Bronze liquid metal
Bronze liquid metal curves
The bronze liquid metal reception desk is a standout piece in this fitout. We love everything about this design. The bronze liquid metal, of course, the sumptuous curves of the desk and the height of the reception area. Height is always a game changer in design.
A bronze liquid metal masterpiece
This magnificent piece was created by Metalier’s Creative Director, Richard when he was working in London. We’re very pleased that he is now working with us in Aotearoa/New Zealand. He’s pleased too. The main reason he wanted to work with Metalier is that we have created a robust and easy-to-work Water-Based Metal Coat – more on that shortly.
Metalier is a substrate expert
Here at Metalier HQ we have coated only works and substrates created by others – joiners, kitchen companies, door and window frame makers, and so on. Richard was responsible for making the reception desk as well as coating it. Those curves are his. He knows heaps about substrates – what works and what doesn’t. He’ll share the information with all specifiers and approved applicators of Metalier liquid metal. Just contact us if you have a substrate problem that you need help with.
Bronze is a favourite
Bronze has always been a favourite with the Metalier Team. It takes a patina well so that there are many looks you can create with the metal. Not only can patina work its magic, but we also have a deeper coloured bronze that we call smoky bronze. Both bronze liquid metal and smoky bronze are part of the 12 signature metals that Metalier now offers. There are other options – chocolate bronze and oil-rubbed bronze available on special order.
Learn some tricks from us
Bronze is also a helpful add-on metal. A little bronze added to brass will warm it up and disguise the hint of green that brass often has.
Contact us or your nearest distributor for more information or assistance. We love to help.
Brass Patination - Brass Windsor
Brass patination finish created for a fabulous project
The brass patination finish we created for Naumi Hotel in Wellington, New Zealand, was named Brass Windsor. The Naumi was reimagined as a riotously bold collection of gorgeous colours, textures and materials by our friends at Material Creative. It was an amazing project to be part of.
Brass Windsor
Brass Windsor has become almost the most popular finish in the Metalier range. We’ve included it in The Signature Range Finishes Collection that we are about to launch. We didn’t dare not include it – it would be like a chef changing leaving a favourite dish off a new menu. Not for the faint-hearted!
Brass is so popular
Brass has been the most popular metal we offer for over 4 to 5 years now. In 2023 some brave people predicted it was copper’s year. But that was not to be. Brass has continued to rule. And finishes using patination like Brass Windsor are the most loved of all.
Learn with Metalier
The making of the finishes in the Signature Range has all been videoed and all the finishes have instruction sheets. All Metalier applicators throughout the world will be told how to create their own version of Brass Windsor. The process can be taught but the artistry in creating the finish will be the applicator’s own. Each applicator’s version of the finish will be unique to them. That’s what makes being a Metalier applicator so exciting.
If you think you’d like to learn about brass patination and other Metalier techniques contact us at HQ to be directed to your nearest distributor. We have distributors now in the USA and Canada, Australia, UK and India as well as NZ.
And we love to hear from you
Decorative metal design
We're expanding our decorative metal design
Expanding our decorative metal design reach through product design is one of the most exciting things we do. We love collaborating with designers to create ranges showcasing their skills and ideas using our finishes. The results have been stunning and very successful.
We've worked on beautiful light fittings, mirror frames, wall panelling and furniture. Our header image is of the sideboard called "Galaxy" and it is by David Shaw Furniture, a prestigious New Zealand company that designs its own range as well as importing exclusive international brands. It is fitting that this piece is called "Galaxy" as the finish Metalier created was independently called "Nebula". We were thinking along the same lines!
The picture left is of the really cute "Otis" tables in the same range. The top of the table on the left is Metalier's lightly-aged iron. The one on the right is the Nebula finish. We love the way the tables are slightly "wonky". This adds to their charm. Of course, if, for some reason Nebula doesn't appeal there are plenty of other options to choose from, including the ones we haven't thought of yet.
And here is a close up of beautiful nebula. We love the blue tones. The pattern and tones are created using patinas. Patinas are a key part of our creative process and you can read more about them here.
Right now we're working on light fittings and mirror frames and new panelling designs.
One of the exciting things for designers and their customers is that Metalier is a totally bespoke finish. No two pieces, even if created on the same day by the same person will look exactly the same. Add the variations of different days, different heat and different humidity and the variations can be even more dramatic. The result is that each piece is unique and the lucky end owner will know that no-one else has the same as they do.
Get in touch and tell us which way your design muse is leading you.
Let's talk about how can we bring to life your ideas and collaborate with you on something beautiful.
Wellcoll: Metalier European Master Distributor
Our European Master Distributor: Meet Wellcoll
Metalier Coatings and Wellcoll are delighted to announce that they have agreed that Wellcoll Group will be the Metalier European Master Distributor. Wellcoll is based in Sittard in the south of The Netherlands. In total it has six branches.
Wellcoll, like the UK Metalier distributor Granlyn Specialist Coatings, was originally concerned with the automotive business. Like Granlyn, it spread its interests, aptitude and knowledge into liquid metal. Wellcoll and Granlyn are in regular communication to ensure the best possible roll-out of Metalier Coatings in Europe.
