Ogheneruemu, U. S. (2020). Finishing in Creative Metalwork: An Appraisal of the Use of Bar Polishing Compounds in Metal Art Studio Practice in Nigeria

Globally over the years, polishing operation has been an important aspect of finishing in most creative metal works. Investigation revealed that in Nigeria, the first known and used substances for polishing creative metal works have been the traditional use of ashes from animal bones and wood, and lime juice mixed with sand. However, the use of natural lime juice mixed with sand and ash, as metal polishes by traditional metalworkers do not produce the type of high lustre surface finish required by contemporary Nigerian artists. Therefore, Nigeria contemporary metal artists have embraced the use of imported bar polishing compounds in conjunction with polishing wheel in order to achieve desired surface finishing of their products, and to satisfy their clients’ needs and demands. Presently, there has been an increase in the demand and use of bar polishing compounds in Nigeria. The increase in the demand and use of imported bar polishing compounds has created scarcity and high cost in their procurement. Therefore, the article is an appraisal of the emergence of bar polishing compounds. The article discusses the roles, constituents, challenges and prospects of imported bar polishing compounds in the development of the indigenous creative metalwork finishing technology in Nigeria. It also sought to develop potent alternative local bar polishing compounds.