Metalwork Finishes
A Guide to Our Metalwork Finishes
The finish you choose shapes how your metalwork looks, how it performs and how it can be installed. At Thomas Brenton, we offer five families of finish: standard, sprayed, plated, bronze and brass, and specialist.
Each has its strengths and its limits. This guide explains how and when to use each one, so you can specify with confidence.
Overview
Five Families of Finish
01
Standard
Powder coating — durable, clean and even.
02
Sprayed
Hand applied in a thin coat, with a subtle texture.
03
Plated
Brass or nickel electroplated onto steel.
04
Bronze & Brass
Patinas on solid bronze and brass only.
05
Specialist
Hand-applied bronze and brass paint finishes.
We strongly recommend speaking with one of our project consultants before specifying any of these finishes.
01
Standard Finishes
Powder coating
Powder coating is our most common finish, and the one we call our standard finish. It gives a durable, clean and even coat, applied in a thick layer.
The range is broad. Alongside standard colours, architectural powder coats carry bronze and metallic reflective pigments. Our most popular is Sherwood Bronze.
Where it works best
- Single spindles, furniture and other stand-alone components
- External metalwork such as gates, railings and balustrades
- Interior and exterior use, including over galvanised components for exterior work
What to bear in mind
- Powder-coated items must be made in component form.
- Once coated, the finish can’t be welded or ground without being compromised, and it can’t easily be touched up.
- That makes it unsuitable where welding is needed on site.
02
Sprayed Finishes
Our sprayed finishes are hand applied in a thin coat. They add a subtle texture and give a seamless result.
Where it works best
- Achieving a very matt sheen level, which standard powder coats can’t always offer
- Site installation projects, where the finish can be touched up after welding or to repair damage
What to bear in mind
- A sprayed finish is always a much thinner coat than powder coating.
- Speak to our team about whether it suits your setting and use.
03
Plated Finishes
Plating is an electroplating process that deposits a layer of brass onto steel. Nickel and other plated finishes are also available.
Plated finishes are versatile and can be applied to a range of metals. They are mostly used on steel, giving the look of brass at a lower cost than solid brass or bronze.
Where it works best
- Spindles and furniture where a brass or nickel appearance is wanted on a steel substrate
- Pieces that will be brushed or patinated after plating
What to bear in mind
- Each component must fit in the plating tank, so size is limited.
- Please speak to one of our team for advice on specifying plated finishes and where they suit your furniture or spindles.
04
Bronze & Brass Finishes
These are patinas applied only to solid bronze and solid brass. They are the only truly authentic brass and bronze finishes available.
We use traditional finishing methods handed down over centuries. Each piece is then brushed or burnished to match other brass and bronze finishes in the scheme. Natural variations can occur, and are part of the character of the finish.
Where it works best
- Interior and exterior use
- Marine settings such as yachts, and coastal properties
- Wet environments
- Projects where authentic, solid-metal brass or bronze is the priority
05
Specialist Finishes
Our specialist finishes are hand-applied bronze and brass paint finishes, designed for steel spindles and furniture. Each piece is coated by our skilled team at Thomas Brenton using artisanal techniques. Wentworth Bronze is one example.
They are a cost-effective way to achieve the look of brass or bronze on steel.
Where it works best
- Continuous brass handrails: applied after installation, the finish gives a seamless rail with no visible joins
- Cast iron spindles, where the surface texture brings the finish to life
- Hammered spindles, for the same reason
What to bear in mind
- Specialist finishes are best suited to interiors.
- They can be used externally, but need a good protective clear coat over the top, which may affect the depth of the finish.
06
Choosing the Right Finish
We strongly recommend speaking with one of our project consultants before specifying any of these finishes. They will make sure your choice meets your project’s specific requirements and performance expectations.
| Finish | Substrate | Interior / Exterior | Site Touch-Up | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Standard(powder coat) | Steel, incl. galvanised | Both | Not easily | Made in component form; no welding or grinding after coating |
| 02Sprayed | Steel | Both | Yes | Thin coat; very matt sheen; slight texture |
| 03Plated | Mainly steel; other metals possible | Interior | Ask our team | Size limited by plating tank |
| 04Bronze & brass | Solid bronze and brass only | Both, incl. wet and coastal | Ask our team | The only authentic brass and bronze finish |
| 05Specialist | Steel and cast iron | Interior; exterior with clear coat | Applied after installation | Clear coat may reduce depth of finish externally |
Speak to a project consultant
Speak to one of our project consultants before specifying.
