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      Surface treatments and finishes: saving space

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can finish the surface of a product to a high standard.

      Key learning points

      1. Surface finishes are coatings or treatments applied to a material or product.
      2. Before applying any surface finish to timber, the timber must be properly prepared.
      3. Surface finishes such as oil, wax, stains and varnish enhance the appearance of the natural timber and wood grain.
      4. Painting timber gives a solid colour surface finish that hides the wood grain or timber.

      Keywords

      • Surface finishes - coatings or treatments applied to a material or product

      • Timber - wood cut from trees to use in manufacturing

      • Sanding - smoothing or shaping a surface by rubbing it with sandpaper or an abrasive material

      • Wood grain - a pattern seen in wood

      Common misconception

      Timbers need a varnish to protect them.

      There are many different options to finish the surface of timber and these are chosen depending on the type of timber, intended use, planned aesthetics etc.

      Teacher tip

      It would be great if pupils had the opportunity to try out different finishes on different types of timber, so as to compare and see the differrences for themselves.

      Equipment

      Optional finishes and timber examples.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The checking of the planning and processes in manufacture is called?

      Correct Answer: quality assurance, QA

      Q2.
      Why are quality assurance and quality control used in the manufacturing of products?

      to reduce the number of workers needed on the production line
      Correct answer: to ensure products are made to a high standard
      to speed up the delivery of products to customers

      Q3.
      Which of the below can quality control include?

      Correct answer: visual inspections
      Correct answer: using a go/no go gauge
      planning and checking designs
      Correct answer: function testing
      using templates or jigs

      Q4.
      Manufacturing from an accurate working drawing is an example of quality assurance or quality control?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: quality assurance

      Q5.
      Which quality assurance method does this image show?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: jig

      Q6.
      Tolerance in manufacture means?

      the time taken to complete a manufacturing process
      the temperature range a material can withstand
      Correct answer: the allowed amount a measurement can vary from the exact size

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What are coatings or treatments applied to a material or product called?

      Correct answer: surface finishes
      core materials
      structural supports

      Q2.
      What is is the natural pattern of lines and textures in timber called?

      Correct Answer: wood grain, grain

      Q3.
      What product is shown in the image?

      An image in a quiz
      power sander
      Correct answer: belt sander
      smoothing plane

      Q4.
      Which of these surface finishes hides the wood grain of natural timber?

      oil
      stain
      varnish
      Correct answer: paint

      To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Surface treatments and finishes: saving space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...