Surface treatments and finishes
finishA protective or decorative layer added to a product such as varnish or paint. are added to a product’s surface after production to improve its functionality and/or aestheticHow something looks.. They can be applied to:
- stop corrosionA gradual destruction of metal due to a chemical reaction that leaves an oxide on the surface.
- prevent decayBreak apart or change, releasing radiation in the process.
- stop UVUltraviolet. Electromagnetic radiation that is too high frequency to be seen by the human eye. UV light can cause damage to DNA leading to skin cancer. light degradationA breakdown reaction - when a chemical compound splits into smaller parts.
- defend against attack (from insects or fungus etc)
- improve hygiene
- make a product tougher
- insulateTo help maintain the temperature.
- decorate
- colour
- make a product smooth
The table below lists the finishes available for different materials:
| Material | Finishes |
| Papers and boards | Printing, waterproof coating, laminating, spot varnish, foil backing, foil or relief embossing, UV varnish |
| Textiles | Stain protection, waterproof coatings, mould and mildew protection, printing, dyeing, distressing (making it look old), flameproofing, crease resistance |
| Timber and wood | Painting, varnish, wax, stain, preservative, pressure treatment |
| Metals | Powder coating, dip coating, galvanising (coating iron or steel with zinc), electroplating (coating with a thin layer by electrolysis), shot blasting (cleaning or etching by firing a stream of high-speed metal beads) |
| Polymers | Polish, vinyl decals (sticky backed vinyl cut into decorative shapes), printing |
| Electronics | Protective insulation, lacquering, lubrication |
| Material | Papers and boards |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Printing, waterproof coating, laminating, spot varnish, foil backing, foil or relief embossing, UV varnish |
| Material | Textiles |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Stain protection, waterproof coatings, mould and mildew protection, printing, dyeing, distressing (making it look old), flameproofing, crease resistance |
| Material | Timber and wood |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Painting, varnish, wax, stain, preservative, pressure treatment |
| Material | Metals |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Powder coating, dip coating, galvanising (coating iron or steel with zinc), electroplating (coating with a thin layer by electrolysis), shot blasting (cleaning or etching by firing a stream of high-speed metal beads) |
| Material | Polymers |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Polish, vinyl decals (sticky backed vinyl cut into decorative shapes), printing |
| Material | Electronics |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Protective insulation, lacquering, lubrication |
Surface preparation is vital before applying a finish. The removal of dust, grease and rust will ensure a smooth surface to adhere to. Some finishes require better grip and need something to keyA rough surface that makes finishes easier to bond to. to so the surface is left rough. Fabrics require rinsing before dyeing to remove chemicals in the raw fabricFabric that has been woven but not yet dyed or printed..
Surface finishes can be applied in a variety of ways:
- painting and rolling
- spraying
- electroplatingUsing electrolysis to coat a metal, useful for coating a cheaper metal with a more expensive one, such as copper or silver.
- adhesives
- sandblastingHigh-pressure sand is blown onto a surface to clean or etch.
- heat or pressure bondingTo join together through pressure.
- printing
It is vital that correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used and manufacturerA person or company that makes something from raw materials or from an assembly of component parts. instructions are followed when applying a surface finish.
