✅3.11 - Finishes

Question 1

Exterior

Answer 1

Suitable for outside/outdoor use

Question 2

Interior

Answer 2

Suitable for inside/indoor use

Question 3

Preparation

Answer 3

The process of making the surface of the material ready before applying a finish

Question 4

Self-finishing

Answer 4

A material that does not require a finish

Question 5

Smart finish

Answer 5

A coating that is applied to the surface of a material to enhance its performance (e.g. waterproofing or flame retardant spray)

Question 6

Special finish

Answer 6

A protective coating that is applied to the surface of a material

Question 7

Surface finish

Answer 7

A coating that is applied to the surface of a material in order to enhance its appearance

Question 8

Why are finishes important?

Answer 8

Protection:
To protect the material the product is made from
Aesthetics:
To enhance the material/product’s visual appearance so that it is more attractive and looks better

Question 9

Types of metal finishes (8)

Answer 9

Galvanising / Anodising / Electroplating / Paint / Oil/grease / Polish / Plastic dip coating / Powder coating

Question 10

Types of wood finishes (8)

Answer 10

Wax polish / French polish / Varnish / Wood stain / Exterior wood stain / Oil (teak, Danish, vegetable, linseed / Paint (oil/water based) / Cellulose sealant

Question 11

Type of plastic finish

Answer 11

Buffing compound/polish

Question 12

What finishes can be used for any metal? (5)

Answer 12

• Paint
• Oil/grease
• Polish
• Plastic dip coating
• Powder coating

Question 13

What metals are galvanising used for? (2)

Answer 13

• Iron
• Steel

Question 14

What metals are anodising used for? (3)

Answer 14

• Typically aluminium
• Titanium
• Magnesium

Question 15

What materials are electroplating used for? (2)

Answer 15

Typically:
- Iron
- Steel

Question 16

How and why is galvanising applied?

Answer 16

How:
Via a chemical process which coats the base material with zinc
Why:
Zinc provides a good rust and corrosion-resistant finish

Question 17

How and why is anodising applied?

Answer 17

How:
Via electrolysis, using acid and electrical current to build protective layers onto the base material
Why:
To increase resistance to corrosion; also an opportunity to add colour

Question 18

How and why is electroplating applied?

Answer 18

How:
Chemically, using electricity, to add layers of other metal (typically nickel or chromium) over the top of the base layer
Why:
The additional layer helps to prevent rust and corrosion and the finish can be highly polished

Question 19

How and why is paint applied (to both metal and wood)?

Answer 19

How:
Spray or brush
Why:
To prevent corrosion or enhance the appearance

Question 20

How and why is oil/grease applied (to metals)?

Answer 20

How:
Sprayed, rubbed or smeared onto exposed surface areas
Why:
Applied as a protective layer to prevent corrosion

Question 21

How and why is polish applied?

Answer 21

How:
Machine buffing or by hand using a cloth
Why:
To add shine to the material

Question 22

How and why is plastic dip coating applied?

Answer 22

How:
Usually the metallic object is dipped into a tank of thermoplastic coating, removed and left to cool
Why:
To enhance ergonomic features (make things easier/safer to hold) or to make weather resistant

Question 23

How and why is powder coating applied?

Answer 23

How:
Powder is applied via an electrostatic spray gun and then the product is then heated, and the powder melts
Why:
To add a hard protective coating

Question 24

Examples of galvanising in action (6)

Answer 24

• Hinges
• Locks
• Nails
• Nuts
• Screws
• Car bodies

Question 25

Examples of anodising in action (4)

Answer 25

- Flashlights - Smartphones - Cookware - Costume jewelry

Question 26

Examples of electroplating in action (2)

Answer 26

Chrome plating of: - Motorbike wheels - Engine parts

Question 27

Examples of paint in action (2)

Answer 27

- Metal gates - Post boxes

Question 28

Example of oil/grease in action

Answer 28

- The metal structure underneath static caravans

Question 29

Examples of polish in action (2)

Answer 29

Copper, bronze or brass: - Ornaments - Jewelry

Question 30

Example of plastic dip coating in action

Answer 30

- Plastic coated handles

Question 31

Examples of powder coating in action (2)

Answer 31

- Washing machines - Fridge freezers

Question 32

What finishes can be used for any wood? (6)

Answer 32

- Wax polish - Varnish - Wood stain - Oil (teak, Danish, vegetable, linseed) - Paint (oil/water based) - Cellulose sealant (particularly good for porous surfaces such as MDF)

Question 33

What woods are French polish used for?

Answer 33

- Usually hardwoods (e.g. mahogany)

Question 34

What woods are exterior wood stain used for?

Answer 34

- Hardwoods - Softwoods

Question 35

How and why is wax polish applied?

Answer 35

How: Buffing or by hand with a cloth Why: For aesthetic appeal as well as adding a dull sheen (due to the wax) and to bring out the grain of the timber

Question 36

How and why is French polish applied?

Answer 36

How: Several thin layers are applied, usually by hand with a cloth Why: French polish which is made from shellac, gives a high-gloss finish

Question 37

How and why is varnish applied?

Answer 37

How: Spray, brush or roller in thin coats Why: Protection from the elements and to aid the aesthetic appeal

Question 38

How and why is wood stain applied?

Answer 38

How: Spray or brush Why: To apply colour or to bring out the wood grain

Question 39

How and why is exterior wood stain applied?

Answer 39

How: Applied with a brush or spray Why: Used as a preservative to protect the wood from the elements

Question 40

How and why is oil(teak, Danish, vegetable or linseed) applied?

Answer 40

How: Often applied with a cloth, but it can be sprayed onto larger surfaces for an even coat Why: The finish penetrates into the wood itself (so it is often longer lasting than surface finishes) and it can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a material

Question 41

How and why is paint(oil or water-based) applied?

Answer 41

How: Brush or spray Why: To add a protective coating that improves visual appeal

Question 42

How and why is cellulose sealant applied?

Answer 42

How: Brush or spray Why: To seal the surface, usually prior to a further finish being applied

Question 43

Examples of wax polish in action (2)

Answer 43

Interior: - Doors - Furniture

Question 44

Example of French polish in action

Answer 44

- Expensive furniture

Question 45

Example of varnish in action

Answer 45

- Boat decking

Question 46

Examples of wood stain in action (2)

Answer 46

- Interior furniture - Exterior furniture

Question 47

Examples of exterior wood stain in action (4)

Answer 47

- Sheds - Garden furniture - Trellis - Fencing panels

Question 48

Examples of oil(teak, Danish, vegetable or linseed) in action (2)

Answer 48

- Traditionally linseed oil is used on cricket balls - Vegetable oil can be used on cooking utensils

Question 49

Examples of paint(oil or water-based) in action (3)

Answer 49

- Internal doors - Door frames - Skirting boards

Question 50

Example of cellulose sealant in action

Answer 50

- Internal furniture

Question 51

What plastics are buffing compound/polish used for?

Answer 51

- Injection moulded and shaped plastics

Question 52

How and why is buffing compound/polish applied?

Answer 52

How: Buffing wheel or hand-polished with a soft cloth Why: To remove any rough or sharp edges, remove static dust and to add extra shine for enhanced visual appeal

Question 53

Example of buffing compound/polish in action

Answer 53

- Children's toys

Question 54

Aspects to consider when choosing an appropriate finish

Answer 54

Material: Before selecting a finish you need to know which type of material it will be applied to as selecting an incompatible finish may damage the material or make it ineffective Function: You must understand why you are applying it and how the product will be used in order to select a finish that will effectively enhance its function