CUSTOMProducts
Metal Finishes
We offer a multitude of finishes from raw metal to polishing, painting and plating. Requests for custom PMS colors and textures are also welcome. Below is a short list of available finishes. Many of these finishes have an extended lead time and/or added cost.
Plating is a surface covering in which a metal is deposited on to a conductive surface. Plating is used for many reasons including corrosion inhibition, improve wearability, reduction of friction, improve paint adhesion, decoration and other purposes.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating provides a coating that is used to prevent oxidation of the protected metal by acting as a sacrificial anode if this barrier is damaged. Zinc oxide is a fine white dust that does not cause a breakdown in the integrity of the surface as it is formed, unlike iron oxide does to steel. Color ranges from a golden yellow to clear with a flat finish.Nickel Plating
Nickel plating provides a shiny hardened finish. The drawbacks of nickel plating a a lower corrosion resistance and malleability that can result in a tendency to crack or flake if the surface is further processed.
Painting is used for a number of reasons ranging from decoration to protecting the surface of the metal. The main advantage to paint is the wide variety of colors that are available. We can match existing colors from a sample or use Pantone PMS colors.
Acrylic Polyurethane Enamel
Our standard painting option, consisting of acrylic resin, a synthetic polymer the system is usually applied as a primer, color coat and clear coat. Available in a multitude of colors with a durable, weather and chemical resistant coating, enamel paint does not require buffing to obtain a shine.Powder Coating
Powder coating differs from traditional painting in the materials and manner in which it applied. As the name implies, powder coating starts with the colorant in a powdered form rather than a liquid form. The piece that is being painted is given a negative electrical charge and the powder as it leaves the spray gun is given a positive charge. The powder is attracted to the piece and is distributed evenly. After painting the piece must be baked to set the powder. After baking the finish is a glossy Powder coating is exceptionally hard and resistant to most organic solvents.
Polishing can be broken down into two different finishes. The bright mirror finish that many people commonly refer to as polished is actually buffed. Its a common misconception, polishing is a more aggressive process involving abrasives that are glued to a wheel. Buffing on the other hand is a loose abrasive applied to the wheel and is less harsh, and leads to a brighter, smoother finish.
We use polishing on all of our welded seams to blend them together for a one piece look.
We use polishing on all of our welded seams to blend them together for a one piece look.
Texturing involves the final finish of the piece and how it appears. Texturing can be used for a number of reasons depending upon the final usage of the piece. We offer options that span a few of the categories listed above including splatter painting, bead blasting and engine turning.
No. 1 - Dull, slightly rough surface suitable for industrial use. Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2D - Uniform dull matte finish, superior to a No. 1 finish Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2B - The most common finish on sheet material. It is brighter and semi-reflective. Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2A - Smooth bright finish can have a mirror appearance like No. 7 and No. 8 finishes. Cold rolled and annealed.
The following finishes are created mechanically using grit abrasives.
No. 3 - Unidirectional, uniform finish. 80 - 100 grit abrasive.
No. 4 - Unidirectional finish. 150 grit abrasive.
No. 6 - Non-directional satin like texture with varying reflectiveness. Fine abrasive paste.
No. 7 - Buffed to a high degree of reflectiveness with some fine scratches remaining.
No. 8 - Buffed with extremely fine buffing compounds to a true mirror finish.
Splatter Painting
Splatter paint is a textured paint finish usually created through the addition of a particulate like sand into the paint. Upon drying the finish has a pebbled texture to it. Very useful for hiding imperfections or applying to machinery that will be used harshly.Brushed Finishes
Normally used when referring to the mill finish of raw stainless steel, aluminum and nickel. A brushed texture is applied directly to the surface of the metal usually by abrading the surface with sandpaper in the same direction. This brushing gives the metal a very even matte look. Mill finishes range from dull to a blemish free mirror finish. This range of finishes is designated by a system of numbers with No. 1 being at the dull end of the spectrum and No. 8 being at the blemish free mirror end.No. 1 - Dull, slightly rough surface suitable for industrial use. Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2D - Uniform dull matte finish, superior to a No. 1 finish Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2B - The most common finish on sheet material. It is brighter and semi-reflective. Cold rolled and annealed.
No. 2A - Smooth bright finish can have a mirror appearance like No. 7 and No. 8 finishes. Cold rolled and annealed.
The following finishes are created mechanically using grit abrasives.
No. 3 - Unidirectional, uniform finish. 80 - 100 grit abrasive.
No. 4 - Unidirectional finish. 150 grit abrasive.
No. 6 - Non-directional satin like texture with varying reflectiveness. Fine abrasive paste.
No. 7 - Buffed to a high degree of reflectiveness with some fine scratches remaining.
No. 8 - Buffed with extremely fine buffing compounds to a true mirror finish.