Materials & Finishes
Metal Finishes
Architecture, like light, is a balance of art and science. However, as manufacturing in the United States is trending towards assembly only, many manufacturers have lost the artistic expression of finishing. Proper metal finishing is the essence of art and old world craftsmanship. Visa Lighting’s metal finishes are spun, polished and finished by artisans in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility. The finish quality of each product is within the control of our manufacturing facility. With over 25 years of experience, Visa Lighting has improved polishing techniques, providing a smoother, less textured look for exposed metals. These updated brushed metal finishes feature a finer grain and more uniform patterning. Trust in quality allows Visa Lighting to extend a five year limited warranty on product finishes; guaranteeing the craftsmanship, beauty and durability of each product.
ANSI/BHMA Material Finish Standards
The American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers
Association (ANSI/BHMA) finish standard, which has replaced the original US standards for metal finishing in building hardware, establishes a broad standard for color and surface finishing of metal work within architecture. Visa recognizes the use of ANSI/BHMA standard as a method of communicating a desired finish treatment during product specification. The BHMA reference number is provided below the finish sample. All Visa finishes are grade level 1. Visa also utilizes this standard as a means for specifiers to communicate a desired surface treatment, should one be desired, that is not offered as a standard finish.
Nickel and Chrome
Nickel and Chrome continue to be high demand finishes. However, LEED and other sustainability initiatives increase the awareness of how these finishes affect the environment.
Plating is prohibited in many states. Visa Lighting developed alternatives to decrease environmental impact and increase product value while continuing to meet the demand for nickel and chrome finishes. These alternatives were achieved without degrading performance or quality.
Nickel and Chrome Alternative Two alternative metal finishes, Satin Nickel Alternative (SNA) and Brushed Chrome Alternative (BCA), utilize a dye application within a UV resistant clear coating over an aluminum substrate. The end results are finishes with a natural metal appearance that closely match the plated counterparts. With no impact on lead time, and none of the environmental issues associated with conventional plating, these new finishes can be applied to product designs not well suited to plating. Costing less than plating services, alternative finishes are versatile and environmentally appropriate.
View all metal finishes
Powder Coat Painted Finishes
The demand for painted finishes has increased drastically over the past 10 years. Four factors have contributed to the increase in demand: durability requirements, concern for the environment, color selection and the increase in cost of metals. The durability of powder coating surpasses wet paint or metal finishes, particularly in damp or wet environments. Powder coating eliminates runs, drips and sags common with paint finishes.
It is significantly more durable than conventional paints and is extremely resistant to chips, abrasions, heat up to 400° F, UV light, fuel and chemicals. Visa Lighting has shifted all colored paint options to powder coat, reducing its overall environmental impact while maintaining the Visa Lighting standard of quality. There are no solvents or hazardous materials used in the process.
The RAL color system is a worldwide standard, ensuring that product finishes from diverse manufacturers match when installed on a project. The most recognized samples set is the RAL Classics, a collection of 210 colors used widely in architecture. Visa Lighting’s new color palette features RAL colors with a satin surface finish. Additional RAL Classic series colors are available at a slight premium. Custom color matching is also available. As metal costs increase, quality metallic paints are viable alternatives. With this in mind, Visa Lighting has improved the metallic paint selection for our products. The enhanced powder coat provides an incredibly soft touch finish and a unique, reflective appearance. Its shimmery, smooth finish is appealing to the eye. In addition to their fashion-forward appeal, our new powders are exceptionally durable and corrosion resistant, with excellent chemical, stain and scratch resistance. They also possess superior over-bake resistance and a 2H hardness level. The powders are reclaimable, safe, and environmentally friendly.
View all powder coat finishes
Acrylic Finishes
Standard Matte Acrylic Diffuser Finish
All luminous acrylic diffusers used indoors include a matte finish to enhance softness of illumination and to produce a more glass-like appearance. This scratch resistant surface is specifically designed to be durable and easily cleaned using mild cleansers during routine building maintenance. ABA acrylics are hand painted by local artists. Multilayered paint over an acrylic substrate produces a luminous diffuser with the character and natural appearance of alabaster at a fraction of the cost and with less fixture weight. This finish can also be applied to designs that cannot be produced in real marble materials.
Lumicor® Lens Options. Dedicated to providing innovative products and solutions, Visa Lighting includes four resin material options for lensing. Ranging from warm to cool in appearance as well as organic to high tech, this recyclable material transforms the personality of classic Visa Lighting products. Additional material options are available through our variations team.
View all acrylic options
Warranty
Every Visa product is backed by a 5 year limited warranty. Visa warrants that its products shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of the original invoice. Upon customers’ request for factory-applied “prime coat” finish only, the factory finish warranty is void. Application and warranty of the final “top coat” paint and finish is provided by others. Auxiliary equipment (ballasts, transformers, battery packs, etc) furnished as components of Visa product but manufactured by others carry the warranty of the manufacturer of that equipment. Visa’s sole obligation under this warranty shall be, at its option, to repair or replace defective product. THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF PURPOSE. Visa shall not be liable for consequential damages or cost of removal and reinstallation of its products. Buyer shall pay for all shipping charges to and from Visa’s factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the return and repair of replacement of the product. This warranty shall not apply to damage caused by shipping, improper installation, improper lamping, improper maintenance, product modification, abuse, or misuse of the product.
Download a copy of the finish brochure here
