Finishes on metal are simply the way how metal is treated and its surface is covered. Metal finishes are commonly used to create an aesthetic appearance that comes with outstanding physical benefits. There are different types of metal finishes and each type has its own pros and cons. Almost every type of metal finishes have the same general purposes, including adding strength, maintaining long term beauty and making metal more easy to clean. Now let's start exploring the popular types of finishes for metal.
Painting
The traditional way of adding liquid to metal is painting
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Painting is the traditional way of applying liquid to metal by brushing, spraying, or dipping. The paint varies from solvent based to solid-based paints. The paint is air-dried naturally or placed in an oven.
Types of paint finishes for metal have many advantages, such as:
- Diverse colors and high personalization
- Often has a low initial cost
- There is no need for an oven to dry.
- Easy to achieve a high-gloss finish
Besides, it also has disadvantages, such as:
- It easily peels off over time and needs to be touched up.
- The paint layer is highly flammable and can cause damage and danger.
- Harmful gasses, such as VOCs from traditional wet paint, especially in closed spaces.
E-Coating
E-coating is a wet method where parts are cured in an oven after being dipped in a paint liquid
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Electroplating, also called electrodeposition or e-coat, is a metal finishing process by coating a metal or alloy on top of another metal object, called a substrate. The base material is usually lighter such as copper or nickel. To optimize strength and conductivity, manufacturers often layer multiple layers of metal. Brass, gold, iron, silver, titanium, or zinc can also be those layers.
Using this method can strengthen a metal against rust and corrosion. Therefore, it’s usually used as metal finishes of pots, pans, sink taps, tin cans, coins, jewelry or some car parts. However, e - coats are usually available in black or white and easily become vulnerable to UV rays.
Polishing
Metal polishing includes mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, and electropolishing
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Polishing is one of the most popular types of metal finishing because it is able to remove any surface imperfections and relatively cost effective. You can see polishing in familiar items such as jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses. Metal polishing includes 3 main types:
- Mechanical polishing: Involves using polishing wheels, belts, or pads to smooth the surface.
- Chemical polishing: Involves immersing the metal in a chemical solution that dissolves the top layer, leaving a smooth and even finish.
- Electropolishing: Utilizes an electric current and a chemical bath to remove tiny surface imperfections, resulting in a high quality finish.
This method is able to create a smooth surface, as well as enhance metal resistance and electrical conductivity in some cases. With metal polishing, it is also easy for you to clean and prevents dirt build-up.
Some disadvantages of polishing are:
- Take a lot of time depending on size and shape
- May not be suitable for thin metal products
- Limited abrasion resistance
- Need skilled workers, otherwise, it is easy to damage or deform the product
Anodizing
Anodizing has outstanding anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties
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Anodizing is an electrochemical procedure. In the first stage, metal is soaked into chromic acid electrolyte. Then, an electric current will be passed through it to oxidize the outer layer of a metal. This method is usually used for aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and zinc parts.
This method has outstanding anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties, improving hardness and scratches significantly. However, it is not suitable for all metals, can increase size due to acid expansion, and requires specialized equipment and expertise to perform safely.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is the most popular applied in the furniture field
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Powder coating is other popular method for finishes on metal. It involves applying a dry powder to the metal surface. This powder includes a mix of pigments, treatment agents, leveling agents, and other additives.
This process begins with applying the powder to the metal. Then, the metal is cured with UV ray or heat to ensure an even coating. Finally, the coated metal is hardened in an oven to create a durable and protective layer.
This coating method has several advantages. For example, it is cleaner, faster, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also economical and environmentally friendly. Besides, it is resistant to chemicals, moisture, UV light, and harsh weather conditions. Therefore, powder coating is perfect for metal finishes of outdoor products like metal table legs and chair legs.
However, this method still has some drawbacks:
- It is expensive because it requires specialized equipment such as spray guns, booths, and curing ovens. Besides, it must be processed in a carefully controlled environment.
