Surface finishing techniques

Start with the mind maps

For an overview, begin with a Finishes mind map that asks why a finish is applied. It covers purposes such as protection against corrosion, water repellence and resistance to wear. Use those purposes as headings when comparing the other resources on the page.

Next, open Surface Finishes to look at files used to smooth and shape metal surfaces. The map describes the teeth of a file and includes different file shapes. This gives you a specific technique to place alongside the broader reasons for finishing.

Explore materials and methods

The listed mind maps approach finishing through different materials. Finishings covers calendaring, including how it smooths fabric and how engraved rollers can create relief patterns. The use of finishes includes methods for papers and boards, such as embossing, laminating and surface coating.

Several maps share the title Finishes. Their excerpts distinguish them: one covers metal processes including anodising and electroplating, while another lists finishes for plastics, papers, woods and metals. Use the material names and methods to choose a map that fits what you are studying.

Use a quiz alongside a map

After exploring the maps, try Producing specialist decorative finishes quiz. Its questions include choosing an abrasive for preparing an oil-borne ground coating and a suitable coating for a water-borne system. The other quiz also focuses on specialist decorative finishes, with questions on broken color effects and a glaze and wipe effect.

Compare the quiz topics with the methods and purposes in the maps. You can return to a map to organize what you have studied before trying the questions again.

Place the topic in the unit

Surface finishing techniques is a section of Joining and Finishing in Design and technology. The maps and quizzes give you different ways to study this section: start with a general purpose, follow a material or method, then check your understanding with questions. Choose a map or quiz to begin.