Common Surface Finishes | Surface Finish Guide

Surface finishing not only improves the appearance of your parts but also enhances corrosion resistance, wear resistance, conductivity, or adhesion. Below is a list of commonly used surface treatments for CNC machined parts, sheet metal fabrications, and die-cast components — organized by material and application. For special finishes not listed here, please contact us.

CNC Machined Parts – Common Surface Finishes

FinishApplicable MaterialsAppearanceKey Benefits
Anodizing (Clear/Color)Aluminum (6061, 7075, etc.)Matte silver, black, gold, red, blueHardness increase, corrosion resistance, dyeable
Hard AnodizingAluminumDark gray / blackHigh hardness, wear-resistant (HV300-500)
Sandblasting / Bead BlastingAluminum, stainless steel, titaniumUniform matte satinRemoves tool marks, improves texture
PolishingStainless steel, aluminum, copperMirror / high glossDecorative, reduces surface roughness
BrushingAluminum, stainless steelLinear grainDecorative, fingerprint-resistant
ElectroplatingCopper, steel, aluminumBright chrome, bright nickel, zincDecorative, anti-rust, wear-resistant
Electroless Nickel PlatingAluminum, steel, copperUniform matte silverUniform thickness, corrosion resistance, high hardness
PassivationStainless steel, titaniumNatural (silver white)Enhances corrosion resistance, removes scale
Black Oxide / BlackeningCarbon steel, alloy steelBlackAnti-rust, decorative (low cost)
Dacromet / GeometCarbon steelSilver grayHigh corrosion resistance, no hydrogen embrittlement
PVD CoatingStainless steel, titaniumGold, rose gold, black, etc.High hardness, decorative, wear-resistant
Liquid/Powder CoatingAluminum, steel, cast ironVarious colors (RAL)Anti-rust, decorative, insulation

Sheet Metal Parts – Common Surface Finishes

FinishApplicable MaterialsAppearanceKey Benefits
Powder CoatingSPCC, SGCC, aluminumVarious colors, textured/glossHigh adhesion, corrosion resistant, decorative
Liquid PaintingSPCC, aluminumVarious colors, adjustable glossAnti-rust, decorative
Electro-galvanizingSPCCSilver white / blue-white / yellowAnti-rust, low cost, weldable
Hot-dip GalvanizingCarbon steel / Q235BRough gray whiteHigh corrosion resistance (outdoor use)
BrushingStainless steel, aluminumLinear grainDecorative, fingerprint-resistant
SandblastingStainless steel, aluminumUniform matte satinRemoves scratches, improves texture
PassivationStainless steelNaturalEnhances corrosion resistance
AnodizingAluminum sheetMatte silver, black, etc.Hardness increase, corrosion resistance
Silk Screen / Pad PrintingVarious sheet metalsText / logo / patternIdentification, decoration
Laminating / Film CoatingStainless steel, aluminumClear / matte filmSurface protection, scratch prevention

Sheet Metal Parts – Common Surface Finishes

FinishApplicable MaterialsAppearanceKey Benefits
SandblastingZinc alloy, aluminum alloyUniform matte satinRemoves flow marks, improves adhesion
PolishingZinc alloy, aluminum alloyMirror / high glossDecorative (for plating or painting)
ElectroplatingZinc alloy, aluminum alloyBright chrome, nickel, antique copperDecorative, anti-rust, wear-resistant
Powder CoatingZinc alloy, aluminum alloyVarious colorsAnti-rust, decorative, hides defects
Chromate ConversionAluminum alloyGold / clearImproves adhesion, corrosion resistance
AnodizingLow-silicon aluminum alloyMatte silver, black, etc.Hardness increase, corrosion resistance
Electroless Nickel PlatingAluminum alloy, zinc alloyUniform matte silverUniform thickness, high hardness, corrosion resistance
Nano Spray CoatingZinc alloyVarious colorsEco-friendly, good adhesion, thin coating
PVD CoatingZinc alloy, aluminum alloyGold, rose gold, etc.High decorative, eco-friendly

Not sure which surface finish is right for your product?

The choice of surface treatment depends on material, application environment (indoor/outdoor/chemical exposure), cost budget, and appearance requirements. Our engineering team can provide free recommendations on surface finish solutions.

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