Thingscovering

Thingscovering is a broad, descriptive term used to refer to any discrete object whose primary function is to cover or wrap another object or surface. In this sense, a thingscovering is not the covered object itself, but the covering layer, shell, film, or sheath that conceals, protects, insulates, decorates, or signals identity. The concept is used across disciplines to discuss how coverings modify properties and interactions at surfaces.

Because "thingscovering" is not a standard technical term, its meaning is context-dependent. It can describe physical coverings such as paints, varnishes, polymer films, metal or ceramic coatings, glass, or cardboard enclosures. It can also apply to biological coverings like skins or shells and to synthetic overlays in electronics or packaging. In design and manufacturing, focusing on thingscovering highlights the role of surface layers rather than the core object.

Key considerations for thingscovering include adhesion to the substrate, thickness, durability, impermeability, and compatibility with environmental conditions. Common application methods span deposition, spraying, electroplating, laminating, and molding or 3D printing. Performance is evaluated by properties such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, optical or tactile finish, and shielding from moisture or heat.

Examples may include metal paint coatings on vehicles, polymer coatings on medical devices, protective shells on consumer electronics, decorative veneers on furniture, and biological skins that shield organisms. While related terms include coating, veneer, film, and shell, thingscovering emphasizes the covering element as a distinct, functional unit in surface engineering and design.