This presentation looks at types of surface finishes and applications, and surface preparation methods that are common in Cabinet Making, Shopfitting and Joinery areas.

1. CCPCCSH3004A: Apply Finishes
CPCCSH2001A: Prepare Surfaces

2. The main reasons for Surface finishing
are:
 Protection - Protects the surface from
dirt, sun (UV rays), water, fungus, rot,
mould, chemicals etc.
 Durability - Strengthens the surface
and makes it more durable.
 Appearance (aesthetics) - Highlights or
improves the appearance of the surface
to make it more attractive and appealing

3. There is a large range of products and
techniques used for surface
preparation, along with an even larger
range of finishing products and methods.
Correct selection of the right technique
and finish for the job is critical, and can
mean the difference between high
quality joinery, and damaged and
unusable materials.

4. Why is preparation so
important?
 Generally, the more preparation you
do, the better the finishing process
and the better the overall finish of the
job.

5.  Cover all work areas with a suitable,
non-marking material such as carpet,
rugs or felt.
 Clean up all tools and materials that are
no longer needed to provide a clear
work area
 Select appropriate P.P.E. for each task
(e.g. dust mask for sanding, respirator
for spraying lacquer)
 Determine tools and equipment needed
and position close to work area
 Clean away dust and debris from areas
that will be used for finish application

6.  Set up drying racks, trolleys and benches
close by, as required for each task
 Check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
prior to using any finishing materials and
applications to ensure correct use and safety
 Determine the most suitable finishing
methods for the material you are using
 Plan each step with consideration to time
restraints
 Use work method statements to identify the
correct sequence and minimise any safety
hazards

7. Before surface finishing can commence,
three questions should be asked:
 What is the most suitable method of surface
preparation?
 What is the most suitable finish for the
material?
 What is the most suitable application
method for applying the finish?
Answering these questions depends on a
number of considerations including:

8.  The type of material to be finished
 The intended use of the product
 The expected climate the product will be
located in
 Customer requirements / plans / spec’s

9.  Solid Timber
 Timber veneer board
and panelling
 Particle board
 Medium Density
Fibreboard (MDF)
 Plasterboard / Gyprock
 Aluminium
 Steel

10.  Paint
 Stain
 French Polish
 Powder Coating
 Lacquer
 Wax
 Oil
 Epoxy enamel

11. There are generally four steps in surface
preparation for most surfaces and finishes.
1. Remove all traces of moisture, dirt,
grease, marks and dust
2. Fill all cracks, holes, joints and defects
3. Sand all areas of the surface to a smooth
finish
4. Remove all traces of dust from sanding

12.  Grain
 Defects - holes
- knots
- cracks
- scratches
- insect damage
 Marks

13.  Fill all holes / cracks prior to
sanding
 Start with the least-coarse
grit possible
 Move up through the grits
 Cover benches
 Sand till all marks are
removed

14.  Enhances the grain
 Applied with brush, cloth or spray
 Brush or spray into corners and tight areas
 Apply generously, then wipe off
 Needs to be coated / sealed after
 Allow to dry before coating
 Do not dry on porous surface

15.  Different types for different applications
 Apply with brush or spray gun
 Brush with the grain
 Spray parallel and 150mm – 200mm
away from surface
 Spray / brush difficult areas first
 Use long, even strokes when spraying
 Use spray booth / P.P.E.

16.  Oldest form of finish
 Good moisture
resistance
 Not very durable
 Rub into surface
 Use Steel wool
 Rub with soft cloth to
‘burnish’

17.  Enhances natural colour
 Quickly absorbed (apply
many coats)
 Natural (eco friendly)
 Linseed, olive, tung, vegetab
le oils, coloured
 Brush or wipe onto surface
 Can be used with steel wool
over lacquer to smooth off

18.  Applied with brush, roller or spray gun
 More coats improves protection, colour
 Matt, satin, semi and full gloss finishes
 Fumes – ventilation / wear P.P.E.
 Use long, even strokes in one direction
 Paint hard to reach areas first
 Use drop sheets etc.

19.  Uniform, durable finish for metals
 Remove defects first
 Pre-treat with chemicals or sandblasting
 Ground the surface
 Spray powder onto surface
 Bake surface in a kiln or oven
 Powder melts into even film
 Overspray can be recycled

20.  Corona – electrostatic charge
 Tribo – friction charge
 Fluidized bed – dipped

21.  Clean up is crucial before and after finishing
 Avoid overspray and dust
 Clean brushes, rollers and spray equipment.
 Dispose of waste safely – Environment
Protection Act (EPA)
 Take care with thinners and solvents
 Unused materials sealed and stored safely