international teams to create an unlimited number of finishes. And every technician adds his or her own personal touch to each work – no two artists will ever produce identical works even when painting the same scene. That is true also of Metalier. Every person with Metalier finishes in their hotel, resort, office, restaurant, yacht or home will have something unique to them. Every finish is unique and every finish is bespoke.
Get black linen
You can commission this latest texture (or your own personal version of it) from the Metalier applicator or distributor near you.
Contact our authorised distributors below or complete the form and we'll get right back to you.
Liquid Metal Dubai
Liquid Metal Dubai & the GCC
Liquid Metal Dubai is really an understatement. We should say Metalier Liquid Metal in the Middle East countries of the GCC – the Gulf Co-operating Council to be precise.
A couple of weeks back Liquid Metal Dubai and beyond became a reality when a team from New Zealand and the UK travelled to Dubai. We were there to meet with our newly appointed distributors, the Hidayath Group and to train their technicians in the application and finishing of the Metalier Coatings systems.
Welcome Hidayath
We are truly proud to welcome Hidayath Group to the Metalier team. Hidayath is a respected company in Dubai and the wider Middle East. It has been producing stainless steel for 40 years and is a significant player and contributor to the massive construction industry in the Gulf.
Hidayath's expertise is in metal
As well as its expertise in steel, Hidayath is a big player in the architectural and design market. We are delighted that the team there saw a gap in the exciting Middle Eastern market and that their extensive researches led them to Metalier.
Metalier's durability is important for the region
One of the reasons why Hidayath chose Metalier liquid metal is because of its durability. The climate in Dubai and the other Gulf States is a harsh one. Indeed, while we were there the city was under a haze. This is known as shamal and is caused by wind whipping up and swirling tiny particles of sand in the air. It hides the sun somewhat but does nothing to allay its heat. I opened the window of our hotel room to let in some warmth as the air-conditioning was a little too enthusiastic. It was astonishing how much fine grit came in during those few short moments. It became obvious when I used my computer mouse.
And on the subject of harsh climates – the exclusive Metalier protective nano clear coat is ideal for the conditions – we can’t wait to see it being a hit in the Middle East.
Why Liquid Metal - 10 reasons
Why Liquid Metal?
Why liquid metal is a question that is frequently asked when people are first introduced to Metalier liquid metal coatings.
So what is the answer and why liquid metal from Metalier?
Open the door and come on in and find out.
First - Metalier transforms mundane substrates into spectacular sumptuous metal.
Metalier liquid metal can be applied to almost any substrate – in fact all substrates that can be roughened or “keyed” for good adhesion.
That only rules out waxed surfaces and people! The people won’t stand still while being sanded. All jokes aside, did you know coating the girl in gold in the James Bond Goldfinger film would not have been fatal? Oh well, it was only in the movies.
Second – it is light.
It is easier to install a Metalier-coated piece of MDF than a sheet of metal. Less bracing is required. Sometimes it is the only way you can achieve a metal finish – in yachts and airplanes for example.
One of our clients told us they rued the day they chose sheet metal over Metalier. The workmen dropped the heavy panels and gouged the concrete floor.
Third – it is seamless.
The limitations of sheet metal just simply don’t exist. No more joins where you don’t want joins.
Provided you keep a wet edge you can keep on applying Metalier until you have run out of wall, or roof or it’s time for lunch. A little secret – if you want to coat a dome, you need two sprayers who start together and then meet round the other side. That means they each have a wet edge when they meet.
Fourth – it is cold
Metalier is a cold process, so delicate substrates are not damaged. It can be applied to almost anything from paper to fibreglass, polystyrene, latex and stone.
Being able to coat unusual substrates such as polystyrene and latex means that Metalier liquid metal is a boon for the film and larp industries.
There is hardly a more cost-effective substrate than MDF. Metalier simply transforms this humble builders’ “go-to” material into glamorous, lustrous metal.
Fifth – it isn’t limited to flat surfaces.
It goes round curves – both concave and convex. Even complex designs in almost any configuration can be coated with Metalier metals.
It’s quite frankly expensive to mould or curve sheet metal and statues and other complex designs, in the absence of liquid metal, need to be cast. There is no practical alternative for complicated pieces like the Dr Gloom statue which we coated on polystyrene.
