The finish changes how a lighter looks before you even notice the engraving. Colour, reflections and surface texture all influence the character of the finished piece.
Three Phuket Edition models illustrate these differences: Imperial Cobra in Black Matte, Black Serenity in Black Ice and Imperial Lotus in Brushed Chrome.
BLACK MATTE ? A DARK BACKGROUND FOR CONTRAST
Black Matte gives the lighter a dark, low-sheen surface. On Imperial Cobra, it forms the background for the gold-coloured cobra engraving and red stone eye.
This combination suits someone who prefers a strong contrast between the motif and the case. The finish is part of the composition: it lets the cobra design stand out against a restrained background.
BLACK ICE ? DARK WITH A REFLECTIVE SURFACE
Black Ice has a dark metallic appearance with a more reflective surface than Black Matte. Its appearance changes with the light and viewing angle.
On Black Serenity, this finish accompanies the fine-line design. Reflections become part of how the piece is seen, so both the engraving and the surrounding surface contribute to its character.
Choose this direction if you prefer a dark lighter with a reflective metallic look.
BRUSHED CHROME ? A LIGHTER METALLIC LOOK
Brushed Chrome offers a silver-coloured surface with a visible directional texture. It creates a different setting for an engraved motif from either of the darker finishes.
Imperial Lotus uses a 1941 Replica Brushed Chrome base. The lotus design sits against the lighter metallic surface, with the brushed texture remaining part of the overall appearance.
Choose this direction if you prefer a silver-coloured case and a visible brushed finish.
WHICH FINISH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
For a dark, low-sheen background with strong visual contrast, consider Imperial Cobra.
For a dark metallic surface with more reflections, consider Black Serenity.
For a silver-coloured surface with a directional texture, consider Imperial Lotus.
The finish is an aesthetic choice, not a ranking of quality. Compare the photographs of the actual editions, including their rear views and collector sets, before choosing.
ANOTHER BRUSHED CHROME EDITION
Erawan is another model in the collection with a 200 Brushed Chrome case.
CASE STYLE AND FINISH
Black Matte, Black Ice and Brushed Chrome describe the visible exterior finish. Imperial Lotus?s 1941 Replica label describes the case style; Brushed Chrome is its finish.
EDITION STATUS
At the time of this update, the no-rear-plate editions of Imperial Cobra, Black Serenity, Erawan and Imperial Lotus are marked In production and are not currently available to purchase. Production status does not mean a piece is available to buy.
Phuket Edition is an independent creator and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or authorized by Zippo Manufacturing Company.