Anodising, powder coating or wood effect?
Compare the four aluminium finishes at a glance: how they look, how well they last and what they cost.
What are you after?
| How it looks | Metal grey | Metallic | Solid colour | Wood grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colours | Just one | Silver, bronze or black | All of them | Several grains |
| Outdoors, in sun and rain | Goes dull | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
| Near the sea | Not advisable | Yes, reinforced | Yes, reinforced | Yes, reinforced |
| Knocks and scuffs | Scratches | Very hard | A knock marks it | Scratches show |
| Upkeep | None needed | Soap and water | Soap and water | Soap and water, never varnish |
| Price | The cheapest | Mid-range | Mid-range | The most expensive |
Near the sea or in an industrial area, say so when you order: the applicator uses a thicker layer or a reinforced treatment. For industrial parts that rub a lot there is hard anodising. The comparison is for guidance only; the technical detail is in the lesson Finishes: mill finish, anodising and powder coating.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, anodising or powder coating?
It depends on what you are after. Anodising is tougher against scuffs and knocks and keeps its metallic look for decades, but it only comes in silver, bronzes and black. Powder coating allows any colour and can be touched up, although a hard knock can mark it. Outdoors, both hold up very well if a reputable applicator does the job.
Which finish is best near the sea?
Anodising or powder coating, saying when you order that it will be near the sea: the applicator uses a thicker layer or a reinforced coastal treatment. Aluminium with no finish quickly stains with salt.
What is the cheapest finish?
Mill-finish aluminium, with no finish. Next come anodising and powder coating, which usually cost about the same depending on the colour and the quantity, and then wood effect.
Can wood-effect aluminium be used outdoors?
Yes, if the decoration is suitable for exterior use: ask for it that way when you order. The wood grain is transferred with heat onto a base coat of paint, so it is cleaned with soap and water like the rest of painted aluminium and never needs sanding or varnishing.