Comparisons · Finishes
Anodising or powder coating: which finish suits your aluminium?
How they look, how they hold up outdoors, near the sea and against knocks, and what upkeep they need.
In a nutshell
- Anodising: it keeps its metallic look for decades and stands up best to scuffs: it does not peel or flake.
- Powder coating: it comes in any colour, matt or gloss, holds up well outdoors and can be touched up.
- Outdoors, in sun and rain: anodising (5 against 4 out of 5).
- Knocks and scuffs: anodising (5 against 3 out of 5).
- Colours: powder coating (5 against 2 out of 5).
| Property | Anodising | Powder coating |
|---|---|---|
| How it looks | Metallic | Solid colour |
| Colours | Silver, bronze or black (2 out of 5) | All of them (5 out of 5) |
| Outdoors, in sun and rain | Excellent (5 out of 5) | Very good (4 out of 5) |
| Near the sea | Yes, reinforced (4 out of 5) | Yes, reinforced (4 out of 5) |
| Knocks and scuffs | Very hard (5 out of 5) | A knock marks it (3 out of 5) |
| Upkeep | Soap and water | Soap and water |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Values for guidance only, for architectural aluminium profiles; the points (1 to 5) compare the finishes with each other. The technical detail is in the Finishes lesson of the Aluminium Guide.
- Choose anodisingIt keeps its metallic look for decades and stands up best to scuffs: it does not peel or flake.
- Choose powder coatingIt comes in any colour, matt or gloss, holds up well outdoors and can be touched up.
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Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer outdoors, anodising or powder coating?
Anodising: excellent (5 out of 5). Powder coating: very good (4 out of 5).
Which stands up better to knocks and scuffs?
Anodising: very hard (5 out of 5). Powder coating: a knock marks it (3 out of 5).