How to choose the ideal finish for your metal designs?

Jul 8, 2020

There are a variety of metals available for architectural use each with is variety of finishing options, yet the material does not always determine the final appearance of the pieces.

Which is why is key to understand and know the physical properties of the type of metal in which it is being applied. We want to share the various types of finishes that metal offers, and what to expect from each type in relation to its physical properties and the type of metal in which it is being applied

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What are the material treatment processes?
Material with no coating or treatment; exposed to tarnishing in most cases; or with wax or oil-rubbed protection

Chemical treatment of metal to obtain the desired color.

Once you have considered the material treatment processes you will have to decide the final finish. Those are the protection coating options available for metal finishes

Colored substance spread over a surface, dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating.

Uses electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode.

A coating used to protect pieces. Available in silver, palladium, platinum, and in Gold with a wide variety of karats and shades.

A coating used to protect pieces. Available in silver, palladium, platinum, and in  Gold with a wide variety of karats and shades.

 

BELT is a 35 years experienced company specialized in ornamental metalwork for the luxury market

Final suggestions

Accumulate dirtiness on your metal surfaces will promote premature material corrosion.

Rough or very embossed textures accumulate dirtiness and are more difficult to clean

Smooth surfaces will evident touch and fingerprints very easily on high traffic interior zones.

For exterior natural finishes that are not exposed to touch, consider a transparent coat to protect the surfaces.

Most of the finishes located in controlled moist and temperature environment finishes are practically maintenance-free.

Consider smooth surfaces for corrosive environments such as places closer to the sea.

For places that require constant cleaning, the best choice will be polished finishes since this one facilitates this process.