The use of finishes

• The finish is the final layer applied to a surface, which can be decorative or functional.
• the classification of finishes are: self finishing, self coloured and applied finish
• self finishing is: materials that do not require a finish - metals, polymers
• self colouring is: materials produced in the required colour - woods, polymers
• applied finish is: a surface finish to enhance or preserve - paint, plating, coatings
• laminating:

  laminating via encapsulation - prevents moisture getting in - waterproof map, outdoor menus

  lamination via surface coating - creates nicer top surface - leaflets, brochures, programs, text books, catalogues
• embossing: raised design on surface - aesthetics and practical application
• debossing: opposite of embossing, produces an indented image - business cards
• foil blocking: application of heat and pressure to a metallic paper (foil) - business cars, high quality menus, leaflets and book covers
• varnish: clear non pigmented ink - gloss =, satin and matt finishes
• UV varnishing: smooth finish, cured with UV light
• spot varnishing: specific areas to make text/logos stand out (normal and UV)
• letterpress: raised letters coated in ink, paper pressed onto the letters
• screen printing: ink forced through a template - onto fabrics, ceramics and electronics
• flexography: photo etched onto rubber material glued onto steel rollers - packaging, carrier bags, books and magazines
• offset lithography: same colours (CYMK) through 5 pressers
• gravure: steel cylinders engraved with varying holes - postage stamps
• thermal transfer printing: applies colour one at a time by heating wax to leave droplets of colour onto paper
• dye sublimation: thermal printing - dyes change from solid to gas (not becoming liquid)
• electro photographic printing: depositing toner into paper or card
• inkjet printing: spraying electrostatically charged ink droplets into paper
• cellulose and acrylic paints: provide colour, texture and can be barrier against corrosion
• electroplating: using a metal to coat cheaper metal to provide a protective layer and better quality
• polymer dip coating: metal is heated then dipped into a polymer powder which is air blown to provide an even distribution of powder
• metal dip coating: metal dipped into tank of molten plating metal - car bodies, screws
• powder coating: negatively charged product is sprayed with positively charged polymer powder to stick, then baked to created an even coat of polymer - chairs, table legs
• varnishing: painted on to create a clear layer of protection on the surface
• sealants: tough polymer based sealant to protect from decay and tarnishing
• preservatives: provides temporary protection for metal surfaces - applied with cloth or spray
• anodising: commonly used for aluminium to enhance the natural oxide layer, provides increased hardness and toughness
• cathodic protection: used to control rate of corrosion