✅3.11 - Finishes Flashcards
Exterior
Suitable for outside/outdoor use
Interior
Suitable for inside/indoor use
Preparation
The process of making the surface of the material ready before applying a finish
Self-finishing
A material that does not require a finish
Smart finish
A coating that is applied to the surface of a material to enhance its performance (e.g. waterproofing or flame retardant spray)
Special finish
A protective coating that is applied to the surface of a material
Surface finish
A coating that is applied to the surface of a material in order to enhance its appearance
Why are finishes important?
Protection:
To protect the material the product is made from
Aesthetics:
To enhance the material/product’s visual appearance so that it is more attractive and looks better
Types of metal finishes (8)
Galvanising / Anodising / Electroplating / Paint / Oil/grease / Polish / Plastic dip coating / Powder coating
Types of wood finishes (8)
Wax polish / French polish / Varnish / Wood stain / Exterior wood stain / Oil (teak, Danish, vegetable, linseed / Paint (oil/water based) / Cellulose sealant
Type of plastic finish
Buffing compound/polish
What finishes can be used for any metal? (5)
- Paint
- Oil/grease
- Polish
- Plastic dip coating
- Powder coating
What metals are galvanising used for? (2)
- Iron
- Steel
What metals are anodising used for? (3)
- Typically aluminium
- Titanium
- Magnesium
What materials are electroplating used for? (2)
Typically:
- Iron
- Steel
How and why is galvanising applied?
How:
Via a chemical process which coats the base material with zinc
Why:
Zinc provides a good rust and corrosion-resistant finish
How and why is anodising applied?
How:
Via electrolysis, using acid and electrical current to build protective layers onto the base material
Why:
To increase resistance to corrosion; also an opportunity to add colour
How and why is electroplating applied?
How:
Chemically, using electricity, to add layers of other metal (typically nickel or chromium) over the top of the base layer
Why:
The additional layer helps to prevent rust and corrosion and the finish can be highly polished
How and why is paint applied (to both metal and wood)?
How:
Spray or brush
Why:
To prevent corrosion or enhance the appearance
How and why is oil/grease applied (to metals)?
How:
Sprayed, rubbed or smeared onto exposed surface areas
Why:
Applied as a protective layer to prevent corrosion
How and why is polish applied?
How:
Machine buffing or by hand using a cloth
Why:
To add shine to the material
How and why is plastic dip coating applied?
How:
Usually the metallic object is dipped into a tank of thermoplastic coating, removed and left to cool
Why:
To enhance ergonomic features (make things easier/safer to hold) or to make weather resistant
How and why is powder coating applied?
How:
Powder is applied via an electrostatic spray gun and then the product is then heated, and the powder melts
Why:
To add a hard protective coating
Examples of galvanising in action (6)
- Hinges
- Locks
- Nails
- Nuts
- Screws
- Car bodies
Examples of anodising in action (4)
- Flashlights
- Smartphones
- Cookware
- Costume jewelry
Examples of electroplating in action (2)
Chrome plating of:
- Motorbike wheels
- Engine parts
Examples of paint in action (2)
- Metal gates
- Post boxes
Example of oil/grease in action
- The metal structure underneath static caravans
Examples of polish in action (2)
Copper, bronze or brass:
- Ornaments
- Jewelry
Example of plastic dip coating in action
- Plastic coated handles
Examples of powder coating in action (2)
- Washing machines
- Fridge freezers
What finishes can be used for any wood? (6)
- Wax polish
- Varnish
- Wood stain
- Oil (teak, Danish, vegetable, linseed)
- Paint (oil/water based)
- Cellulose sealant (particularly good for porous surfaces such as MDF)
What woods are French polish used for?
- Usually hardwoods (e.g. mahogany)
What woods are exterior wood stain used for?
- Hardwoods
- Softwoods
How and why is wax polish applied?
How:
Buffing or by hand with a cloth
Why:
For aesthetic appeal as well as adding a dull sheen (due to the wax) and to bring out the grain of the timber
How and why is French polish applied?
How:
Several thin layers are applied, usually by hand with a cloth
Why:
French polish which is made from shellac, gives a high-gloss finish
How and why is varnish applied?
How:
Spray, brush or roller in thin coats
Why:
Protection from the elements and to aid the aesthetic appeal
How and why is wood stain applied?
How:
Spray or brush
Why:
To apply colour or to bring out the wood grain
How and why is exterior wood stain applied?
How:
Applied with a brush or spray
Why:
Used as a preservative to protect the wood from the elements
How and why is oil(teak, Danish, vegetable or linseed) applied?
How:
Often applied with a cloth, but it can be sprayed onto larger surfaces for an even coat
Why:
The finish penetrates into the wood itself (so it is often longer lasting than surface finishes) and it can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a material
How and why is paint(oil or water-based) applied?
How:
Brush or spray
Why:
To add a protective coating that improves visual appeal
How and why is cellulose sealant applied?
How:
Brush or spray
Why:
To seal the surface, usually prior to a further finish being applied
Examples of wax polish in action (2)
Interior:
- Doors
- Furniture
Example of French polish in action
- Expensive furniture
Example of varnish in action
- Boat decking
Examples of wood stain in action (2)
- Interior furniture
- Exterior furniture
Examples of exterior wood stain in action (4)
- Sheds
- Garden furniture
- Trellis
- Fencing panels
Examples of oil(teak, Danish, vegetable or linseed) in action (2)
- Traditionally linseed oil is used on cricket balls
- Vegetable oil can be used on cooking utensils
Examples of paint(oil or water-based) in action (3)
- Internal doors
- Door frames
- Skirting boards
Example of cellulose sealant in action
- Internal furniture
What plastics are buffing compound/polish used for?
- Injection moulded and shaped plastics
How and why is buffing compound/polish applied?
How:
Buffing wheel or hand-polished with a soft cloth
Why:
To remove any rough or sharp edges, remove static dust and to add extra shine for enhanced visual appeal
Example of buffing compound/polish in action
- Children’s toys
Aspects to consider when choosing an appropriate finish
Material:
Before selecting a finish you need to know which type of material it will be applied to as selecting an incompatible finish may damage the material or make it ineffective
Function:
You must understand why you are applying it and how the product will be used in order to select a finish that will effectively enhance its function
