Scope: Based on BHMA's public explanation of residential hardware finish testing. Laboratory results are not converted into years of outdoor service.
Specifications
- Category
- Standards and testing
- English term
- Finish testing
- Reading focus
- Recording comparisons between products
How testing relates to appearance
BHMA describes finish tests involving salt spray, humidity, chemical effects associated with perspiration, and light/condensation conditions. A finish rating describes performance in specified tests, unlike simply choosing a colour.
Sources: [1]
Recording comparisons between products
Record the substrate, finish name, test basis and applicable model together. If material says only corrosion resistant without conditions, retain it as a manufacturer claim and request specific evidence.
- Does the tested finish match the finish being purchased?
- Does the result apply to a component or the complete product?
- Are test conditions, duration and acceptance criteria available?
Salt-spray duration does not determine outdoor service life
Humidity, salt, cleaning and wear vary by location. Test results support comparisons under defined conditions, not direct promises of service life in a particular installation. Follow manufacturer requirements for finish care as well.
Sources
- BHMA · Finish
Concepts of finish weathering, salt-spray and corrosion testing; no conversion to actual service life.
Manufacturer documents are provided in their original language.