Manufacturing | Finishing Processes
Anodizing Aluminum
The increase of the natural oxide layer found on the surface of a material. Typically done in an acid solution bath, the material receives a direct current. The light aluminum material’s surface color goes from light and silver in appearance to a dark brown or blackish tone.
Electroplating Brass, Zinc
Plating the surface of a metal item with another metal. This is typically done in a silver nitrate tank upon receiving direct current. The negative electrode is applied to the item to be finished, the positive to the metal being stripped and applied to the other.
Oxidizing, Tarnishing, Antiquing Brass, Bronze
The process of speeding up the natural surface aging process of the material. Brushing or a tinted wax may also be applied to alter its tone. This is most often done by submersion of the items into an oxygen bath.
Polishing Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel
Typically done on a buffing wheel with some sort of polishing compound. The first steps towards any quality finish application is to polish it.
Brushing Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Tin/Pot Metal
Typically done on a wheel with a singular direction pattern or by hand on higher end products. Mill finish, or the rough product straight out of machining, appears heavily brushed.
Burnishing Brass, Bronze
Where brushing is single directional and done with a machine, burnishing is done by hand in an orbital pattern and is typically lighter. It is not uncommon for there to also be a light antiquing. Burnishing is the last step.
Typically starting with a polished finish and usually produced by hand. Finish is burnished in straight, angular, or orbital patterns to produce semi-polished finish.
Waxing Brass, Bronze
A hand application of a wax to the surface of an item that provides a temporary protective coating to the surface while accentuating its surface variants and details. A wax can always be reapplied after wear.
Best for living finishes as it will protect their appearance during installation and a short time after, then wear off naturally allowing the natural patina to occur.
A short term protective coating, usually applied and butted by hand.
Lacquer Brass, Zinc
The application of a clear coat to the surface of an item. In luxury hardware this is rarely done as it strips the depth out of the appearance of most finishes. There are both matte and polished lacquers available. In hardware when something is referred to as lacquer it is usually polished.
A protective clear coating with a slow wear rate. Can make a piece look synthetic, especially in high gloss.
Distressing Brass, Silicon Bronze
Done in a tumbler with varying size gravel and at times sand, at varying speeds. If a wax or lacquer is being applied the distressing is to be done first.
PVD/Lifetime Brass
The process is similar to electroplate but is done in a vacuum. Only a few manufacturers utilize this technology and on a select number of finishes. The machinery to accomplish this finish is a large investment and the final product often looks synthetic in nature, but is much more durable than lacquer.