Types Of Metal Finishes
Metal Finishes
There are several types of metal finishes to give a different texture each time it is produced into a useful product out of its raw form.
Here are some popular metal finishes:
Shiny polished finish:
As the name suggest, shiny polished finish involves polishing a metal item with sandpaper running through high speed machine having wheels. This helps in achieving finish which resembles mirror. This finish is often used to form a reflective surface, preventing contamination, removing oxidation and to avoid corrosion of any metal.
Satin finish:
Satin finish is one of the most popular metal finishes offered in the market. Generally this finish is offered in five different metal colors which are, gold, bronze, steel, lead and copper. The metal goes through a specific coating cycle which is combined with a gloss base to provide satin finish. The process is ended with clearing of the items with top coat to protect the satin effect.
Bead Blast / Matte finish:
From makeup to jewelry, everybody is a fan of matte these days. When it comes to metals, matte finish is achieved by adding a thin layer to the metal surface. There are numerous ways to achieve a sleek matte finish and it's choice depends upon the type of metal used. Other than beauty, matte finish offers better durability and better tarnish resistance.
Glass blast finish:
Glass blasting finish is achieved by adding acceleration of metal particles with the help of mechanical means. The type of finish varies depending upon mechanical means, direction, preferred and size in speed of the metal. There are various types of blasting effects offered in metal preparation such as, pre-plate finishing, mold cleaning, blending machine marks, etc.
Florentine finish:
Florentine finish is a traditional way of metal finishing as it is a manual process as it is done by engraving tools operated by craftsman. The metals having florentine finishing are on the expensive bar because of the effort made in creating them. From, decision of the tools to the pressure applied in shaping it, every process is detailed and requires co-ordination and concentration to get the desired results. It creates an appearance of very thin parallel lines overlapping one another
Hammered finish:
Hammered finishing is often used in metals to create texture on metals which give the texture of them being hammered. In this finishing, unlike usual hammering of the metal, the paint remains intact on the metal and is done without damaging its surface. It is considered among special coating techniques in a metal and is also known as a hammer tone or a hammer paint.
This finish can look different depending on the dents created by hammer strikes.
Ice Finish:
This finish usually has sharp criss cross marks which resemble those we can see in the skated over ice rink floor. Hence the name.
Stone finish:
Stone finishing in metals is aimed at bringing out the aesthetic features in the metal. Stone finishing has several ornamentals to be used which gives shine to the metals which is desired by the craftsman. The main reasons for stone finishing to be used in metals is to improve its resistance over harsh weather conditions and to reduce it slipperiness. Stone finishing can be done either mechanical or through chemical means.
Oxidation finish:
This finish is a process under which the metal surface is given black patina. Oxidation finishing in metals is done to avoid the ionic reaction of metal with oxygen present in the environment or to get a beautiful antique/tarnished look. The oxidation finish leads the metal to remain in its original form for a longer period. This finishing is a basic requirement and any other ornamental finishing is done after this process.
Check metal finishes collection at Nirwaana