/ Overview

The term “Finishes” brings to mind both the question of protection, and the notion of decoration. Nowadays, finishes are expected to extend their traditional functions: tactile effects (Soft-touch); supply functions; electrical conductivity, or insulation can even be obtained. Some materials (wood, metal) have trouble withstanding thermal and chemical attacks, humidity, mould, rust, UV rays. Other more modern materials, like stainless steel and plastics, for example, integrate their finishes (their protective capacity and their color, for example) into their actual constitution. Industry has a tendency, however, to choose materials predominantly based on their economic properties: effectively, finishing processes are often long and expensive.

/ Overview

Finishes and decoration consists of either impregnating the matter with oily substances; leaving a layer of polymer film which acts as a protective screen (paint, varnish); covering with metal (zinc or chrome); or sticking down a related material (bonding of skins, of textiles, and stickers).

There is a wide variety of ways to apply finishes, from hand application (with a cloth, paint brush, large brush, roller, spray gun, or dip-coating) to industrial procedures (electrolysis, in-mold deposits, spraying, powdering, spreading and calendaring).