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.
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.
Brass Polish in Stunning Fitout
Brass polish a keynote in Auckland Apartment
Metalier coatings in a brass polish has been used to great effect on cabinetry in the lounge area of an Auckland apartment. The designer of this stunning fitout is Auckland-based designer Lauren Hare of Hare Interiors Ltd. The images are by David Straight.
Brass polish is 95% metal
Metalier Coatings are a composite of real metal powder and a binder. When sanded and polished the coating is 95% metal which makes it extremely durable. It also shines to a very high polish. Because of the composite nature of the product, however, there is an element of moodiness in it, even with a high polish. This adds movement depth and interest to the end product.
The Metalier feature provides a focus
This quality of the finished product is demonstrated by its use in this residential interior and provides a focus for the other elements of the room. The brass, gold, pink and oatmeal, together with the little floral hint in two of the cushions, add up to an interior we’re proud to be a part of.
We happen to know that there is a glorious view out the window on the left of the image. The subtleties and warmth of the décor allow a balance between the inside and the outdoors.
Lauren is a regular user of Metalier Coatings and we enjoy working with her. She prides herself on intimate detailing and a mastery of form, scale and sensitivity to materiality. We know that any project from Hare will be exciting and interesting to work on and one that we will be proud to have in our portfolio.
Great design principles
Great design and what it means is in some ways subjective. No doubt there are philosophers who have expounded on the subject – probably at some length. There are also some elements, such as balance, composition and functionality that must be in sync for a design to be great.
At Metalier, we’ve often worked with Sue Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design and the picture above is one of Sue’s kitchens. In this kitchen the design’s central element is the unusual pattern and colour in the stone splash back. The palette is muted in tones of cream and a mushroom brown. Sue has carried forward the colours into the cream bench and the cream cabinets with their brown handles. The range-hood tones perfectly in Metalier smoky bronze (one of Sue’s favourite metals). The table and chairs complete the brown contribution to the theme.
Variety is added with having glass in the end cabinet to show off the owners’ glassware and crockery and there is a touch of whimsy in the little shelf high on the left side of the splash back. The towel rails with their ceramic knobs are a quirky touch too.
This kitchen is an illustration of all the elements that make up great design in our opinion – subjectivity again! Above all good design contributes to how we live and how happily and well we live and function. I am sure that the cook or cooks who get to work in this kitchen just love every minute they spend in this room. I imagine too that this translates into the great dishes that are produced here. And you certainly wouldn’t want to leave it in a mess!
And don’t forget that the design has to be stunningly beautiful. We think this kitchen is and we’d love to take it home.
Contact Metalier in NZ, UK, USA or India for recommendations of great designers for residential and commercial fit-outs or complete the form below.