Understanding the Various Kinds of Metal Finishes You Can Go For

Metals have a range of applications. In construction, they are a cheap source of materials for facilities such as warehouses and storage spaces. To add on that, you can use metals for specific applications like roofing and staircase guards when wood and other material are not friendly to your budget. When using metals in building projects, an important consideration is the type of finish on the material. Metal finishing has a huge impact on its functional and aesthetic value, and the following is a look at some of the finishes that you can go for:

Sand Blasting Finish

Sand blasting is the best alternative when you are looking for a finish that will give a uniform matte texture. It is also referred to as bead blasting. The process involves forcing steel shots, sand, abrasives and metal pellets into a substrate at a high speed. The end product is a clean product with a smooth texture, especially in soft metals that offer little resistance to the pieces coming into the substrate at high speed.

Brushed Metal Finish

Brushed metal is another type of finish available in metal services. It is a reliable method of removing impurities from the surface of the metal. The brushing machines lead to a parallel and uniform grained surface that smooths the exterior surface of a metal. In most cases, the fabricators use a wire brush or abrasive belt running continuously over the surface of the metal for a clean finish. Note that fabricators can also create rounded edges that are perpendicular to the grain by running the wire brushes or abrasive belt in a singular direction.

Buff Polishing

Are you in need of a smooth finish with no textural feel? Well, a buff polishing machine is the right answer for your needs. The buffing machine uses a cloth wheel to smooth the surface of the metal, creating a glossy sheen with no textural bumps. Buff polishing is ideal for decorative items that must feel soft to the touch and benefit from lustre.

Metal Plating

Metal plating is one of the oldest methods used to alter the surface of a metal. It involves coating a metal surface with a layer of another metal to prevent corrosion and chemical wearing. In most cases, the thin coating is made from a metal that is more reactive than the primary material. This allows the coating to respond faster to chemical reactions while keeping your primary metal surface safe and corrosion free.


Share