While blasting is typically known as a preparatory treatment, it is actually available as a high-quality surface finish at Kikukawa as ‘Silky Blast’.

‘Silky Blast’ is a series of bespoke blasting finish made available with Kikukawa’s technology and craftsmanship. It is favoured for its luxurious silk-like matte texture and its ability to fully utilize the metallic texture of the material. A selection of this finish is available on our ‘Stainless Steel Finish Sample’ Book, however, since this is a bespoke finish, the coarseness and reflectivity of the finish can be adjusted as needed.

An application of ‘Silky Blast’ is the blasting of a gradient pattern, ranging from a mirror-finish to the silk-like texture within one panel. Pictured below are ‘Silky Blast’ gradient patterned panels installed at the entrance of the KOSE Corporation headquarters in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

Upon renewal, the entrance was lined with Kikukawa’s 9.6m wide, 2.9m high panels at the back, and 7.3m wide, 1.1m high panels for the counter. Each and every stainless steel panel is finished with gradient patterned Silky Blast finish, ranging from the mirror finish to the matte texture. By carefully adjusting the density of the blasting medium, only the panel surfaces close to the ceiling and to the ground reflect its surroundings.

These gradient-pattern blasted 3mm stainless steel cut-edge panels are installed with a 4mm thin joint. One of the largest panels was 3200mm wide and 950mm high installed on the independent wall behind the counter.

At the corner of the counter is a minimally R bent panel, made available by precise craftsmanship. The top panel of the counter was carefully crafted and precisely installed to ensure a sharp physique.

‘Silky Blast’ requires careful quality control – colour variation could occur by using a different lot of the material. Blasting a gradient pattern complicates the level of QC control. To offer consistent, high-quality panels, our team of metalwork experts conducted high-standard quality control that concluded with a factory inspection that lined all the panels.

The panels lining the independent wall facing the corridor are lined with mirror-polished stainless steel. Each 2900mm high and 920mm wide, the edge panels are crafted with R100mm corners.

The KOSE sign was crafted by cutting out Silky Blasted stainless steel panels. Although Kikukawa is most known for its high-standard metalwork, these letters were provided with the LED lighting systems or acrylic behind the stainless steel cut-outs due to our ability to provide comprehensive solutions.

Upon completion of this project, Kikukawa’s construction was highly evaluated as setting a new standard for metal craftsmanship. Kikukawa provides the most suitable solution given the projects’ requirements including but not limited to design, timeline, cost, and quality standards. Please do not hesitate to consult us on complicated projects or on metalwork or finishing feasibilities.

Click here to learn more about Kikukawa’s bead blasting (Silky Blast)

Click here to view Silky Blasted stainless steel samples