Overview: Contrarian Metal Resources has been helping architects, panel manufacturers, fabricators and contractors succeed in creating sustainable buildings with high performance flat rolled metals, including stainless steel, titanium and solid zinc alloy since 2001.
We manufacture and distribute high quality decorative metals designed and engineered specifically for architectural applications. We also provide metallurgical support to architects so that proper specifications for high performance architectural metals can be written.
CMR offers a vast selection of decorative stainless steel, titanium and other metal finishes, all specially engineered for architectural applications. Our portfolio includes a variety of textures, surface treatments and finishes and represents only best-in-class products – primarily manufactured in the United States as well as imported from across the globe. In addition, Contrarian Metal Resources also offers custom finish solutions – to assure maximum design flexibility.
Beyond the sustainability of the finish, characteristics of a given stainless steel surface weigh heavily in the solar reflectance equation. Particular attention is paid to Contrarian Metal Resources’ InvariMatte® stainless steel finish which was designed for roofing and other building envelope applications. While the original objective in developing this product was to create a uniform low glare finish that would not produce unwanted environmental glare when used in large surface areas such as a roof, the energy investigation we have undertaken has shown distinct advantages of this finish as it relates to energy performance.
InvariMatte® is a non-directional, low gloss, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. While its lower reflectivity lends itself to roofing applications, it can be applied to wall panels, coping and trim. The superb consistency of this finish results in excellent panel-to-panel matching, approaching that of paint. Since InvariMatte® has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
InvariLux™ is a non-directional, reflective, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. It can be applied to wall panels, elevators, coping and trim. The consistency of this finish results in good panel-to-panel matching. Since InvariLux™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
The long-term performance of InvariLux™ is dependent on proper grade selection. In most environments, Type 304 will be sufficient to prevent corrosion. In normal seacoast applications, Type 316 should be specified. If parts are to be welded, the low carbon versions of these grades (304L/316L) should be used. Severe environments such as seacoast atmospheres in arid climates like the Persian Gulf, or those locations subjected to salt water spray will require more corrosion resistant alloys, such as ATI 2003™
InvariTone™ is a non-directional, moderate gloss, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. It can be applied to roofing, wall panels, coping and trim. The suberb consistency of this finish results in excellent panel to panel matching. Since InvariTone™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
InvariMatte® Black is a non-directional, uniformly textured stainless steel finish with a thin black oxide film designed for use in architectural applications. It can be applied to roofing and wall panels, as well as coping and trim. The black chromium oxide film is produced electrochemically in collaboration with Prismatic Stainless Steel, Division of B&M Finishers, Inc. Unlike paints coatings, the finish is not reactive to ultraviolet light. InvariMatte® Black retains the corrosion resistance of the underlying T304 alloy.
Microchecker is a textured geometric surface with small pattern features that resemble tread plate. This unique texture is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Since Microchecker has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Microchecker is manufactured by Thyssen-Krupp Nirosta and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
Austenite 55 is a randomly textured, geometric surface with pattern features that reflect light differently, depending on the light source and angle of view. A striking appearance is the result of light-to-dark contrasts within its unique texture. It is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Since Austenite 55 has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Austenite 55 is manufactured by Thyssen-Krupp Nirosta and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
Starlight 7J is a reflective, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. It is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Excellent finish consistency results in panel-to-panel matching. Since Starlight 7J has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Starlight 7J is manufactured by Tsukiboshi Art Company and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
Origara™ is a uniformly textured, geometric surface with pattern features that reflect light differently, depending on the light source and angle of view. A rich appearance is the result of its texture, featuring contrasting squares. It is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Excellent finish consistency results in panel-to-panel matching. Since Origara™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Origara™ is manufactured by Tsukiboshi Art Company and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
Seeds is a reflective, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. It is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Excellent finish consistency results in panel-to-panel matching. Since Seeds has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Seeds is manufactured by Tsukiboshi Art Company and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
InvariWeave™ is an embossed finish with a uniform texture, resembling woven linen, designed for use in architectural applications. It is produced with exacting process controls to ensure the highest degree of visual consistency. InvariWeave™ can be applied to wall panels, elevator cabs, coping and trim Since InvariWeave™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
Anodic Colorized Finishes are stainless steel substrates finished with a thin oxide film and are designed for use in architectural applications. Visually, the oxide film tints the stainless steel with a given color but allows the surface characteristics of the substrate finish to remain visible. Anodic Colorized Finishes can be used in a variety of applications, including wall panels, coping and trim.
