Finishing materials-

Purpose of finishing-

• the main reasons for finishing are to improve function or aesthetics

• functional considerations include durability and added resistance to overcome environmental factors. For example, painting wood to be used on a garden gate helps to make it water resistant

Timber-based materials-

-Painting

paints can be oil-, water- or solvent-based. They can be applied with a brush or sprayed onto the material. Paints are used both to protect and decorate woods, and are available in a huge range of different colours.

-Varnishing

Polyurethane varnish is a tough, heat-proof and waterproof finish available in different colours. It is usually applied in three coats with a brush. It can then be smoothed with fine glasspaper.

-Tanalising

Tanalising is a pressure treatment used to preserve wood. Wood is placed into a closed cylinder and a vacuum is created. Pressure is then applied, which forces the preservative deep into the material.