Processing Guide for Designer Sheets
Designer sheets are often cut, bent, V-grooved or fabricated before they reach site. The finish and coating change how the sheet should be handled. Use this guide to plan processing, and confirm critical work with SMN before production.
General handling
- Keep the protective film on through cutting, bending and fixing; remove it only after installation.
- Handle sheets with clean gloves and lift them — do not slide one sheet over another.
- Store flat and dry, away from dust, cement and chemicals.
Grain direction
Hairline and brushed finishes have a direction. Plan the cutting layout so that the grain runs the same way on every panel of a wall or cabin; mark the direction on drawings.
Bending and V-grooving
Tight bends can stretch or crack a coating at the bend line. V-grooving the back of the sheet before folding gives a sharp, clean edge with less stress on the decorative face. Tell us the bend radius or edge detail and we will advise.
Laser cutting
Laser cutting is widely used for screens and panels. Heat at the cut edge can discolour coatings close to the edge; allow for this in the design and confirm with SMN for coloured and coated sheets.
Welding
Welding heat can damage PVD colours and decorative finishes near the weld. Prefer mechanical fixing or adhesive bonding on coloured sheets, or plan welds where they will be hidden.
What the labels mean
Each finish below shows a label for every process. "Not yet verified" means SMN has not published a confirmed answer for that combination yet — ask us before you plan the work.
Processing suitability
Default ratings per finish. Individual materials can differ — each material page shows its own rating.
What each process involves
SMN supplies the surface. Our sister company Metal Craft Studio handles laser cutting, CNC bending, V-grooving and fabrication.
See the real surface before you specify
Screens change colour and texture. Ask for physical samples of the finishes you are considering, or tell us about your project.