Realistic wood-grain, stone, or custom pattern transfers onto powder-coated aluminum profiles — the aesthetic of wood with the durability of aluminum.
CANEX's wood effect finish uses film sublimation — also called thermal transfer printing — to transfer photorealistic patterns onto a powder-coated aluminum surface. The process uses heat (~180°C) to vaporize ink from a printed transfer film directly into the porous powder coat surface, creating a permanent, integrated pattern that cannot be peeled or scratched off.
The result is an aluminum profile that is visually indistinguishable from real wood at normal viewing distances — but with none of the maintenance requirements, none of the seasonal dimensional change, and none of the susceptibility to moisture, insects, or rot that real timber brings to architectural applications.
The pattern library includes hundreds of wood species (oak, pine, mahogany, walnut, teak), stone and marble effects, and decorative metallics. Custom patterns — including corporate colors, brand textures, or unique architectural effects — can be developed on request with a minimum order quantity.
The wood effect process builds on CANEX's in-house powder coating capability — adding a film wrapping and heat-transfer oven stage to produce the finished patterned surface.
01
Powder Coat Base
(Any RAL)
02
Wrap in
Transfer Film
03
Heat Oven
(~180°C)
04
Sublimation
Transfer
05
Film
Removal
06
QC
Inspection
The heat activates the sublimation inks in the film, converting them from solid to gas — which then penetrates and bonds with the powder coat surface beneath. When the film is removed, the pattern is permanently embedded in the coating. No additional protective lacquer is required — the durability of the finished surface is identical to the underlying powder coat system.
Technical parameters for CANEX wood effect film sublimation — process, durability, and application data.
| Process | Film sublimation thermal transfer |
| Base Coat | Powder coating required (included in process) |
| Transfer Temperature | ~180 °C transfer oven |
| Pattern Range | Wood grain, marble, stone, custom designs |
| Durability | Same as underlying powder coat system |
| Maintenance | Zero — wipe clean with mild detergent |
| Typical Alloys | 6063, 6060 (fenestration profiles) |
| Profile Length | Up to 13 m (matched to powder coat line) |
| Custom Patterns | Available with MOQ — sample approval required |
CANEX maintains an extensive pattern library covering four major categories. Request a sample book to see full-size profile samples in your shortlisted patterns.
Oak & Natural Wood
Light, warm wood grains — European oak, golden pine, natural beech. Popular for residential windows and Scandinavian-influenced interiors.
Dark Wood & Walnut
Rich, deep wood tones — walnut, mahogany, wenge, teak. Preferred for high-end residential, hospitality, and executive interior specifications.
Marble & Stone
Carrara white marble, grey travertine, concrete, and slate effects. Creates premium architectural aesthetics on aluminum door and window profiles.
Custom Pattern
Any photorealistic pattern, brand texture, or proprietary design can be transferred. MOQ and sample approval required. Consult our team for feasibility.
Real wood windows and doors require ongoing maintenance, are susceptible to weather, and have a finite service life. Wood effect aluminum eliminates all of these limitations while matching the visual appeal.
| Property | Wood Effect Aluminum | Real Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Rot & Moisture | ✓ Zero — aluminum does not rot | ✗ Susceptible — requires sealing |
| Painting & Re-Painting | ✓ Never needed — pattern is permanent | ✗ Required every 3–7 years |
| Seasonal Warping | ✓ Zero — aluminum is dimensionally stable | ✗ Expands & contracts with humidity |
| Color Consistency | ✓ Identical across entire order | ✗ Natural variation between pieces |
| Weather Resistance | ✓ Full weather resistance — as per powder coat | ✗ UV, rain, and frost damage over time |
| Structural Strength | ✓ Aluminum alloy strength | Timber grade dependent |
| Maintenance Cost | ✓ Near zero — wipe clean only | ✗ High — ongoing treatment and painting |
Wood effect aluminum is specified wherever clients want the warmth and beauty of natural materials combined with the performance and longevity of aluminum.
Residential Windows & Doors
Interior Architectural Elements
Retail Fixtures & Shopfitting
Furniture & Cabinetry Profiles
Hotel & Hospitality Interiors
External Facades
Commercial Office Fitout
Heritage & Listed Buildings
Get a quote for your specific requirements. Our engineering team responds within 48 hours.