FINISHES
A wide variety of finishes is available across the metals we work with - a few examples are given below. Please get in touch with your specific finishing requirements so we can offer advice.
Anodised
Aluminium can be anodised in a variety of colours, most commonly natural (silver), red and blue. Smaller parts can instead be plated - electro nickel, bright nickel, bright chrome, tin or silver. Larger items are often powder coated in a vast array of colours, or given a satin polish.
Sanded
Sanding aluminium can give a beautiful textured finish.
Galvanised & powder coated
Mild steel can have a red zinc oxide undercoat applied - commonly used for structural steelwork, particularly beams - or be hot dipped galvanised or hot zinc sprayed to protect it from the elements. It's often powder coated in a very wide range of colours, including metallics.
Patinated & waxed
Smaller items can also be plated - electro nickel, bright nickel or bright chrome. We've worked on a number of high-end projects requiring patinated and waxed mild steel, giving the metal a beautiful, organic aged patina. The steel needs oiling and waxing afterwards (Renaissance Wax is our preference), with regular re-waxing to maintain its appearance.
Bead blast, brush & mirror polish
Stainless steel can be brush polished for a satin finish, or highly polished to a bright, reflective finish similar to chrome. A bead blast finish gives a soft, industrial lustre. It can also be electro polished - used especially in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries for its high standard of cleanliness, and sometimes for stainless steel boat rails.
Bright, mirror & satin polish
Brass can be bright, mirror or satin polished, with a lacquer applied to prevent tarnishing. It can also be patinated using a chemical process to give an aged finish. Smaller items can be plated in a variety of finishes.