Titanium’s (Ti) strength to weight ratio makes it an obvious choice for frame builders. But getting a Ti frame to stand out in the crowd has always been a challenge since a) Ti is a pretty drab color, and b) most buyers aren’t willing to cover up their uber expensive frames with paint. Thankfully Spectrum Power Works was on hand at the ’07 NAHBS to show off the results of a process that can etch almost any design directly onto a Ti frame. The process involves laying out a custom crafted sticker - which is made using a plotter - and then etching any exposed areas using a process sort of like sand blasting, but on a smaller/gentler scale. Once complete, the stickers are removed, and the frame is sealed. Mark Brandt of Spectrum told us they can use any of three different abrasive materials in the etching process to produces slightly different textures and colors. The technique can even be used to spruce up the look of older Ti frames. The cost for etching a frame starts somewhere in the range of $300, though more elaborate designs could run a bit more.

Product Link: Spectrum Powder Works