Summary for metal finish specification numbers Discussion
Metal finish specification numbers are a recurring source of confusion in this thread, especially when different standards use different numbers for what contractors consider the same finish. Chris Childs asked whether there is a comprehensive cross-reference for BHMA numbers, Federal Specification numbers, and other finish standards tied to the metal type and finish description. Aysun Scott said she found useful information by searching online, especially on the Cygnet Stamping & Fabricating, Inc. website. Later, Debi Gotowka and Robert M Smith asked specifically about visual standards for brush finishes such as #4 grain and true #8, and whether there is a sample or inspection reference for blueprint use. Anne Scott then pointed to another online resource, rensup.com/FinishStandardsAndSymbols.html, as a place she found helpful. The thread does not establish one official universal list, but it does suggest that online reference charts and manufacturer resources are the practical starting point.
Q. I am an architect, and part of my job is specifying different metal finishes in different applications (i.e., door hardware, cabinetry finishes, etc.) The problem that I run into is that there are different metal finish spec. #’s that mean the same thing. Therefore, when I say one number in the spec., sometimes a contractor comes back with a different number, but it is the same finish.
Is there a comprehensive list of metal finish standards that gives the BHMA#, the Fed. Spec.#, and any other standard finish#, along with a description of the type of metal, and finish associated with each anywhere out there?.
Chris Childs
Lockwood Greene – St. Louis, Missouri, USA
2001
A. I came across that information by doing a search on the internet. The one I found most helpful is on the Cygnet Stamping & Fabricating, Inc. website. Good luck.
Aysun Scott
– Kansas City, Missouri, USA
2002
Q. Did you ever find what you were looking for? I am looking for some kind of list that describes a #4 grain finish or a true #8 pertaining to architectural standards.
Debi Gotowka
– Auburn, Washington, USA
2006
Q. I need to know if there is a standard for visual reference for brush type finishes, i.e., #4 and #8 being the most used by our engineering dept. on blueprints. If so, where can I get a sample or standard for the Inspection dept. to use visually. Also, what spec, if any, would give a good description of this type of finish?
Robert M Smith
ASM America – Phoenix, Arizona, USA
2006
A. I was looking for the same thing and found this:
www.rensup.com/FinishStandardsAndSymbols.html
Anne Scott
– seattle, Washington
July 2, 2008