FAQ: Custom Hammered, Etched & Aged Metal Panels

KUO Metal is a custom metal surface studio and manufacturer focused on hand-hammered, etched and aged decorative metal panels for interiors, furniture and architectural details.

It means a custom surface direction can begin with one sample. You can send us a reference image, target color, pattern idea, application or design intent, and we will help explore a suitable hammered, etched or aged metal finish.

Yes. Our sample-first process is suitable for interior designers, boutique furniture makers, design studios and project teams looking for distinctive metal surfaces without starting from large standard-volume orders.

Our focus is not commodity stainless steel sheets. KUO Metal specializes in custom decorative metal surfaces, especially hammered textures, etched patterns and aged or patina-style finishes.

KUO Metal is a good fit for interior designers, furniture makers, cabinet makers, hotel and retail interior contractors, decorative metal distributors and design studios that need custom metal surfaces with strong visual character.

Hand-hammered metal panels are decorative metal surfaces shaped with hammering marks and tactile texture. They are often used for furniture details, cabinet doors, wall accents and feature panels.

No. Hand-hammered surfaces may have natural variation. This is part of the handcrafted character. For production, the approved sample is used as the reference for the overall texture direction.

Yes. Hammered textures can be combined with aged, antique, patina or darkened color effects depending on the base metal and project requirement.

They can be used for furniture inserts, cabinet fronts, wall cladding, decorative panels, hotel interiors, retail details and other custom interior features.

The texture direction may be adjusted during sample development depending on the base metal, thickness, process and intended application. Final feasibility should be confirmed during the sample stage.

Etched metal panels use surface treatment to create patterns, linework or decorative texture on metal. They can be used for interior panels, furniture details, screens, cabinet doors and custom design elements.

In many cases, yes. You can provide a pattern file, drawing, reference image or design direction. The final feasibility depends on the material, pattern complexity, size and production method.

Yes. Etched surfaces can be combined with aged or patina effects to create more depth and decorative character.

A vector file is preferred when available. If not, you can first send a reference image or sketch for discussion. Final file requirements should be confirmed based on the pattern and production method.

Etched metal panels can be considered for cabinet fronts, furniture inserts, decorative panels and custom interior details. Suitability depends on the material, thickness, pattern and installation method.

Aged metal panels are decorative metal surfaces developed to create antique, patina, darkened, weathered or time-worn visual effects. They are often used in interiors, furniture and architectural details.

We can use your reference image or sample as a direction for color and surface development. Because aged finishes are process-based and may vary by material and lighting, sample confirmation is important before production.

Yes. Aged and patina-style finishes may have natural variation in tone, texture and surface movement. The approved sample helps define the acceptable production direction.

Yes. Aged finishes can often be combined with hammered texture or etched pattern to create a richer custom surface effect.

They can be suitable for high-end interiors, furniture, retail spaces, hospitality features and custom decorative details when the finish direction matches the design intent.

Yes. Custom development can begin with one sample. The sample fee is USD 100 per sample, the standard sample size is 200mm x 300mm, and sample lead time is usually 7-15 days depending on finish direction and project requirements.

Please provide your application, approximate size, preferred base metal, reference image, target color, texture or pattern idea, and any project requirement you already know.

Yes. Reference images are very helpful for aged, hammered and etched surface development. They help us understand the direction you want to explore.

In many custom projects, color, texture or pattern direction may need discussion and adjustment. The adjustment scope should be confirmed based on the project and sample requirements.

The approved sample is used as the visual and process reference for production. Because handmade, etched and aged finishes may have natural variation, the sample defines the target direction rather than an identical machine-made repeat.

Confirmed base metals include 304 stainless steel / brass / copper. Selected decorative-grade materials are available. Final material grade is confirmed by project.

The current confirmed thickness range is 1.0mm-3.0mm. Final thickness should be reviewed based on base metal, surface finish, application and project requirements.

For current small-format custom surface work, sheet size can be confirmed up to 500mm x 600mm. Larger or special formats should be confirmed by project.

Cutting, bending or fabrication requirements should be reviewed case by case before production. Please share drawings and application requirements so feasibility can be confirmed.

Starts from 1 piece. Small-batch custom production should still be confirmed by material, finish, size, process and project requirements before quotation.

Yes, hammered, etched and aged metal panels can be considered for interior wall cladding and feature walls, depending on the material, finish and installation method.

Yes. These surfaces are often suitable for cabinet fronts, furniture inserts, decorative panels, retail displays and custom furniture details.

Yes. Decorative metal surfaces can create strong visual character in hospitality, retail and commercial interiors.

Suitable for indoor and selected outdoor decorative applications depending on base metal, finish, coating, exposure environment and maintenance. Please confirm before production.

Yes. Hammered, etched and aged finishes are suitable for decorative details such as trims, feature panels, furniture accents, wall inserts and custom interior elements.

You can send us your application, finish direction, size, quantity, reference images and target schedule through the Request Samples form or by email.

Sea / air / land shipping available depending on destination and order requirements.

Lead time depends on sample development, material selection, finish complexity, quantity and production schedule. It should be confirmed during quotation.

Online guidance available. Project-side installers should confirm the final installation method based on site conditions, substrate, fixing method and application.

Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner where appropriate. Avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. Maintenance should be confirmed based on the specific finish and application.