Three Finishing Choices For New Railings
Railings are much used in Australian cities which have areas that were developed in the Victorian period. Cast iron railings - in common with other street furniture, such as bollards and lamp posts - are the defining architectural feature of many older districts in the country. Having said that, railings are also much loved by modern architects these days, used to create a physical barrier between one area and the next but which can be seen through.
If you are using railings as a boundary for your office car park, your home's garden or to create a balustrade to prevent people from falling from a raised terrace, then you will be faced with a decision to make: the finish you want. Fabricators and manufacturers of modern railings often offer you a number of choices. What are they?
Lacquered Finishing
When you have metal railings, it is important to protect them from the elements. This is certainly the case if they will be installed close to the coast where spray and salt can take their toll on all external metalwork. Lacquering is a popular choice that offers the required level of protection but which allows the natural colour of the metal railings to be seen. It is possible to install railings that have been lacquered during the manufacturing process and then to give them an additional coat of paint once they have been fitted, if desired.
Paint Finishing
Many makers of railings will offer their customers a paint finish. The best ones will provide all of the standard RAL colours that you could wish to choose from. If the railings are supplied already painted, then you can save time finishing them on site. Ideally, your railings will be kiln dried which means that the paintwork which has been applied achieves a very even finish without any brushwork being evident.
Powder Finishing
One of the most effective finishes you can choose for any external metalwork is powder coating. Not only does this sort of finish provide an attractive sheen on railings, but it is extremely durable. In short, a powder coat finish is not just a great way of colouring your railings but of protecting them for a long time, as well. Powder coating is great for situations where the railings will be exposed to damage. For example, city centre railings might have to be vandal-proof to some degree and powder coatings are certainly strong in this area, offering more scratch resistance compared to conventional paintwork. It is also slow to corrode so can put up with the sort of long-term harm that is done by things like bird droppings with very little maintenance.
