This is the strength and body of the finished varnish. Resin can be made from countless materials, ranging from compounds from natural products like tree resins and some insect secretions to organic chemicals, including polymers and plastics used as varnish resins. Full hardness is achieved in one week, and it’s recommended to handle painted items with care during this time. Results might not be satisfactory if the product is applied in damp conditions or temperatures below 10°C.

Note: Depending on the preparation process used some discolouration of the surface may be experienced. Rusted Surfaces (To maintain the rust appearance) Providing years of protection, Rust-Oleum Gloss covers up to 9m²/litre depending on application method and rate, and porosity of the surface. Ideal for outdoor and indoor use on a variety of materials, the product touch dries in two hours and can be recoated after 16 hours. More information on plating may be found in this article on corrosion-resistant coatings. Brushing/Cleaning Beforehand, the surface must be clean and perfectly dry during application. Do not apply varnish in humid weather or late in the afternoon. Do not dilute. Thinner paints can be applied with a roller on solid surfaces like garage doors or gutters. On wrought or cast iron, the best results are achieved with a paintbrush or sprayer.More commonly known as Shellac or French-Polish, Spirit Varnish uses shellac dissolved in spirit, which is then applied in a thin layer on the material, but this is not strictly a varnish. A beetle in South East Asia secretes Shellac, which is usually bought in flakes diluted with alcohol before use. Often called marine varnish or, more descriptively, spar varnish, yacht varnish is a highly flexible varnish that was originally intended for use on boats to prevent water from gradually seeping into the wooden spars of the hull due to weather or just the waves.

Powder coating applies a decorative finish that is similar to paint but with greater durability. The process involves UV or heat curing of dry thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer powder onto the metal to produce a textured, matte, or glossy coating. It is an electrostatic process wherein a charge placed on the substrate attracts the powder particles to it. A textured powder-coat finish is highly effective in hiding surface defects.

Surface Preparation

Remove all traces of mill scale, rust, rust scale and other foreign matter by blasting, grinding or mechanical abrasion. Remove all blast or manual preparation residue by vacuum cleaner, air blower or stiff clean brush. The SprayMax clear coat is fantastic for repair jobs, as well as long-term sealing. It’s also highly resistant to scratching and other types of abrasions. You can even use it in hot temperatures and on large surfaces, and it won’t cause any color deviation. This article presented a brief discussion of the different types of metal finishing. For more information on other products, consult our other guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform to locate potential sources of supply or view details on specific products. Sources

Our favourite thing about this paint is the low content of volatile organic compounds. The product is safe to use in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces and it cleans easily from brushes and rollers. Sherardizing is a process used to coat small steel parts such as bolts and washers with a corrosion-resistant zinc-iron alloy. Parts are tumbled in a heated drum containing zinc dust, producing a highly corrosion-resistant finish. In high-volume production runs, a barrel-finishing machine is a fast and efficient coating solution. Covering up to 5m²/litre, the product comes in 250ml tins, although other sizes are also available. With a fast drying time, the product can be re-coated after four hours and is ideal to apply to metal doors and gates, railings, garden furniture, and more.Modern technology has given most yacht varnishes a high gloss finish based on tung oil, phenolic resins, and some UV protection, although it does not have the same flexibility as good-old spar varnish. With that in mind, unless the material is subjected to the rigors of supporting a hull being battered by the sea, i.e., extreme flex, avoid applying yacht varnish at all costs. Oil Varnish This type of varnish generally does not penetrate the wood deeply, so primers like an oil-based varnish or a thin shellac solution are applied beforehand. In addition to its excellent hardness and durability, it is resistant to spills of mild acids, solvents, and other chemicals. Other clear coats are marked as “indoor/outdoor,” but they might not hold up as well as specialized ones. If you want to ensure you get the most durable product that can weather almost any storm, you should consider investing in an outdoor coat. Scratch Resistance