What Are the Types of Surface Finishes?

There are many types of surface finishes that can be applied to stainless steel.

Some of these finishes provide decorative effects, while others enhance the performance characteristics of the material for a specific application.

In this article, we will talk about the most common types of surface finish for molded parts. Please read on!

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What Is the Point of a Finish?

There are many reasons why manufacturers apply finishes to their products.

Some finishes, such as anodizing or electroplating, add a layer of material to the surface that can protect it from wear or corrosion.

Other finishes, such as painting or powder coating, provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

Some finishes are applied for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

For example, a brushed finish on stainless steel moldings can provide both a decorative effect and help to hide fingerprints.

The type of surface finish that is applied to a product will depend on the intended use of the product, as well as the preferences of the manufacturer.

Types of Surface Finishes for Molded Parts

Molded Finishes

A wide variety of finishes can be produced on molded parts. The type of finish depends on the application and the desired look or feel of the part.

Paint Finishes

Paint finishes are available in a wide variety of colors and textures. They can enhance the appearance of a part or to protect it from the environment.

Powder Coating Finishes

Powder coating is a type of finish that is applied as a powder and then cured in an oven.

The powder can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, or ceramic.

The powder is applied to the surface of the metal using an electrostatic process, and then the part is cured in an oven.

Powder coating can be used to produce a wide variety of colors and textures.

Anodizing Finishes

Anodizing is a type of finish that is applied to metal parts to protect them from the environment or to enhance their appearance.

Anodizing is an electrolytic process that creates a protective oxide coating on the surface of metal parts.

The process is commonly used to protect aluminum from corrosion or to give it a decorative finish.

Plating Finishes

Plating is a process in which a metal is deposited on the surface of another metal.

The process can be used to protect the surface of the metal from corrosion or to give it a decorative finish.

Patina Finishes

Patina is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of the metal.

The process can be used to protect the surface of the metal from corrosion or to give it a decorative finish.

Abrasive Blasting Finishes

Abrasive blasting is a process in which abrasive particles are blasted at high pressure onto the surface of a metal.

The process can be used to remove paint, rust, or other contaminants from the surface of the metal. It can also be used to give the metal a textured finish.

Electroplating Finishes

Electroplating is a process in which a metal is deposited on the surface of another metal.

The process can be used to protect the surface of the metal from corrosion or to give it a decorative finish.

Heat Treating Finishes

Heat treating is done to change the properties of a metal. The process can be used to harden or soften the metal, or to change its ductility.

Stainless steel is a type of metal that is resistant to corrosion. It is often used in food processing and medical environments because it is easy to clean and sterilize.

Painting Finishes

Painting finishes are pretty simple. Paint is just a liquid that has color added to it, and when applied to a surface it dries and leaves a thin film of color.

There are many different types of paints that can be used on moldings, and the type of paint will depend on the application.

For example, latex paint is commonly used for interior applications, while epoxy paint is used for more durable exterior applications.

Polishing Finishes

Polishing can be done by hand or with a machine. The process involves rubbing the surface of the metal with an abrasive material, such as sandpaper, to remove any imperfections.

The type of polish that is used will depend on the type of metal and the desired finish.

For example, a high-gloss finish can be achieved by using a fine-grit polishing compound, while a matte finish can be achieved by using a coarse-grit polishing compound.

Welding Finishes

Welding is a process in which two pieces of metal are joined together. The process can be used to join metals of different thicknesses, as well as to create decorative patterns on the surface of the metal.

The type of weld that is used will depend on the application. For example, a butt weld is commonly used to join two pieces of metal together, while a fillet weld is used to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the metal.