What is metal finishing?

Metal finishing is a series of processes used to coat metal, most commonly including electroplating or electroless plating. The process has a variety of applications, from reinforcing metals with added strength, boosting their resistance to corrosion and rust, or simply adding a sleek layer of paint to boost the aesthetic value.

‘Finishing’ is an all-encompassing term for the processes used to enhance the physical appearance of metals, with the electroplating and electroless plating methods often employed depending on resources or preferences. Of course, finishing is also the final stage of the metalworking process.

Finishing processes

The electroplating and electroless plating processes are vastly different but can provide equally satisfactory results. Electroplating uses electrical currents to deposit ions onto a substrate (the surface of a metal), whilst electroless plating is simply any non-electrical form of coating.

Preparation is a vital step in the surface treatments process, consisting of a cleaning process that uses chemicals, sanding, and inspections for any rust. The latter will drastically affect the finishing process.

These methods can include chemical coating, sandblasting, or metal plating, all of which start with surface preparation and all of which cater to specific needs, structures, or uses of the product. You can find more details on the electroless processes here:

Surface treatment specialists such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments offer a full range of services, including finishing, painting, and bespoke solutions.

Benefits

Metal is vital in so many fields – from automotive to aerospace industries – due to its strength and longevity. Metal finishing helps maximise these strengths.

We all know how ruinous rusting can be, whether from leaving a bike in the rain or garden tools left out at the mercy of the elements. Metal finishing can provide resistance to rusting and corrosion by combining the properties of other metals. It can also influence conductivity and electrical/chemical resistance.

An added layer of paint can not only add to the aesthetic value of a metal product but can also add increased resistance against corrosion and rusting, bridging the gap to prove you can have both form and function.