Liquid metal also goes round corners. It is easy to apply a liquid metal coating to a cupboard door, for example. The edges can all be coated at the same time as the front face for a seamless look. If the door was clad in sheet metal the edges would have to be cut and applied separately. More time and more expense.
Sixth - it is easier to cut than sheet metal.
Cutting though sheet metal requires more robust tooling than cutting through MDF or other substrates which have metal coating of under 1mm.
Seventh – it is available in many more metals and colourways than sheet metal.
Currently Metalier has 14 metals available - aluminium, iron, gold brass, green brass, bronze, chocolate bronze, smoky bronze, gunmetal bronze, salmon copper, dark copper, dusky copper, black copper and nickel silver. We are currently testing zinc and white bronze.
In addition to the metals above manufactured at source we can mix powders together to create aluminium blush, champagne gold, classic gold, rich gold, rose gold and gunmetal silver.
Metalier metals can be custom mixed to clients’ specifications. The champagne gold for Harrods of Knightsbridge, London was created to a client's exact colour specification.
Eighth – it can be textured, patinated and waxed.
An infinite variety of textures can be created using Metalier’s solvent system and proprietary thickener. They can be fine or heavy. They can be created using ordinary household implements such as spatulas, rollers and even paper.
And then there is patination. Metalier produces 3 different patinas which allow the creation of a myriad of different effects. There is rust, of course, and also pearlescent effects, aging and Verdigris.
Black waxes will also create different effects, particularly on aluminium and the lighter metals.
Metalier finishes are boutique and hand-crafted so no two finishes will ever look the same and no two applicators will produce identical work. That is one of the beauties of the product and is compelling for architects and designers who are always pushing design barriers. It is also important for clients looking for the individual and unique.
Ninth – it is cost-effective.
Not only will the metal itself be cost effective, but you will save money on cutting, installing and bracing.
Tenth – It is environmentally friendly.
It is important for us all at Metalier to tread lightly on the earth. Our coatings are so fine that they use a fraction of the planet’s resources when compared to sheet or foundry metal.
And why liquid metal from Metalier?
There is actually an eleventh reason to choose Metalier and that is our proprietary Metal Clear Coat. This product is nano-based and very fine. A very light spray of clear coat will stop the metal oxidizing and still allow the lustre of the metal to shine through. This is exclusive to Metalier and Metalier distributors and applicators. As our distributor in UK and Europe, Craig McDonald of Granlyn Specialist Coatings says “There is nothing like it on the market in the UK or Europe.” We know!
But don’t take our word why liquid metal. Here is what our customers say:
David Ponting : Architectural Designer
“This is metal as art”.
Chris Norris: Brand Partners
“I just want to say it looks amazing and it isn’t until we turn it over can we tell that the surface is actually acrylic, not steel.”
Libby Priscott
“Metalier is a revelation and I am telling all my friends about it.”
Glenda Ray
“The door is in place and looks brilliant and we have had comments from a couple of tradespeople about how different it is.”
Felicia Wan: Creative Spaces
“Thanks for all your help this year. The project looks fantastic”.
Shane George: Kitchens by Design
“I love working with your product”.
Join the party – get in touch now.
Contact our hubs in UK, USA, India, Vietnam, Australia or here at HQ.
Or complete the form below.
General Contact Form
Metal as art
Metal as art is a term coined by David Ponting
“Metal as art” as a description of Metalier Coatings was first coined by Auckland designer and architectural creator David Ponting. David’s work is characterised by generous volume and exquisite material composition. He also specialises in statement front doors. We have been privileged to work with him.
Alex Bartleet art is featured in the showroom at HQ
Metal as art as a concept has also been in our minds as we set up the new showroom at Metalier Headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. Some years ago, we worked with Alex Bartleet, a young artist. Alex specialises in creating collages of objects that are often overlooked or degraded. By arranging them and coating them Alex makes them visible again. He turns the mundane into the extraordinary. Rather what Metalier does as well.
In our project with Alex he collected and mounted the various items for his works. Metalier then sprayed them with the metals Alex chose. Alex finished each work by hand with magnificent and financially beneficial results. We have one of Alex’s works in our collection. And we have at last been able to display it appropriately. It looks magnificent in our showroom as the picture below attests.
