METAL FINISHING

DESCRIPTION OF TERMS
Mechanical surface textures are shop-produced by mechanical means and included “buffed”, “directional textured” and “non-directional hand ground graphics”.

BUFFED
These finishes are the result of grinding, polishing and buffing operations.  A series of steps are required to produce these finishes.  Buffed finishes are suitable for hardware items and similar small surfaces or products.  Two finishes are available, smooth specular “mirror-like” and specular.

SMOOTH SPECULAR
This bright mechanical finish is produced through a series of grinding operations; polishing to smooth the metal, and ultimately buffing the metal’s surface to produce a lustrous, smooth, “mirror-like” finish.  This finish is called out as a #8 finish.

SPECULAR
This finish is obtained by grinding and polishing with only a light buffing to remove scratches or other surface imperfections.

DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE
This finish is the most common and popular of the architectural surface treatments. It provides a smooth, sateen sheen.  This soft, velvety texture is produced by wheel-or belt-polishing with fine abrasives which result in tiny, nearly parallel scratches in the surface of the metal.  This directional texture is called out as a #4 finish.  Also available is long graining, producing parallel, fine lines.

HAND GROUND SURFACES
This finish is available through several methods; the most common is with the use of abrasive wheels and similar equipment.

PATINAS
All patinas are considered “custom”.  Many different patinas are available including Verdi Gris and Statuary (oxidized).