Finishing

• The first step in preparing metal for a finish is to rub it down with emery cloth.
• The metal should then be cleaned with wet and dry to make the surface smooth.
• The metal may need to be de-greased to remove oil etc.
• Paint will completely cover the surface of the metal, often needing a primer before applying.
• Blueing is a process that puts a blue protective coating of oil on steel.
• The blueing process involves heating the steel to a dull red colour and dipping it in engine oil.
• Metal plating creates an outer coating of metal such as chrome, copper or nickel on a base metal to protect it and enhance the appearance.
• Dip coating is a process where metal is covered in a plastic coating.
• In the dip coating process, the metal is heated and dipped in a fluidiser with plastic granules inside to coat it.