For some companies, finishers are there to apply a standard coating to their products. They see a liquid or powder coating as an added layer of protection. Other companies take the process a step further. They are looking for a specific effect or want a certain type of protection. For them, specialty finishing is not an option. It is a necessity.
The Purpose of Specialty Coatings
Finishers who offer specialty coatings or finishing do so in the following basic categories:
* Aesthetic
* Performance
The specialty finishing services they provide the component or product with an enhanced appearance and/or improved capabilities to operate in its environment. The two results are achievable within the same application. The incorporation of metallic flakes into a liquid coating on a vehicle is cosmetic more than standard or functional. However, the application of a powder coating – which is thicker than that of a standard, can improve both its functional capacity and its appearance.
Overall, the application of a specialty finishing coating can help to differentiate a company’s product from others while improving its qualities. Depending upon the choice of coating, the finish may provide:
* Increased UV protection
* Improved chemical resistance
* Superior durability
* Excellent resistance to corrosion
* Greater longevity
The right specialty coating can also add texture. It can give the metal product a unique appearance. Architectural coatings, in particular, are known for their ability to combine aesthetics with performance. They are customized specialty finishes to meet environment demands while not detracting for the need to present their best façade to the world.
Specialty Finishing
In any off-line finishing project, the choice of coating can and does affect the abilities of the product to survive its environment. It can also influence the market perception of the product. In order to satisfy both aspects of marketability, companies and suppliers can turn to finishing companies. They can work with manufacturers to find the right specialty finishing process to meet their specifications.
