--- title: When & Where to Use a Pattern on a Metal Panel or Trim description: Learn how to draw attention to specific areas or blend into the product, with patterns and custom finishes on your plastic or metal decorative trim! image: https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/carbonfiber_trim.png --- ** 1-800-624-6641 [![mcloone_logo_nobox.png](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mcloone_logo_nobox.png?width=285&name=mcloone_logo_nobox.png "mcloone_logo_nobox.png")](https://www.mcloone.com) - [Recent Posts](https://www.mcloone.com/blog) - [NAMEPLATES](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/nameplates#topic#topic) - [ID PLATES](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/id-plates#topic#topic) - [LABELS & OVERLAYS](https://blog.mcloone.com/tag/labels-and-overlays#topic#topic) # When & Where to Use a Pattern on a Metal Panel or Trim ![](https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/carbonfiber_trim.png) - ** - ** - ** When is it right to use a pattern in a metal control panel or decorative trim? Many times the use of a pattern for this type of application is for the sake of blending in with the equipment or product. There are other reasons to include a pattern or finish, and we will cover them below.  ### ![carbonfiber_trim](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/carbonfiber_trim.png?width=300&name=carbonfiber_trim.png)What are Patterns? Patterns, custom colors and special effects are attractive design elements that add interest, draw attention, or otherwise enhance the metal surface of a control panel or trim piece. These options provide flexibility in creating a unique look. The possibilities are endless when you consider all the different ways that metal surfaces can be decorated. From precise technical patterns to woven carbon fiber structures, whatever look you are striving for can be reviewed. ### Reasons to Use Patterns Patterns and finishes add interest to product branding. Options include technical metal finishes, attractive faux finishes as well as attention grabbing surface decoration with contrasting gloss levels or metallic inks.   - Coordinate background finish on a metal panel with the product itself. Continuing a look across the surface of an instrument panel carries the design intent throughout the product. The metal panel does not look like an after-thought. - Create contrast to make an impact. A metallic finish combined with bright graphics or border are common requests for a two-tone look.  - Add interest to an otherwise ordinary background area of a metal panel. It's all about grabbing attention and this is one way to do that. ### Common Places and Products that Feature Metal Panels and Overlays with Patterns - Outdoor sporting equipment - Rugged tool boxes - Protective cases - Automotive or Aerospace instrument panels - Electronic equipment controls ### How Can We Help? Ready to review options for patterns to enhance your nameplate? Our Customer Care team will work with you to identify effective solutions that will take your brand to the next level.  ### Related Posts [3 Ways to Dress Up Metal Nameplates](https://blog.mcloone.com/3-ways-to-dress-up-metal-nameplates-to-increase-brand-awareness) [Background Finish Adds Interest for POP Display](https://blog.mcloone.com/background-finish-adds-interest-with-color-and-texture-for-pop-labels) [Technical Finishes on Metal Surfaces Enhance  Nameplate Design](https://blog.mcloone.com/technical-finishes-on-metal-surfaces-enhance-product-design) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3841320/a312a931-4ac2-4aeb-9a81-5a2c99fca559.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3841320/a312a931-4ac2-4aeb-9a81-5a2c99fca559) Tags: [Labels and Overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/labels-and-overlays), [Patterns and Finishes](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/patterns-and-finishes) ### Related Articles** ## [How to Use Patterns and Textures to Elevate Your Nameplate](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/how-to-use-patterns-and-textures) *( read )* Topics: [Embossing](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/embossing), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates), [Services](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/services), [Patterns and Finishes](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/patterns-and-finishes), [Variable Data](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/variable-data), [ID Plates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/id-plates) ## [Polycarbonate 101: What it is and Why it Works.](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/when-is-polycarbonate-good-choice-for-graphic-overlays-labels) *( read )* Topics: [Labels and Overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/labels-and-overlays), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates) ## [Form and Function: Embossed Polycarbonate Overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/embossed-polycarbonate-overlays) *( read )* Topics: [Embossing](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/embossing), [Labels and Overlays](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/labels-and-overlays), [Nameplates](https://www.mcloone.com/blog/tag/nameplates) --- ## Ready for a quote? [![mcloone_logo_nobox_white.png](https://www.mcloone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mcloone_logo_nobox_white.png?width=320&name=mcloone_logo_nobox_white.png "mcloone_logo_nobox_white.png")](https://www.mcloone.com) [Request samples](https://www.mcloone.com/request-samples) [Request a quote](https://www.mcloone.com/request-quote) [Upload artwork](https://www.mcloone.com/artwork) [Privacy Policy](https://www.mcloone.com/privacy-policy/) [Cookie Policy](https://www.mcloone.com/cookie-policy/) Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information 75 Sumner Street, La Crosse, WI 54603 1-800-624-6641  [info@mcloone.com](mailto:info@mcloone,com) [** ** ](https://www.facebook.com/mcloonenameplates) [** ** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcloone/) A [Clarion Safety Systems](https://www.clarionsafety.com) Business ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Vicky Bowie", "url" : "https://www.mcloone.com/blog/author/vicky-bowie" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-09T17:57:13.163Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-01T15:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "When & Where to Use a Pattern on a Metal Panel or Trim", "image" : [ "https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/carbonfiber_trim.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.mcloone.com/blog/where-and-when-it-makes-sense-to-use-a-pattern-in-a-metal-panel-or-trim", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mcloone.com/hubfs/mcloone_logo-1.png" }, "name" : "McLoone Metal Graphics, Inc." } } ```