Metals can also be affected by different environmental elements such as temperature and moisture and ferrous metals, such as iron, can oxidise and rustingA corrosion process in which iron or steel reacts with oxygen and water. if left exposed.
Finishing procedures are often applied to metal to protect them. Finishing is also often applied for aesthetic reasons to make it more pleasing to look at or to touch. Because metal surfaces can be cold and slippery, sometimes they are given a coating a a certain type of finish to change this.
Finishing processes
As with wood, abrasive products are typically used first to remove excess material and to smooth surfaces.
Typical abrasives used on metals include emery cloth, silicon carbide paper (also known as wet and dry), and steel wool.
Once the surfaces have been prepared, other finishing products are use to provide a protective cover or aesthetic look. These can include polish to add shine to the metal, paint, or plastic dip coating to protect the metal and alter its looks and texture.