Metalier finishes are a form of art
Metalier finishes are truly an art form whether they are smooth and polished or more intricate and textured. The wide variety of metals available and the possibility to mix them in various ratios allows an almost limited colour range.
Each finish is hand-crafted and every craftsperson, whether they are in New Zealand or any of our partner countries overseas, will bring their own touch to the task. Add to this the variety created by the Metalier patinas and every client’s work will be unique. Metalier finishes are truly bespoke.
Our showroom is full of tempting creations that will inspire both designers and end-users. It is well worth visiting. And if you are not in New Zealand please contact one of our partners to view their displays.
Lightweight Liquid Metal
Metalier’s coating is a lightweight liquid metal.
Being so light is one of the advantages of this incredibly versatile material. It is the second reason we give for Why Liquid Metal?
It can be used as a replacement to sheet or solid metal when weight is important – in an aeroplane, a yacht or even a bigger sailing vessel.
Using a lightweight liquid metal can also make fit-outs more practical even if the end result doesn’t require lightness. It is much easier to install an MDF panel coated in Metalier lightweight liquid metal than it is to install a piece of sheet metal. It’s easier to carry, easier to drill and if it is dropped the floor is likely to suffer less.
Nothing conjures up the concept of lightness more than a traditional ballerina in classic dress. The ballet shoes shown date back to 2005 and we still have the original shoe in our workshop. Still designers and architects marvel that we have coated a real ballet shoe with Metalier lightweight liquid metal in bronze. It is finished off with green patina to create a verdigris look.
When we began our liquid metal journey back in 2005 we hadn’t done any work to showcase on our website so we chose items that would showcase the qualities and attributes of our material. These ballet shoes were given to us by a real ballerina who had danced in them.
The shoes also show another feature of Metalier liquid metal coatings. They transform the mundane into the spectacular – the first reason Why Liquid Metal. While no-one would call a pristine new pink pair of toe shoes mundane, they have certainly become mundane by the time they have reached the end of their useful life on the stage. Transformed by Metalier they become a permanent keepsake.
Memorabilia is by no means a large part of the Metalier business but we have enjoyed all the opportunities to contribute to people’s memories.
If you need lightweight liquid metal coatings for your next project send us an email or complete the form below.
Why Liquid Metal - 10 reasons
Why Liquid Metal?
Why liquid metal is a question that is frequently asked when people are first introduced to Metalier liquid metal coatings.
So what is the answer and why liquid metal from Metalier?
Open the door and come on in and find out.
First - Metalier transforms mundane substrates into spectacular sumptuous metal.
Metalier liquid metal can be applied to almost any substrate – in fact all substrates that can be roughened or “keyed” for good adhesion.
That only rules out waxed surfaces and people! The people won’t stand still while being sanded. All jokes aside, did you know coating the girl in gold in the James Bond Goldfinger film would not have been fatal? Oh well, it was only in the movies.
Second – it is light.
It is easier to install a Metalier-coated piece of MDF than a sheet of metal. Less bracing is required. Sometimes it is the only way you can achieve a metal finish – in yachts and airplanes for example.
One of our clients told us they rued the day they chose sheet metal over Metalier. The workmen dropped the heavy panels and gouged the concrete floor.
Third – it is seamless.
The limitations of sheet metal just simply don’t exist. No more joins where you don’t want joins.
Provided you keep a wet edge you can keep on applying Metalier until you have run out of wall, or roof or it’s time for lunch. A little secret – if you want to coat a dome, you need two sprayers who start together and then meet round the other side. That means they each have a wet edge when they meet.
Fourth – it is cold
Metalier is a cold process, so delicate substrates are not damaged. It can be applied to almost anything from paper to fibreglass, polystyrene, latex and stone.
Being able to coat unusual substrates such as polystyrene and latex means that Metalier liquid metal is a boon for the film and larp industries.
There is hardly a more cost-effective substrate than MDF. Metalier simply transforms this humble builders’ “go-to” material into glamorous, lustrous metal.
Fifth – it isn’t limited to flat surfaces.
It goes round curves – both concave and convex. Even complex designs in almost any configuration can be coated with Metalier metals.
