Finitions

Finitions, often translated as finishes, refers to the final surface treatments applied to a material to modify its appearance, texture, and protective performance. The term is used across industries such as woodworking, metalworking, plastics, ceramics, textiles, and construction. Finishes aim to improve appearance, durability, environmental resistance, and ease of cleaning, while sometimes preserving or enhancing the material's intrinsic characteristics.

Common categories include mechanical finishing (deburring, grinding, polishing, buffing), chemical finishing (etching, passivation, chemical milling), and coatings (paint, varnish, lacquer, shellac, wax, oil). Additional techniques such as powder coating, electroplating, anodizing for metals, and vapor deposition (PVD/CVD) create protective or decorative surfaces. Surface texturing and smoothing adjust tactile feel and light reflection, while sealants and coatings influence gloss and color fastness.

Process planning in finitions considers substrate compatibility, environmental exposure, desired aesthetics, and service life. Applications require surface preparation for adhesion, uniform application, cure or dry times, and inspection of film thickness, gloss, and adhesion. Environmental and health considerations, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sustainability, increasingly guide material choices and processes. Industry standards and testing methods provide methods for adhesion, hardness, corrosion resistance, and color stability.

Finitions are central to product design and restoration, providing both function and appearance. They are routinely specified in manufacturing specifications and architectural finishes and play a critical role in branding, property maintenance, and consumer perception.