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      Finishing processes for papers and boards

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain and compare small-scale and industrial finishing processes.

      Key learning points

      1. Small-scale methods can be used to finish materials.
      2. Finishing materials on a larger scale require different techniques.

      Keywords

      • Finishing - a process that adds surface treatment to improve how a material looks, feels, or performs

      • Aesthetics - how the product looks including colour, texture and style or theme

      • Function - what a product should do

      • Embellishment - adding decorative details to improve appearance

      Common misconception

      The same tools and methods are used for both small-scale and industrial manufacturing.

      The scale of production heavily influences tool choice, speed, accuracy, and repeatability.

      Teacher tip

      Try to organise a small practical based on any of the processes mentioned in this lesson to fully embed learning.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      Which of these materials is most likely to need a protective outer layer?

      Correct answer: fabric for a raincoat
      polypropylene chair
      glass in a window
      aluminium foil

      Q2.
      Which of these products is designed to look or feel a certain way on the outside?

      Correct answer: a cardboard gift box
      a tin of soup
      a wooden broom handle
      a pencil eraser

      Q3.
      Materials are chosen based on their physical and working .

      Correct Answer: properties, property

      Q4.
      A ready-made part used across different products to make manufacturing easier is called a .

      Correct Answer: component, components

      Q5.
      What is the main purpose of recycling?

      Correct answer: to save resources
      to generate waste
      to collect raw materials
      to increase pollution

      Q6.
      What does CNC stand for?

      Computerised Numeric Cutting
      Controlled Numerical Coding
      Correct answer: Computer Numerical Control
      Central Networked Control

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A process that adds surface treatment to improve how a material looks, feels, or performs is called .

      Correct Answer: finishing, finish

      Q2.
      What does the term 'aesthetics' mean when talking about a product?

      how well the product works
      how strong the product is
      Correct answer: how the product looks and feels
      how much the product costs

      Q3.
      What is the main purpose of a finishing process?

      to change the shape of a material
      Correct answer: to improve appearance or performance
      to reduce the cost of production
      to join two materials together

      Q4.
      Foil transfer, embossing powders and gold leaf are all examples of hand .

      Correct Answer: embellishment, embellishments

      Q5.
      Match the paper and boards finish to its typical aesthetic effect.

      Correct Answer:foil blocking,shiny metallic or pigmented foil

      shiny metallic or pigmented foil

      Correct Answer:embossing,raised 3D design or texture

      raised 3D design or texture

      Correct Answer:UV varnish,glossy or matte areas that catch the light

      glossy or matte areas that catch the light

      Correct Answer:screen printing,bold, vibrant, and often textured colour effects

      bold, vibrant, and often textured colour effects

      Q6.
      Put the following steps in the correct order for finishing process screen printing for paper and boards.

      1 - A design is created and separated by colour.
      2 - Each colour is transferred onto a separate screen.
      3 - The screen acts as a stencil, allowing ink to pass through in specific areas.
      4 - Ink is pressed through the screen onto the item using a squeegee.
      5 - The ink is dried or cured to set the design.

      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Finishing processes for papers and boards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...