Polishing
What is Polishing/ Buffing?
Metal products often age or erode over time due to constant exposure to degrading elements such as high temperature, oxygen, and wear. However, metal polishing prevents these components from oxidation and contamination, creating a high-quality surface.
Polishing the surface of metal products requires some level of creativity. This article discusses the benefits of metal polishing, the steps involved, and the types of polishing finish. You will also learn helpful tips for successful metal plate polishing. Let’s get to it!
Product Aesthetics
Generally, machined metal parts don’t automatically get the smooth and appealing surface you commonly see on them. The abrasive wheels of the polishing machine smoothen the machined components’ rough surfaces. It removes the scratches, imperfections, tarnishes, and nicks on the machined component’s surface, ensuring a smooth and glossy surface.
However, the desired specifications for product aesthetics may determine the processing time and cost of metal parts.
Provides a Protective Layer
Metal polishing offers more significant benefits beyond improving the surface quality of your metal products. Polished metals perform better and appear good longer than unpolished metals.
Polishing’s abrasive process helps to resist contamination and oxidation on metal surface finish. It provides a protective layer of metal, usually a reflective surface capable of reducing wear and tear or corrosion.
Improved Light Reflection
The surface of polished metal parts shines brighter and more vibrant resulting in effective light reflection. Hence, this property is beneficial in applications requiring highly reflective properties, including architectural elements, jewelry, and decorative items.
Better Functionality
Metal polishing improves metal components’ functionality in specific applications such as precision instruments and machinery components. Polishing eliminates all surface imperfections, achieving a smooth and even finish. Additionally, metal surface polishing reduces friction, improving overall performance and conductivity.
Increased Cleanliness
The metal polishing techniques give your parts the appropriate finish, preventing the risk of bacteria and germs, which could damage and worsen the surface. In addition, you can easily clean and maintain properly polished metal components due to their smooth surfaces. It allows efficiency by reducing the required cleaning time for the material.
Furthermore, there is a reduction in the amount of harmful chemicals used in cleaning the metal surface. Meanwhile, some chemicals increase the rate at which the surface of metal parts wears and corrode.
Surface Preparation Before Polishing
Preparing the metal surface to be polished properly before polishing is crucial. Here are some steps to follow for better surface preparation:
- Remove Rust or Corrosion: You must remove any rust or corrosion on the surface of a metal part before polishing.
- Clean the Surface: Eliminate any grease, debris, or contaminant from the metal’s surface using a suitable cleaning agent such as a mild detergent.
- Smooth-Out Imperfections: Smoothen all dents, scratches, and imperfections on the metal’s surface.
- Rinse and Dry: You have to rinse off any cleaning agent, abrasives, or rust removal residue after eliminating all imperfections from the metal’s surface. Wipe off and dry the surface thoroughly to avoid water spots and corrosion.
Types of Metal Polishing Finishes
here are different types of polishing finishes suitable for your metal products.
1. Mirror Finish
Mirror or high-polish finish type offers high reflectivity, which is best for stainless steel products. It is an excellent finish for concealing welded metal components, allowing easy cleaning. The process requires careful polishing and buffing techniques. The mirror metal polishing finish gives the final product a reflective surface, almost like a mirror, usually smooth and flawless.
2. Brushed Finish
This metal polishing finish produces an aesthetic pattern comprising delicate parallel lines. It is the perfect finish for parts intended for outdoor or indoor applications where they are exposed to sunshine or bright indoor light. Most kitchen appliances often bear a brushed finish. However, you must use a high-grade abrasive to ensure the lines are uniform.
3. Satin Finish
The satin finish is a standard metal polishing type that offers a toned-down, low-gloss appearance. You can use fine abrasives to polish your metal parts to achieve an even surface with a slight appearance.
This polishing finish result gives the metal a smooth touch and more subtle elegance. The satin finish is suitable for applications requiring a refined appearance, such as jewelry, household appliances, and architectural elements.
4. Antique Finish
Antique polishing finish enhances the appearance of aged or eroded metal with an antique look. This polishing type is applicable to furniture, architectural elements, and decorative items, building a sense of history and character.
You can combine processes such as manual distressing techniques, patination, and chemical treatments to achieve an antique or vintage finish. Depending on the preferred aesthetic, These methods form various effects, including discoloration, tarnishing, or a worn-out appearance. However, the primary purpose is to imitate the natural aging process and equip the metal with a lasting, antique appeal.