InvariGlass™ is a non-directional, high gloss, mirror finished stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. Its high reflectivity lends itself to mirrors, wall panels, coping and trim. The superb consistency of this finish results in excellent panel-to-panel matching.
InvariWisp™ is a mechanically applied, non-directional finish, similar to what is often called an angel hair or vibration finish. Designed for use in architectural, and other cosmetically demanding applications, it has a uniform texture with random, multi-directional grit lines. It is inspected to a visual standard to ensure the highest degree of consistency. InvariWisp™ can be applied to wall panels, elevator cabs, coping and trim. Since InvariWisp™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
InvariBrush™ is an abrasive polished finish with a deep, rich, uniform texture designed for use in architectural applications. Though similar to a standard #4, it is produced with exacting process controls and inspected to a visual standard to ensure the highest degree of visual consistency. InvariBrush™ can be applied to wall panels, elevator cabs, coping and trim. Since InvariBrush™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
InvariBlend® is a two-step, abrasive polished finish with excellent matching characteristics designed for use in architectural applications. It has a more linear appearance than traditional #4 polish, lending itself to repair and blending in the field. InvariBlend® can be applied to wall panels, elevator cabs, coping and trim. Since InvariBlend® has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
Camouflage is a randomly textured, geometric surface with pattern features that reflect light differently, depending on the light source and angle of view. A striking appearance is the result of light-to-dark contrasts within its unique texture. It is suitable for use in high traffic areas like elevators and entryways. Since Camouflage has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Camouflage is manufactured by Tsukiboshi Art Co., Ltd. and distributed in North America by Contrarian Metal Resources.
Pattern Polished Finishes are mechanically applied surface treatments that create distinct patterns and textures in the surface of stainless steel sheets. Designed for use in architectural and other applications, a variety of visual effects can be created. Pattern Polished Finishes can be applied to wall panels, elevator cabs, coping and trim. Since Pattern Polished Finishes have no coatings to deteriorate, they will last indefinitely with little maintenance. Contrarian’s Pattern Polished Finishes are produced under a partnership with Main Steel Polishing Company.
InvariSand™ is a non-directional, low gloss, matte textured titanium finish designed for use in architectural applications. While its lower reflectivity lends itself to roofing applications, it can be applied to wall panels, coping and trim. Since InvariSand™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
InvariTech™ is a non-directional, low gloss, uniformly textured titanium finish designed for use in architectural applications. While its lower reflectivity lends itself to roofing applications, it can be applied to wall panels, coping and trim. Since InvariTech™ has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance.
Mill Finished Zinc is solid zinc alloy sheet, with a bright surface, designed for use in architectural applications like countertops and ornamentation. When exposed to the elements or daily use as in a countertop, it develops a medium gray, irregular patina that can be a desirable design element. Because of zinc’s algaecidal and fungicidal properties, it is well suited to damp climates or locations prone to mold and mildew. In arid climates, however, the patina develops in the form of a harmless white oxide and may not be visually suitable. Since Mill Finished Zinc has no coatings to deteriorate, it requires little maintenance.
CMR offers a vast selection of decorative stainless steel, titanium and other metal finishes, all specially engineered for architectural applications. Our portfolio includes a variety of textures, surface treatments and finishes and represents only best-in-class products – primarily manufactured in the United States as well as imported from across the globe. In addition, we also offer custom finish solutions – to assure maximum design flexibility.
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