Metal Finishes

• What are the 10 methods of finishing metal

  Cellulose & acrylic paint

  Electroplating

  Polymer dip coating

  Metal dip coating(Galvanising)

  Powder coating

  Varnishing

  Sealants

  Preservatives

  Anodising

  Cathodising
• What is electroplating


  Using a metal to coat a (usually cheaper) metal

  Provides both a protective layer

  Greater aesthetics
• What are some examples electroplating

  Metal teapots (silver plated)

  Kitchen taps (chromium plated)
• What metals are commonly used in electroplating 

  Silver

  Gold

  Copper

  Zinc

  Tin
• How is electroplating carried out 


  Product & donor material placed in a container with electrolyte solution

  Direct current applied

  Product attracts the donor metal

  Product is electroplated
• What are some examples of products that have been dip coated

  Wire coat hangers

  Dishwasher racks

  Outdoor play equipment frames
• How is polymer dip coating carried out

  Products heated to around 230°c

  Dipped into tank of fine polymer powder

  Powder has air blowing through it (fluidisation bath) 

  This helps with even coating

  Retained heat allows powder to melt over product

  Air cooled so it can set evenly
• What are the two types of dip coating

  Polymer dip coating

  Metal dip coating
• What has to happen to the metal before it's metal dip coated

  Has to be cleaned and degreased
• How is tin metal dip coating carried out

  Sheet of metal passed through tank of molten tin, around 320°C

  Provides a non corrosive coating to food cans
• How is zinc metal dip coating carried out

  Dip steel into molten zinc at 460°C
• What is another name for Zinc metal dip coating

  Galvanising
• How is powder coating carried out

  Product initially statically charged negative

  Thermoset polymer resin positively charged sprayed through air gun

  Charge creates strong attraction

  Product baked in an oven

  Heat melts powder

  Provides even coating

  More hardwearing than painting
• What is Varnishing metal used for

  Providing a clear finish

  Allowing colour of base material to show through

  Used on more expensive metal (aluminium, brass, copper)
• How is Varnishing (Metal)carried out

  Metal polished to shine

  Surface grease removed

  Varnish applied by spray or fine brush
• What are sealants used for

  To protect polished surfaces from decay and tarnishing
• How is the sealant process carried out

  Applied with a cloth or machine pad

  Produce film

  Cured for up to 15mins

  Buffed with cloth to shine
• What metal products are sealants used on 

  Auntomotive bodywork

  Exhause pipes

  Metal trims
• What are preservatives used on and how are they applied

  Moulds and dies(prevent fingerprints, corrosion, condensation)

  Applied with cloth, spray, immersion
• How is anodising carried out

  Similar to electroplating

  Electric current passes through sulphuric acid electrolyte solution

  Current flows from part to be finished to negative cathode

  Aluminium oxide layer builds up on treated part

  Clear lacquer or varnish to seal the finish(& prevent surface scratches)