When describing the characteristics of a skin in CS:GO, we usually mention its float indicator, and for some skins we also mention the pattern index, which determines how the texture is applied to the weapon model. But there is another parameter that is useful to know about, since it affects exactly how the appearance of the weapon changes with wear. This is a type of finish.
In developing the skin system, Valve tried to replicate how wear and tear can affect different types of surfaces in real life. Indeed, it is quite logical that, for example, a painted surface and an engraved metal change their appearance differently over time. To reflect this difference, nine skin finishes have been created, which can be divided into three groups.
The first of them is the most numerous. These are skins that fall into categories such as “unique pattern”, “solid paint”, “spray paint”, as well as various types of anodizing. They differ from each other in how exactly the paint is applied to the body. For example, “solid painting” each of the parts of the weapon can be uniformly painted in one of four colors chosen by the skinmaker, a for "hydraulic printing" a four-color pattern is applied to them. As float increases, the paint on such skins begins to peel off, and in some areas the standard coloring becomes noticeable.
The second category includes skins with a patina effect. Patina is the surface film that forms on copper as a result of its interaction with air. This is exactly the effect that is logical to see on weapons that imitate real metal texture. As float increases, no new abrasions appear on the body, but the color of the object gradually changes. A good example is P250 Verdigris: as wear increases, it turns from orange to greenish.
Finally, the third type of finish is a combination of the previous two, since it combines their effects, which can manifest themselves differently on different parts of the weapon. Some elements may become dull when float is increased, while the paint will peel off from others. This is exactly how AUG Syd Mead works. In variants with high wear, the lining on the handle simply becomes darker, and noticeable abrasions appear on the barrel and body.
What type of finish a skin is often affects how float affects its cost. Skins with “patina” have even high-wear options can look interesting, while options with a “unique pattern” at the same values, the pattern becomes difficult to distinguish.