It’s quite frankly expensive to mould or curve sheet metal and statues and other complex designs, in the absence of liquid metal, need to be cast. There is no practical alternative for complicated pieces like the Dr Gloom statue which we coated on polystyrene.
Liquid metal also goes round corners. It is easy to apply a liquid metal coating to a cupboard door, for example. The edges can all be coated at the same time as the front face for a seamless look. If the door was clad in sheet metal the edges would have to be cut and applied separately. More time and more expense.
Sixth - it is easier to cut than sheet metal.
Cutting though sheet metal requires more robust tooling than cutting through MDF or other substrates which have metal coating of under 1mm.
Seventh – it is available in many more metals and colourways than sheet metal.
Currently Metalier has 14 metals available - aluminium, iron, gold brass, green brass, bronze, chocolate bronze, smoky bronze, gunmetal bronze, salmon copper, dark copper, dusky copper, black copper and nickel silver. We are currently testing zinc and white bronze.
In addition to the metals above manufactured at source we can mix powders together to create aluminium blush, champagne gold, classic gold, rich gold, rose gold and gunmetal silver.
Metalier metals can be custom mixed to clients’ specifications. The champagne gold for Harrods of Knightsbridge, London was created to a client's exact colour specification.
Eighth – it can be textured, patinated and waxed.
An infinite variety of textures can be created using Metalier’s solvent system and proprietary thickener. They can be fine or heavy. They can be created using ordinary household implements such as spatulas, rollers and even paper.
And then there is patination. Metalier produces 3 different patinas which allow the creation of a myriad of different effects. There is rust, of course, and also pearlescent effects, aging and Verdigris.
Black waxes will also create different effects, particularly on aluminium and the lighter metals.
Metalier finishes are boutique and hand-crafted so no two finishes will ever look the same and no two applicators will produce identical work. That is one of the beauties of the product and is compelling for architects and designers who are always pushing design barriers. It is also important for clients looking for the individual and unique.
Ninth – it is cost-effective.
Not only will the metal itself be cost effective, but you will save money on cutting, installing and bracing.
Tenth – It is environmentally friendly.
It is important for us all at Metalier to tread lightly on the earth. Our coatings are so fine that they use a fraction of the planet’s resources when compared to sheet or foundry metal.
And why liquid metal from Metalier?
There is actually an eleventh reason to choose Metalier and that is our proprietary Metal Clear Coat. This product is nano-based and very fine. A very light spray of clear coat will stop the metal oxidizing and still allow the lustre of the metal to shine through. This is exclusive to Metalier and Metalier distributors and applicators. As our distributor in UK and Europe, Craig McDonald of Granlyn Specialist Coatings says “There is nothing like it on the market in the UK or Europe.” We know!
But don’t take our word why liquid metal. Here is what our customers say:
David Ponting : Architectural Designer
“This is metal as art”.
Chris Norris: Brand Partners
“I just want to say it looks amazing and it isn’t until we turn it over can we tell that the surface is actually acrylic, not steel.”
Libby Priscott
“Metalier is a revelation and I am telling all my friends about it.”
Glenda Ray
“The door is in place and looks brilliant and we have had comments from a couple of tradespeople about how different it is.”
Felicia Wan: Creative Spaces
“Thanks for all your help this year. The project looks fantastic”.
Shane George: Kitchens by Design
“I love working with your product”.
Join the party – get in touch now.
Contact our hubs in UK, USA, India or here at HQ.
Or complete the form below.
Liquid metal colour range
Metalier liquid metal colour range is almost infinite
The liquid metal colour range available from Metalier is huge. We say it's almost infinite because in 12 years of creating new and exciting finishes we haven't got to the end of the possibilities yet.
The liquid metal colour range is made up of standard and bespoke colours
The standard Metalier colour range includes the following colours: aluminium, iron, gold brass, green brass, bronze, chocolate bronze, smoky bronze, gunmetal bronze, salmon copper, dark copper, dusky copper, black copper and nickel silver. We call these colours our standard range as they come ready-created from our metal suppliers. All the applicator has to do is mix the metal with the chosen binder (add MEKP if it's the solvent) and get spraying.
