Guides

Stainless Steel Guide Part 2: Finishes, Color, and Light

Explore the remarkable range of finishes, colors, and light interactions that make stainless steel so compelling in architecture and design. Its surface treatments — from mechanical textures and embossing to chemical and interference coloring — influence how light is reflected, diffused, or absorbed, yielding effects that range from mirror-like brilliance to subtle glow. Stainless steel's wide variety of finishes and color possibilities gives designers an unmatched palette for shaping appearance, mood, and spatial experience.

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Stainless Steel Guide Part 1: Design, Fabrication, and Architecture

Stainless steel — the king of architectural metals — is prized for its unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and reflective beauty. Its modern prominence began in the 20th century, with iconic early applications like the Gateway Arch and the Chrysler Building showcasing its enduring appeal. Stainless steel offers a multitude of finishes and textures, performance, and expressive design for façades, roofs, and sculptural work — all rooted in its modern metallurgical evolution.

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The Role of Architectural Metals in Building Healthier & More Engaging K-12 Environments

Educational facilities for the K-12 years—a time when students are going through physical, intellectual, and emotional changes—require thoughtful planning and design. These learning environments should provide a healthy and natural transition between the insulated world of elementary school and the formative years of high school and beyond that inspire both academic and social exploration.

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Weathering Steel Guide Part 3: Preweathered Solanum™ Steel

Discover how weathering steel evolves beyond traditional COR-TEN into controlled, high-performance surfaces tailored for modern architecture. Innovative products like preweathered Solanum™ weathering steel offer richer, more stable patinas, reduce staining and inconsistencies, and expand possibilities for indoor and integrated applications. By addressing the limitations of natural oxidation, these next-generation materials broaden where and how weathering steel’s aesthetic and functional strengths can be confidently specified.

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Weathering Steel Guide Part 2: How Preweathering Steel Works

Explore how preweathering accelerates and refines the patina process on weathering steel, giving designers control over surface aesthetics, timeline, and performance. Through controlled oxidation cycles and preparation techniques, preweathering produces rich, stable surfaces that emulate years of natural exposure while minimizing loose rust and runoff. Understanding the science and methods behind this approach helps teams balance design intent with practical considerations in architectural applications.

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