Metal fabrication is a vital industry that supports the world’s infrastructure and economy. Some form of metal appears in our lives every day from household appliances to vehicles. Metals like carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum make many aspects of life possible and many metal products are simply indispensable in today’s society, provided they’re properly finished and protected.
Some raw metal without proper finishing can tarnish and corrode. Unfinished metal parts are eroded by salts, weakened by ultraviolet light and rusted by rain. Corroding metal is a problem. Preventive measures, can delay or eliminate corrosion, and the right coating can form a protective barrier to further delay corrosion, especially when the coating is maintained.
Picking the right coating can be daunting with so many to choose from. Lacquers and water-based urethanes come in a range of clear or pigmented coatings. Lacquer dries by solvent evaporation to produce a hard, durable finish. Urethanes dry as the thinner in the product evaporates; then the product cures while its polymer chains cross-link. The finish can be of any sheen level from matte to a high gloss. These finishes are usually harder and more durable than oil-based or latex paints, and are typically used on hard and smooth surfaces.
Lacquer is usually applied as a clear coating, allowing you to still view the surface texture and design. Many metals surfaces can be attractive without the need for a colored coating; this is when lacquer or clear urethanes are most useful.
Lacquer and urethane form a clear protective layer on metals and are particularly useful on bronze, brass, aluminum, silver and copper, which often form decorative items. Lacquer is regularly used on ornamental brass and on the surface of finely machined steel. This ensures that the metal surface from the day the initial finish was produced remains protected throughout the life of the lacquer or urethane.
Contact KC Restoration today for more information regarding lacquer coatings for your metal surfaces.
Can you spot which is the hood and which is the sample?
These before-and-after photos show KC Restoration’s recent work for Paul James who wanted to update the satin finish on bronze elevator entrances and cabs to a beautiful rubbed oil bronze patina finish. KC Restoration’s talented technicians worked hard for many weeks to complete the look on 50 elevator units in the Downtown Marriott’s Muehlebach wing. We think the look is perfect for this refined, elegant hotel, and we want to thank Mr. James and his staff. We couldn’t have picked more excellent, professional clients and partners to work with on such a wonderful project!