Antique Finish

Definition and Overview

Antique finishing is a finish that creates dullness, tonal variation, and darkened tones on the surface of metal accessories, giving them the appearance of aged metal. It does not refer to using actual old parts or to scratches caused by use.

It is used for press fasteners, spring hooks, jumper hooks, cap snap buttons, eyelet washers, cap and close posts, and similar items. Even with the same antique finish, the appearance varies depending on the base metal, surface treatment method, and color tone.

Materials and Component Structure

Antique finishing is primarily an appearance specification applied to metal parts and is not a material name. Parts may use brass, iron, zinc alloy, and other materials, and the resulting color and wear appearance after processing vary depending on the combination of base material and surface treatment.

Press fasteners and hooks consist of multiple parts, such as the cap, spring or stud, eyelet, and washer. Check the color tone not only on the front side but also across each combined part so the finish does not look inconsistent on the front and back of the product.

Size Indication and Attachment

Depending on the item, size is indicated by the outside diameter of the cap, the inside and outside diameters of the eyelet, the length of the leg, and similar measurements. Antique finishing is a color and surface specification, so it does not indicate size or the standard of the compatible setting tool. Select the item after checking the dimensions of each part.

For attachment, use the setting tool compatible with the target part and a hand press or press machine. If the part type or size differs, proper setting may not be possible, which can cause deformation, detachment, or surface damage, so test setting with actual parts is important.

• Select a leg length that matches the fabric thickness and the number of layers being stacked.
• If the outer fabric is likely to be scratched or dented, protect it with a pressing cloth and perform test setting.
• Before mass production, confirm retention under actual use conditions, including pulling and opening and closing.

Main Applications

It is used for clothing and fashion accessories that call for a rugged or subdued impression, such as workwear, military wear, denim, and leather-look items. Matching the tone with the fabric, stitching, zipper, and other elements creates a consistent overall appearance for the accessories.

For eyelet washers and cap and close posts, they serve not only a reinforcing function but also a decorative one. When used in a prominent position, check the depth of color and the degree of gloss with samples and choose the appearance that suits the product concept.

Notes on Selection

With thin fabrics, highly stretchy fabrics, or coarse knits, the pressure during setting may tear the fabric or cause the parts to pull out during use. If necessary, consider reinforcement with interfacing, button seals, or washers, and evaluate the compatibility of the fabric and parts in advance.

Because antique finishing creates tonal variation on the surface, the color tone may change due to friction, washing, sweat, or storage conditions. Confirm the need for requirements regarding rust or discoloration, washing tests, and abrasion tests according to the product application and sales conditions.

For products using metal accessories, confirm whether they are needle detector compatible. Also, if consideration for nickel-induced skin irritation is required, confirm in the specification sheet or test results that the product is nickel-free. Even if it has an antique color, it is not necessarily nickel-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are antique finishing and plating the same?

No. Plating refers to a surface treatment that forms a different metal layer on the metal surface, while antique finishing is an appearance specification that expresses an aged-metal color tone and shading. In some products, plating or other surface treatments are used to create an antique look.

Can antique-finished press fasteners be attached with a standard setting tool?

Not based on the color or finish name alone. Use a setting tool that matches the type, part shape, and dimensions of the press fastener. Even if the finish is the same, the part specification may differ, so confirmation of the specified setting tool and test setting are necessary.

Does antique finishing discolor after washing?

The degree of change varies depending on the base material, surface treatment, detergent, sweat, friction, and drying method. It is necessary to distinguish between intended changes in texture and undesirable discoloration or rust. Before mass production, confirm with tests that are close to actual washing conditions.