Natural appearing aluminum 5052 numbers and letters are water-jet cut from flat sheets of aluminum in the various thicknesses mentioned in the table above. The faces of these pieces are then brushed or polished. The returns (sides) are bead-blasted. As a final step, the numbers and letters are coated and baked with a clear, powder-coat.
NOTE: Brushed aluminum has a low gloss coat. Upon request, a high gloss can be provided. NOTE: If uncoated, your pieces will oxidized to a matte dull grey color. The oxidization layer creates an impemeatble layer protecting the pieces. However, these pieces will no longer have a shiny aluminum appearance.
NOTE: Our polished finish is only available for numbers or letters 2" high or greater. To polish, these pieces must have studs.
Brushed or Polished natural aluminum address numbers and letters are not suitable for high moisture areas, such as constant moisture from a garden sprinkler, or for salt-water, marine environments. Even when clear-coated, this protection will eventually break down and oxidization will commence.
Solid aluminum alloy 5052 of which 20% is recycled is composed to resist deterioration from moisture or marine environments. However, note the discussion of oxidization above. All internally generated scrap is recycled. This alloy is used in all thicknesses for these water-jet cut, natural aluminum pieces. This allow has a hardness rating of H32.
If you are unsure about the extent of your moisture, chose Clear-Anodized Aluminum. Its appearance is similar and will not oxidize in high moisture or salt-water environments.
Also consider our Stainless Steel for your beach addresses or other moist environments.