- The color range is limited because it cannot mix colors like liquid paint. It is also difficult to adjust and remove if the wrong color is sprayed.
Galvanizing
Galvanizing is submerging metals in molten zinc heated to 460-480 °C to form a thick protective layer
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Galvanizing involves dipping metals into molten zinc heated to 860-900°F (460-480°C) to create a thick protective layer. This zinc coating acts as a barrier, prevent the metal from corrosive chemicals and helping to preserve the underlying material.
Galvanizing metal creates a durable, high-quality protective layer that resists corrosion and rust. Therefore, it is perfect for manufacturing equipment, such as those used in commercial, agricultural, oil and gas, and consumer goods industries.
However, galvanizing is relatively expensive and comes in only one color. It also becomes brittle over time due to high temperatures or humidity, causing it to lose its protective properties.
Abrasive Blasting
Using high-pressure air, abrasive material is blasted into a metal surface during an abrasive blasting process
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Abrasive blasting involves using high-pressure air to propel a stream of abrasive material onto the metal’s surface. Some common abrasive materials include corn cobs, steel shot, aluminum oxide, sand, plastic grit, silicon carbide, carbon grit, and glass beads. The surface will differ according to the substance used; glass beads give the object a more satin appearance, while aluminum oxide leaves a matte surface.
Abrasive blasting helps:
- Eliminate surface impurities
- Result in a tidy and seamless finish
- Modify the form or expand the surface area
- Treat the surface in preparation for plating, painting, or coating
However, sandblasting creates a lot of dust and noise, affecting health. It also requires considerable expertise and may not be suitable for all metals.
Popular Metal Finishes Used in Interior Design
Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel is one of very strong finishes on metal. It does not hold germs, will not oxidize and corrode. Thanks to this point, stainless steel is low maintenance. Furthermore, it looks more like aluminum than steel because of its silver appearance. That’s why stainless steel is preferred for finishes on metal in home decor. Stainless steel metal table legs are also the favorite products at Flowyline Design. You can read more about various types of metal table legs on our website.
However, if you are a big fan of luxurious homes and want your metal finish to look like gold, brass is a great choice for you. Check out our gold table legs collection with dozens of special furniture styles!
Brushed
Brushed metal is matte, neutral and timeless. Its finishes look like it has many tiny brushstrokes. This subtle texture helps to cover fingerprints and other marks. Brushed finishes are often seen in modern and industrial spaces because it is not too ornate or gaudy.
Satin
A satin finish is quite similar to a brushed finish. However, it has no visible grooves or brushstrokes. Therefore, a satin finish’s surface is still very smooth. It creates a rich and warm quality for your metal products. These finishes will also leave fingerprints or other marks.
Matte
Matte finishes has a soft appearance which is non refective. They can be any color, from jet black to bronze. They also do not leave fingerprints, marks, and is easy to clean.
Powder Coated
Powder coated finishes allow you to coat your metal in almost every color you like
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Powder coated metal finishes are mainly used for aluminum and steel pieces. For example, they can be found on bed frames, shelving units, library walls, metal chairs, table legs, etc. Powder coated table legs are also trendy at our store because they allow you to customize your space with durable, unique pieces.
Hammered
A hammered metal finish is usually used for a rustic farmhouse or industrial style space. You can imagine this finish as it sounds, as if someone took a hammer and lightly dented the metal’s surface. Especially, the effect of a hammered metal finish is often handmade.
Polished
Polished finish is one of the most popular types of metal finishes that can be found throughout the home. With a reflective surface, it makes the product look silky and smooth. It is able to remove any surface imperfections and provide a look that's effortless and perfect. This metal finish can match well in traditional and modern style interior designs.
We hope this article gives you a comprehensive understanding of the various types of metal finishes, as well as their pros and cons. If you love powder coated metal table legs, Flowyline is a destination worth! Don't hesitate to contact us via email at customerservice@flowyline.com or call directly at 1 (323) 990-2487 to get your questions answered and custom support as desired.