DESIGN & FINISHING GUIDE

A Guide to Finishes by Material

Not all finishes can be applied to all materials. This guide breaks down the most common and effective finishing options based on your chosen material.

Finishes for Aluminum

Anodizing (Type II & III)

The best choice for aluminum. Creates a hard, durable, corrosion-resistant surface.

Powder Coating

Provides a very durable, thick, and colorful protective coating.

Bead Blasting

Creates a uniform matte texture, often as a pre-treatment for anodizing.

Chromate Conversion

Provides corrosion resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity.

Finishes for Steel

Powder Coating

The most common and effective way to protect steel from rust and provide a durable, cosmetic finish.

Zinc Plating

A cost-effective plating method that provides excellent corrosion resistance for steel parts (galvanizing).

Black Oxide

A conversion coating that provides mild corrosion resistance and a deep black appearance without changing part dimensions.

Heat Treatment

Processes like case hardening and quenching/tempering are used to increase the surface hardness and strength of steel parts.

Finishes for Plastics

As-Machined / As-Molded

The raw finish from the manufacturing process. The most cost-effective option.

Painting

The most versatile option for plastics. Can match any color and provide various gloss levels for a Class-A appearance.

Vapor Smoothing

For 3D prints (Nylon, ABS), this process creates a sealed, semi-glossy, injection-molded-like surface.

Electroplating

Special "plating-grade" plastics like ABS can be plated with chrome or other metals for a metallic appearance.

Material Finishing FAQ

Can you anodize steel?

No. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that is specific to certain non-ferrous metals, primarily aluminum and to a lesser extent, titanium. It cannot be performed on steel or any plastic.

What is the best way to get a metallic finish on a plastic part?

There are two ways. For the most authentic result, you can use electroplating on a plating-grade plastic like ABS. For a more cost-effective solution for prototypes, we can use specialized metallic paints to create a very realistic brushed or polished metal appearance on any plastic part.