tech&des- finishes

• Surface finishes


  • Can be applied by numerous methods including brushing, spraying and dipping
  • Improve the look of the material and protect it from the environment
• Main surface finishes available

  • Paints
  • Varnishes and lacquers
  • Oils
  • Polishes
  • Stains
  • Sanding sealer
  • Plastic dip coating
  • Powder coating
  • Anodising
  • Plating
  • Galvanising
  • Enamelling
  • Polishing
  • Self finishing
• Paints


  Usually suitable for metals or timber but not plastics. Divided into three main groups: oil based, water based and solvent based.
• Paints


  • Car bodies
  • Lawn mowers
  • Tools
• Varnishes and lacquers


  Available in oil, water and solvent based types. Used on woods, with some "metal special" types for metals. Polyurethane varnish gives a smooth finish and seals/protects the wood.
• Varnishes and lacquers


  • External wood boats/yachts
  • Furniture (internal and external)
  • Boats
• Wood stains


  Used to improve the colour of the wood. If used alone, only colour the wood and require a coating of wax or varnish to make weather proof. Preservative stains enhance the appearance of the wood grain, but need a varnish applied on top to protect the wood. Available in natural or bright colours.
• Wood stains


  • Benches
  • Sheds
  • Fences
• Dip-coating


  Plastic powder is used to coat heated metal
• Dip-coating


  • Coat hooks
  • Tool handles
  • Garden equipment
• Powder coating


  Similar to dip-coating but a more sophisticated process used in industry. The powder is sprayed onto products which run through an oven.
• Powder coating


  • Metal desk frames
  • Chairs
  • Internal car parts
• Plating


  A thin plating layer of metal on the surface provides a durable finish to metals which are prone to corrosion
• Plating


  • Bike wheels
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Car parts
  • Nuts/bolts/hinges where appearance is important
• Galvanising


  Involves dipping metal into a bath of molten zinc. The zinc provides a good corrosion resistant finish.
• Polishing


  By hand or with machines to produce a shine. This is not a durable finish and the metal may tarnish or oxidise again in the future. Chemical polishes such as 'Brasso' use a liquid borne abrasive to raise a shine.
• Polishing


  • Jewellery
  • Ornaments