REEF ALIVE! – A Nostalgic Welcome to the Underwater World

About This Project

The team at Puke Ariki approached us to create a fun and nostalgic welcome sign for their latest exhibition, REEF ALIVE!

They wanted it to fell like something you’d see by an old boat ramp – weathered, familiar, and full of character. To complete the look, they also had vintage life jackets they hoped to include in the final piece.

Designing a Coastal Throwback

We began with a 3mm aluminium panel, which we router cut to shape. After powdercoating it grey to match other signage in the space, we applied the graphic created by the client’s in-house team as a vinyl print with a matte laminate to reduce light reflection.

Timber, Texture and Rusty Detail

Next, we sourced old timber palings and fence posts. After a slid water blast, we left just enough paint to keep that aged, seaside look. 

To enhance the weathered feel, we aged tek screws in water for a few weeks. Then we added a touch of orange paint around the screw holes to create the effect of rust leaching onto the panel. It’s a small detail, but it made a big visual difference. 

Life Jackets and Finishing Touches

For mounting the life jackets, we used large steel bolts found in my father-in-law’s shed. Finally, we added a laser engraved “Stay Safe on the Water” plaque for a playful, thematic finish.

A Warm, Story-Driven Display

This piece doesn’t just greet visitors. It sets the tone. It’s nostalgic, tactile, and completely on theme with the Reef Alive experience. The client was stoked with the result, and guests have responded just as warmly.