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7 Finishing Options for Your Metal Products
Admin • July 16, 2018
Whether it is a handrail, a piece of jewelry, a fence, or brass furniture, a metal product is a result of steadfast precision and workmanship. Yet the type of finish you choose can make all the difference between a great metal product and an excellent work of art.
You might struggle to choose a metal finish because of the sheer variety of finishes and finishing processes available. Nonetheless, here are some of the most common finishing options to help you enhance the aesthetic and structural properties of your metal products.
1. Polishing
Metal experts have been polishing metal for decades. The process entails the mechanical or manual smoothing out of the surface of a metal product.
Polished metal products have an attractive reflective finish, are rust-resistant and more durable, and conduct electricity better.
For small, customized orders, providers may hand-polish metal products. However, advances in robotics and automation now allow faster and more precise metal polishing using hi-tech machines.
2. Buffing
People often refer to buffing and polishing interchangeably. While both processes deliver a lustrous finish, they utilize different machines and techniques.
Consider buffing if having smooth edges for your metal product is a priority. The buffing method can help to add an element of luster to your metal goods, but due to the rigorous process, this may not be the best finishing procedure for fragile products or products with intricate features.
3. Plating
With plating or electroplating, you cover an underlying metal with a thin coating of another metal. The process involves immersing a metal product in an electrolyte that contains dissolved ions of the coating metal and then passing an electric current through the electrolyte to coat the metal.
Common metals for electroplating metal products include nickel, zinc, copper, and tin. Each metal has its own advantages. You may also elect to electroplate your metal products using precious metals such as palladium, gold, or silver.
Precious metal finishes are more resistant to corrosion, have higher thermal and electrical conductivity, and can enhance the durability of the underlying metal. However, expect to pay more for electroplating with precious metals.
4. Electro-Coating
Electro-coating provides an even paint finish and is an excellent alternative to conventional painting methods. Like electroplating, this process uses an electric current to coat a metal product with epoxy paint, which can protect against abrasion and corrosion.
5. Blasting
The process of blasting entails unleashing a compound such as sand against a metallic surface. Propelled at a high pressure, the blasting compound simultaneously smoothens out the surface and removes impurities.
You can use blasting as a finishing on its own or as a surface preparation method for an additional finishing process such as painting or electroplating.
6. Grinding
This intense method entails the use of machines to apply pressure and friction to smooth out a metallic surface. Metal technicians use different machines to achieve different levels of smoothness according to customer preference.
7. Brushing
Sometimes, a mirror-bright finish is not desirable. Consider brushing if you are looking for a distinctive matte finish for your metal products.
The brushing method sands the metal surface and then smoothens it out to achieve a muted appearance. The downside is that brushed metal surfaces are more prone to corrosion.
When deciding the type of finish to use for your products, consider factors such as the type of metal, the costs, and your own lead-time. Consult with your welding contractor about the most suitable finishes for your type of metal goods.
If you are looking to build a metal product for residential or commercial purposes, you need a welder you can trust to get the job done right from start to finish. At Sam's Welding, Inc , we have the expertise, experience, and resources to transform your metal project into reality. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our welding and fabrication services.
Most Popular Types of Welding
Are you hiring a welder to get something fabricated or repaired? Sam's Welding Inc. offers the following types of welding in El Cajon: Gas metal arc welding. Perhaps the most popular of them all, this method is also known by its abbreviations GMAW or MIG, for metal inert gas. It’s an average of five times faster than electrical arc methods and includes four material transfer options: spray, pulsed spray, globular and short circuiting. Shielded metal arc welding. A form of stick welding commonly known as SMAW, this process uses electrical current to form an arc between the rod and metals in production. Uses include industrial fabrication such as the construction of iron and steel structures. Gas tungsten arc welding. This method is known as TIG or GTAW and requires the most skill, as heat is continuously regulated by means of a foot pedal. If amperage is set too high, you can end up burning holes in the metal. If it’s too low, the weld won’t flow properly. It’s especially useful for combining thick pieces of stainless steel and ironless metals. Flux-cored arc welding. Unlike MIG and TIG, FCAW keeps contamination out by means of a flux. This process doesn’t require a shielding gas, can be done outdoors and is quite efficient. Working with different positions such as horizontal, vertical and tee joints requires different machine configurations. Serving San Diego, CA Whether you need several hundred pieces or just one, we’re happy to take on the project for you. We are combat veteran owned and have more than two decades of experience handling military projects with success. We serve El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, and the entire county. We have expertise with the design and fabrication of gates and fences. You’re welcome to walk into our San Diego shop or call us anytime at 619-281-2709 .
Whether you have some new projects lined up to modify and enhance your home or there are some significant repairs that need to be done to some of the metalwork, you want to have a professional metal welder on the job. There are numerous specific instances in which having welding done by a certified military group such as Sam’s Welding Inc. in El Cajon is worth your investment. Perhaps you need a car welder to perform some precise car part welding or you need to ensure the safety of a premises with some security door welding . Of course, not everything that involves metal fabrication or repair is on a large scale. More often than not, welding is needed for smaller things that see use on a daily basis, such as: Staircases Hand railings Gates Fences As far as stairs are concerned, our professionals can help with anything from a new hand railing to a completely new and complex spiral staircase. Even if the work needs to be done outside on fences and gates where the materials need to be more durable, our nearly four decades of experience in the field have given us the knowledge of how to complete jobs in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and keeps you and your loved ones safe. Serving El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee Metalwork, whether it is basic framing or a more elaborate fence job, has a large impact on our lives every day. Therefore, when the time comes in which you decide to invest in modifications, fabrications, or repairs, you’d better be sure that you have qualified people doing the work. That’s what you’ll get when you call Sam’s Welding at 619-281-2709 . If you live in El Cajon, La Mesa or Santee, ask about our walk-in and mobile services to maximize our availability to you.
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Phone: (619) 281-2709
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