Bespoke metals are individually created
In the workshop at HQ in Auckland, NZ we have created a number of custom-mixed colours. We pass on the formulas to our hubs and applicators of course. Mixed colours include aluminium blush, classic gold, rich gold, rose gold and gunmetal silver. The rose gold pictured - our newest creation and one of our favourites was created specially for the Epsilon Hair Salon in Mount Maunganui. The theme-colour of this beautiful salon is pink and there is rose gold on the floor, on the balustrades and on the light-fittings. It goes well with the holistic, cruelty-free ethos of the salon and its owner. You can see more of the fit-out at the Salon website.
The team at HQ aren't the only clever ones, however. It was our UK team that devised the champagne gold that was specially created for a ban of escalators at Harrods of London.
And our Indian representatives are particularly creative with their colourings.
We love a challenge and matching metals to a specific brief is something that we love to do. The vast range of options available are one of the 11 reasons why you should choose Metalier coatings.
So contact us if you would like a special metal colour created just for you. Email or telephone or you could complete the form below.
We love to hear from you.
Textured liquid metal: subtle or dramatic
Chose textured liquid metal
Textured liquid metal is one of the attractions of Metalier real metal coatings. With texture you can create a vast array of different looks. It’s the eighth reason why you should choose the Metalier liquid metal system.
Mud pies for grown-ups
With Metalier you can create elegant repetitive patterns such as sandscrit. You can also go wild creating random heavy looks. There is something very satisfying about making a toothpaste-like mix of binder and metals and applying it with a spatula or spoon or other ordinary house-hold implement. Our team even make patterns using paper. It’s mud pies for grown-ups.
The ability to texture also means that you can create special effects using leaves and other things from nature. Leaves, for example, can become part of the final finish or just lightly applied and then lifted off leaving a leaf-print. You can use the same techniques on any pattern you like – we’ve seen it used with shapes and even with fish. Maybe it would even work with those ubiquitous front door swans that were so fashionable in the 1950s – but then, maybe not.
We love the subtle textures introduced into the finish featured in this blog. It was completed by our talented team in North America. You can check out their website here.
Patinas and waxes
Patination is most effective when applied to textured liquid metal. The 3 different patinas Metalier produces create rust, pearlescent effects, aging and Verdigris. The highs and lows of textured finishes show the variety that patina creates – strongly coloured in the depths with high polish on the highs. Black waxes also work well on the textures for the same reason – dark lows and light highs.
Boutique and hand-crafted
Metalier finishes are boutique and hand-crafted so no two finishes will ever look the same. No two applicators will produce identical work. Sometimes the same applicator can’t repeat what he or she did before! This is one of the great attractions of the Metalier system. Architects and designers can pushing design barriers and clients receive an individual and unique look.
Pretty compelling we think.
Complete the form below for more information or to be put in touch with the Metalier hub nearest to you.
Brass design luxury
Great brass design enhances spa fit-out
The brass design in this stunning fit-out for Invive Spa is the key feature which holds the design together. Talented designer, Bridget Taylor from Spaceworks Design Group, is a fan of Metalier Coatings and uses them whenever she can. On this occasion the subtle use of the brass metal rods set off the luscious colours chosen for the fit-out. What you won't know unless you're up with our secrets is that the rods started life as pieces of wood. They only became brass when they were finished with our Metalier brass coating.
Brass design pieces add a touch of luxury
The creator of Invive, Hayley Nithi has visited many luxury spas around the world. Her intention is to re-energise and modernise the spa industry in New Zealand. Building Invive and bringing the luxuries of the world to New Zealand is just the beginning. The fit-out in general and the brass design pieces in particular are all in line with and provide a great home for the luxury products and services offered in the spa.
Sometimes less is more
The old adage that sometimes less is more is very apt. Although obviously we'd like you to coat every available surface with Metalier sometimes that just doesn't work out and could be seriously over the top. The brass design in Invive is like the jewel in the crown - the light touch that brings the whole design together.
The philosophy behind Invive resonates with us too. It's holistic just like the philosophy of Epsilon Hair which also featured touches of Metalier - this time in rose gold. This sits well with the Metalier wish to tread lightly on the earth by conserving its resources as much as we can. We do this by using recycled metals and fine coatings so that we use as little of the earth's elements as possible.
All our wonderful distributors support this philosophy too and you can find out how to contact them here.
Alternatively, you can complete the form below and we'll pass the message on.