Metal Finishing

Finishing is the most important step in fabrication, the finish depends largely on the products used.

Finishing correctly can make products less susceptible to corrosion, adds an extra layer of durability and makes surfaces look their best.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a finishing method.

Mirror Polished or Brushed Stainless Steel?

• Stainless steel is a versatile material, it is very strong when fabricated and welded to a high standard. It is also very durable in harsh weather conditions. Metal Craft South West recommend a mirror polished finish for use outside which is what you’ll see in the marine industry. Corrosive materials found in rain, salt, air etc can stick to stainless and cause discolouration which is why we recommend a mirror polished finish on outside projects. The cleaning of mirrored stainless is also very simple, warm soapy water is sufficient.
• You also have the option of a brushed/ satin finish, this is more suited for inland or internal projects. It has a grained textured surface.

Why galvanize?

• Metal Craft South West recommend that all our mild steel items are galvanized. Steel will rust/ corrode in the elements, unless galvanized.
• Galvanizing offers an anti corrosive cover to protect mild steel from extreme weather conditions. Galvanizing your products means minimal maintenance and ensures longevity. You will be pleased to know that galvanizing is perhaps the most eco-friendly process available for long term protection against corrosion.
• Galvanizing is the toughest and most reliable coating, its used widely within the fabrication and construction industry.

Why powder coat?

• Powder Coating is the process of applying a dry, free flowing powder to a surface. The main difference between powder coating and painting is that powder coating does not require a solvent to stick to the surface. There are multiple colour options to select from.
• The item to be coated is electrostatically charged and then cured under heat so the coating forms a skin on the item.
• Powder Coating has zero volatile organic compounds which makes it more environmentally responsible than other solvent based coatings.
• Powder Coating gives a more complete finish and partnered with galvanizing is the best pretreatment for external works.

The below finishes are also services we offer.

Anodizing – Operators apply aluminium oxide to aluminium surfaces. The aluminium oxide layer resists corrosion and abrasion. It is available at a lower cost than similar finishes and requires little maintenance. UV rays don’t damage it, it won’t chip or peel, and it does not show fingerprints. It is available in different colours and finishes.

Painting – Structural steels are often painted in a high industrial paint which is commonly known as red or grey oxide primer. Its use is to reduce corrosion.

Metal Plating – Metal workers use machines to apply a thin layer of material like copper, nickel, chromium or aluminium. Sometimes metal plating involves gold, platinum and silver for decorative uses. Metal plating improves corrosion resistance and external appearance. Metal plating doesn’t smooth out surface defects so in some cases brushed metal is a better choice.

Sand Blasting – Operators use sand or other abrasives at high speed to produce a smooth texture. There are different types of sand blasting available based on the degree of cleanliness the project requires.

SP-6 sand blasting meets minimum requirements for commercial blast cleaning. SP-10 is a higher standard for jobs that require a higher level clean than SP-6.