High school Design & Technology students often have to be familiar with a range of metal finishes and surface treatments. This article summarises this topic and concludes with sample examination questions.
Paint – applied by brush, spray, or dipping to provide color and protect against corrosion.
Sealants – protective coatings that fill tiny bumps in surface and create barriers against moisture and contaminants.
Preservatives – chemical treatments (oils, waxes, or solutions) that prevent corrosion
Anodizing – an electrochemical process creating a protective oxide layer on aluminum, can be dyed for color.
Electroplating – a thin metal layer (chrome, nickel, gold, etc.) is applied using electrical current for appearance or protection.
Powder Coating – a dry powder applied electrostatically and cured under heat to form a durable, uniform coating (thicker, more perfect finish than painting – less likely to chip etc, but requires specialised equipment and curing ovens)
Galvanizing – Coating steel/iron with zinc, typically by hot-dipping, for excellent corrosion resistance.
Polishing – Mechanical process using progressively finer abrasives to create a mirror-like reflective surface (many stainless steel items are polished).
Brushing – Creating uniform directional scratch patterns for a satin or matte decorative finish.
Black Oxide – Chemical conversion coating creating a black finish with mild corrosion resistance.
Patina – Chemical solutions creating colored oxide layers, especially on copper, brass, and bronze.
Amiria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. She is a CIE Accredited Art & Design and Design & Technology Coursework Assessor. Amiria now teaches Art, Design & Technology at ACG Parnell College.