FINISHES AND FINISHING
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Subject: Career Technology
Class: JHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Grade code: B7.3.5.1.1
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 5
Content standard code: B7.3.4.1
Indicator code: B7.3.5.1.1
Theme: TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND PROCESSES
Subtheme: FINISHES AND FINISHING
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This lesson introduces the concept of finishes and finishing, which are the final and very important steps in making any product or artefact. Whether we are cooking, sewing, or working with wood, the final touches we apply determine how the product looks, how long it lasts, and how safe it is to use. In our daily lives in Ghana, we see finishes everywhere: from the neatly hemmed edge of a school uniform, to the shiny polish on a wooden stool, to the beautiful arrangement of salad on a plate of Jollof rice at a party. Understanding finishes helps us to appreciate quality craftsmanship and to create better products ourselves.
A. What are 'Finishing' and 'A Finish'?
It is important to understand the difference between these two related words. Finishing: This is the process or the action of completing a product. It involves all the final steps taken to make an item ready for use. Think of it as the "doing" part. *Example:* The tailor sewing the hem of a dress is performing a finishing process. The cook arranging sliced tomatoes on waakye is also finishing the dish. A Finish: This is the result of the finishing process. It can be the material applied (like paint or polish) or the final surface, look, or texture of the product. Think of it as the "final look" or the "thing" you see. *Example:* The neatly sewn hem on the dress is the finish. The varnish on a wooden chair is a finish. The sliced tomatoes on the waakye are a type of finish called a garnish. B. Why are Finishes Important?
We apply finishes to products for several important reasons. We can remember them with the acronym P.A.S. P - Protection: Finishes protect the product from damage, dirt, or decay. Wood: Varnish or paint protects a wooden table from water, insects, and scratches. Metal: Paint prevents a metal gate from rusting. Fabric: An edge finish (like hemming) stops the raw edge of the cloth from fraying and tearing apart during washing. A - Aesthetics (Appearance): Finishes make the product look beautiful, attractive, and appealing. This is often the first thing people notice. Food: A garnish makes food look more appetizing and inviting to eat. Fabric: A neatly sewn neckline makes a dress look professional and beautiful. Wood: Polishing a wooden bowl brings out the natural patterns of the wood grain, making it more beautiful. S - Safety and Comfort: Finishes can make a product safer and more comfortable to use. Wood: Sanding wood as a finishing process removes splinters that could hurt someone. Fabric: A smooth edge finish on an armhole feels comfortable against the skin, unlike a raw, itchy edge. C. Types of Finishes for Different Products
The type of finish used depends on the material or product. For JHS 1, we will focus on finishes for Food and Textiles as guided by the curriculum. Finishes in Food Production (Garnishes and Decorations)