Choosing the right finishing method for your sheet metal parts is a crucial step in ensuring your components meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we offer a range of in-house finishing services. In addition, for what we do not handle in our facilities, we manage additional treatments through our network of trusted vendors.
In this blog, we’ll break down considerations for three key finishing methods—polishing, painting, and blasting—and evaluate how these services impact cost, quality, and lead times.
Achieve High-Quality Finishes with Our Polishing Services
The Process
Polishing provides a smooth, high-quality surface that enhances both the appearance and performance of sheet metal parts. For high-finish jobs, considerations start early in the production process. Whether the material arrives pre-polished or our team handles the polishing, maintaining the surface’s integrity requires careful handling at every step, from sheet metal cutting to forming to welding.
- Pre-polished material: To support faster turnaround times, MFP maintains a large on-hand steel inventory, which includes pre-polished stainless steel in 16- and 18-gauge brushed finishes. This material presents greater upfront costs but eliminates some of the labor costs incurred with in-house polishing.
- In-house polishing: Polishing material in-house involves multiple steps and additional labor costs. After achieving the desired finish, our team takes extra care in providing a white-glove treatment to prevent surface imperfections.
Our Advice to Customers
To achieve the best results, we suggest that our customers communicate specific surface finish requirements, namely RA value rather than generic grit numbers. A #4 finish, for example, can range from a brushed look to a near-mirror finish, so clearly defining the finish avoids miscommunication.
Produce a Durable Protective Layer with Painted Parts
Preparing for Paint
Painting sheet metal parts requires a smooth surface, free from deep scratches or gouges, as these imperfections show through the paint. Surface preparation often involves sandblasting or bead blasting, techniques that help remove minor imperfections and create a uniform base for the paint to adhere to. When handling components with deep gouges, our team manually grinds down these surfaces before blasting.
Welding Considerations for Painted Parts
To ensure a uniform finish, our team completes all welding services before painting. When welding on pre-painted material, the paint near the weld must be removed, and protective measures are taken to prevent heat damage to the surrounding finish.
Handling Parts After Painting
While handling painted parts is less intensive than polished parts, care is still required to avoid chips or scratches.
Create Uniformity and Improve Appearance with Our Blasting Services
Sandblasting and bead blasting are versatile finishing methods that improve the aesthetics and functionality of sheet metal parts.
Material Considerations
- Mild steel: Our team frequently blasts mild steel components to remove impurities and create a smooth surface ready for painting.
- Stainless steel: Often selected for its attractive natural appearance, stainless steel rarely gets painted, so bead blasting often represents the final step used to ensure a uniform finish. Our handlers take great care in wearing vinyl gloves when blasting and handling stainless steel, as even minor fingerprints can significantly impact the finished product.
Partner with MFP for High-Quality Finishing Services
As a one-stop metal fabrication shop, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive finishing services. Whether we handle the work in-house or partner with one of our trusted vendors, our customers count on us for top-notch quality and service.
Why Choose MFP?
- Expert guidance: We help customers navigate the nuances of finishing options, from defining RA values to ensuring your material is ready for paint.
- White-glove treatment: Our team carefully manages every step of the finishing process and protects your parts in the process.
- Red-Wrap Guarantee: When customers receive products with our signature red skid, they know it meets MFP’s high standards for quality.
Trust Metal Fabrication Professionals to deliver top-notch quality, service, and timeliness in each of our finishing methods. Request a quote to discuss your next project with our team.