Surface treatments

Question 1

Coating

Answer 1

Adding a functional layer, like a protective wax coating on tools.

Question 2

Painting

Answer 2

Provides aesthetics, colour, and sometimes protection.

Question 3

Varnishing

Answer 3

Typically used on wood to enhance appearance and protect against moisture.

Question 4

Sealing

Answer 4

Fills pores or gaps in a material to prevent moisture ingress.

Question 5

Preserving

Answer 5

Protects organic materials (wood, leather) from decay through special treatments or coatings.

Question 6

Anodizing

Answer 6

An electrochemical process that creates a protective oxide layer on metals (usually aluminium). Improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance and can be used for decoration.

Question 7

Holographic Finishes

Answer 7

Using diffraction gratings to create a rainbow-like effect that changes with viewing angle, primarily for aesthetic purposes.

Question 8

Plating

Answer 8

Depositing a thin layer of metal onto another metal surface using an electrical current. Improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, or for decorative purposes (e.g., gold plating on jewellery).

Question 9

Galvanizing

Answer 9

Coating steel with zinc to prevent rust. Primarily for corrosion protection of steel, often used for outdoor structures.

Question 10

Cathodic Protection

Answer 10

An electrochemical technique used to protect a metal surface from corrosion by making it the cathode in an electrical circuit. Used for large-scale applications like pipelines or buried structures.