Comparisons · Finishes
Mill finish or anodising: 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
- Mill finish: it is the cheapest. It works well indoors, or if the part will later be machined, welded or finished elsewhere.
- Anodising: it keeps its metallic look for decades and stands up best to scuffs: it does not peel or flake.
- Outdoors, in sun and rain: anodising (5 against 2 out of 5).
- Knocks and scuffs: anodising (5 against 2 out of 5).
- Colours: anodising (2 against 1 out of 5).
| Property | Mill finish | Anodising |
|---|---|---|
| How it looks | Metal grey | Metallic |
| Colours | Just one (1 out of 5) | Silver, bronze or black (2 out of 5) |
| Outdoors, in sun and rain | Goes dull (2 out of 5) | Excellent (5 out of 5) |
| Near the sea | Not advisable (1 out of 5) | Yes, reinforced (4 out of 5) |
| Knocks and scuffs | Scratches (2 out of 5) | Very hard (5 out of 5) |
| Upkeep | None needed | Soap and water |
| Price | The cheapest | 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 mill finishIt is the cheapest. It works well indoors, or if the part will later be machined, welded or finished elsewhere.
- Choose anodisingIt keeps its metallic look for decades and stands up best to scuffs: it does not peel or flake.
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Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer outdoors, mill finish or anodising?
Mill finish: goes dull (2 out of 5). Anodising: excellent (5 out of 5).
Which stands up better to knocks and scuffs?
Mill finish: scratches (2 out of 5). Anodising: very hard (5 out of 5).