Wellcoll knows liquid metal
Wellcoll, however, before it turned to Metalier used another liquid metal product. So they come to their role as Metalier European Master Distributor well-versed in the nuances of the product. Even though the technology is in the same family, Wellcoll has found huge differences in performance and handling. And the differences are all good ones. As Vital Verheggen Managing Director of Wellcoll said to us recently “we are so happy we have made the move to Metalier”. At Head Office, we’re happy too.
Wellcoll decided to join the international Metalier team in January 2020. And then came Covid! It took eight months to get the first order of stock to The Netherlands. From August 2020, however, Wellcoll has not looked back. It is now fully stocked, has its first brochure about to be printed, has its internet presence sorted out (click here) and it is open for business. In fact, it is already doing business and selling product and application knowledge to companies that are taking the technology in-house as an adjunct to their existing businesses. You can find out more on the Wellcoll website.
Get in touch
The first point of contact with Wellcoll is through its artistic and design director, Johan Gielissen. His telephone number is +31 88 758 08 87 and his email address is here. Johan can assist companies to take Metalier Coatings in-house. He is also the person to contact to discuss becoming an applicator or sub-distributor of Metalier’s liquid metal coating. At this stage, all the countries of the EU are open to opportunities. We do not expect that to last long.
Metalier Coatings are used by architects, designers, boatbuilders, kitchen companies, landscape designers and super-yacht designers. You will find Metalier Coatings in hotels, resorts, yachts, offices, retail and bars and restaurants and in homes. Metalier’s exciting and innovative finishes have been used often to create statement front entrances.
The opportunities are endless and the journey is an exciting one. To come along for the ride contact us now, complete the form below or contact your local distributor.
The Million Dollar Question for Metalier
The Million Dollar Question
For us the million dollar question has always been, how did you find us?
We always ask the people who contact us but the answer is always elusive. I was just “surfing the net” – right, what keywords did you use? What questions did you ask? I don’t know or, I don’t remember. Hey, we’re mighty pleased you got to us but we’d still love to know how.
Metalier liquid metal is an idea, a concept, that isn’t in the consciousness of most of our target market – architects and designers who would specify our products – and talented and artistic applicators who will apply and finish it.
Metalier is like metal veneer.
So how did wood veneer get started? It reminds me of an old joke about “The Happy Birthday Chicken”. What’s that? Nothing yet – but how do you think the Easter Bunny got started?
In days past people sneered at wood veneer because of what it is. Now, almost no-one would dream of using solid timber. Today people are using sheet metal when there are heaps of reasons why they shouldn’t – weight, cost, difficulty of handling, limited sheet sizes. The list goes on. But who knows to look for metal veneer?
Brass/gold bring millions of dollars to mind
Which is why we chose our triple-polished brushed brass to feature in this blog. The website dark shadowing somewhat ruins the colour so here it is again. As is always the case, however, pictures never do justice to the brightness of real metal in the flesh – so to speak.
The million dollar question is a global one
Right now, the global growth areas for Metalier are India, the USA and Europe. And
no-one in all those continents can tell us how they found us. We keep asking ….
So, finding out what and why is a million dollar question with a million dollar answer.
If you can deliver the million dollar answer then, to coin a phrase,
we’re talking turkey, serious turkey.
So contact us via email, contact form, the telephone. Whats App, Facebook,
Instagram or Pinterest (not Twitter ☹☹)
with the code SERIOUS TURKEY and let’s talk – soon.
Talk to us or one of our hubs or complete the message form below.
Kitchen Design with Metalier
Kitchen design with metal
Being involved with kitchen design is one of our favourite things. It's a real treat to see the wonderful and innovative designs that usually first cross our paths as quote requests, then get into the workshop and finally are realised in the client's home.
In 2019 we worked on a fabulous kitchen design in a finish we have named water-aged brass. The brass was a real feature in the kitchen teamed with a stone bench and splash back. Although there was a professional designer involved in this rebuild, the client was very design-conscious herself and had strong ideas. Because of this she was a regular visitor to the Metalier showroom. It was a real buzz to work with her as we discussed the many options we could offer. The picture below is of the finished design. It looks stunning and our client is thrilled.
It goes without saying that she "gets" Metalier and was as keen to use as much of it as she could. As well as the kitchen we coated the statement front door in our brass moonrock finish plus two bathrooms in gunmetal bronze and another in rose pink.
Water-aged brass
Water-aged brass is a new finish that our talented team developed. Without giving away all our secrets we can confirm that water was indeed a feature of the patina application. And in this case it was our Patina M16. A close-up of the finish is pictured below.
You may well ask why the colours of the two finishes look different. They are both brass and they are both patinated in the same way. Metal, however, whether sheet or our real metal coatings are notoriously difficult to photograph. The light plays tricks. The best way to see Metalier in the flesh, so to speak, is to request a sample.
Please contact Metalier through our hubs listed below or complete the enquiry form. And check out our other brass finishes here
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.