SURFACE FINISHES

Choose the Right Finish.
Engineer Better Parts.

Select a finish by starting with the substrate, then the part’s functional need, exposure, appearance target and the surfaces that must remain suitable for assembly.

Finish SelectionMaterial, function and appearanceSpecification ReviewCritical surfaces and maskingProject ScopeQuantity and assembly needs
Black finished precision machined componentsSame Part.
Different Possibilities.

INDIVIDUAL FINISHING OPTIONS

Explore Finish Families

Each card represents one individual treatment. Compare substrate compatibility, protection or appearance needs, masking, dimensional effect and downstream assembly before making a selection.

Real as machined surface finish example

As Machined

A natural CNC-machined surface with visible tool marks and no additional treatment.

Best for: Functional parts and tight-tolerance interfacesLearn More
Real anodizing surface finish example

Anodizing

An aluminum finish route reviewed with corrosion protection, appearance, critical interfaces and any masking requirement in the drawing.

Best for: Aluminum components with defined surface requirementsLearn More
Real sandblasting surface finish example

Sandblasting

A uniform matte texture that prepares surfaces and reduces visible machining marks.

Best for: Matte metal surfacesLearn More
Real powder coating surface finish example

Powder Coating

A durable colored coating for protection, consistency and exterior appearance.

Best for: Protected metal enclosuresLearn More
Real painting surface finish example

Painting

A flexible color finish for visual requirements and controlled surface coverage.

Best for: Custom color requirementsLearn More
Real polishing surface finish example

Polishing

A mirror or satin finish that improves the visual quality of exposed components.

Best for: Decorative metal componentsLearn More
Real brushing surface finish example

Brushing

A directional satin texture with a consistent, engineered appearance.

Best for: Stainless and aluminum panelsLearn More
Real passivation surface finish example

Passivation

A cleaning and treatment process that improves stainless-steel corrosion resistance.

Best for: Stainless-steel componentsLearn More
Real electroplating surface finish example

Electroplating

A metallic plated layer for added corrosion resistance, conductivity or appearance.

Best for: Steel, brass and aluminumLearn More
Real electroless plating surface finish example

Electroless Plating

A uniform nickel-based coating that reaches complex part geometries.

Best for: Complex geometry partsLearn More
Real black oxide surface finish example

Black Oxide

A low-build black conversion finish for steel parts with controlled dimensions.

Best for: Steel precision componentsLearn More
Real chemical etching surface finish example

Chemical Etching

Controlled material removal for patterns, markings and fine surface detail.

Best for: Detailed metal featuresLearn More
Real laser engraving / marking surface finish example

Laser Engraving / Marking

Permanent, high-contrast identification for logos, labels and traceability.

Best for: Part identificationLearn More
Real pvd coating surface finish example

PVD Coating

A decorative metallic coating route reviewed with the substrate, appearance target and surfaces that must remain functional.

Best for: Visible metal surfaces with defined appearance requirementsLearn More
Real heat treatment surface finish example

Heat Treatment

A bulk thermal process that adjusts material hardness and mechanical performance.

Best for: Strength-critical metal partsLearn More
Real thermal spraying surface finish example

Thermal Spraying

A technical coating route for protection in demanding wear or temperature environments.

Best for: Heavy-duty componentsLearn More
Real lacquering / clear coating surface finish example

Lacquering / Clear Coating

A transparent protective layer that preserves metal appearance while adding protection.

Best for: Visible finished partsLearn More
Real texturing surface finish example

Texturing

A controlled patterned surface for grip, reduced glare or a distinct visual finish.

Best for: Functional and cosmetic surfacesLearn More

COMPARE COMMON OPTIONS

Finish Performance Matrix

Use this guide to compare material compatibility, relative finish purpose, appearance and the interfaces that need project-specific review. It is not a substitute for drawing review.

Ask for the full guide
FinishCompatible MaterialCorrosionWearAppearanceDimensional ConsiderationSpecification Note
As MachinedCompatible metalsBasicBasicMetallicNo added finish layerKeep functional interfaces identified
AnodizingAluminumHighMediumMatte / satinReview dimensional effectSpecify color and critical surfaces
SandblastingCompatible metalsMediumBasicUniform matteReview texture on critical facesNatural appearance
Powder CoatingCompatible metalsHighMediumSmooth / texturedReview coating buildSpecify appearance requirement
PaintingCompatible metalsMediumBasicSmooth / controlledReview coating buildSpecify appearance requirement
PolishingSteel, aluminum, brassMediumBasicMirror / satinReview cosmetic and mating surfacesMetallic appearance
BrushingAluminum, stainless, brassBasicBasicDirectional satinReview grain directionNatural appearance
PassivationStainless steelHighBasicClean metallicReview functional surfacesNatural appearance
ElectroplatingCompatible metalsHighMediumBright metallicReview plated interfacesSpecify finish requirement
Electroless PlatingMetal, selected plasticsHighMediumUniform metallicReview feature coverageSpecify finish requirement
Black OxideSteel, stainlessMediumMediumBlackReview critical dimensionsBlack appearance
Chemical EtchingMetal, selected plasticsBasicBasicPatterned / matteControlled surface changeNatural appearance
Laser Engraving / MarkingMetal, plasticBasicBasicPermanent markSurface markingHigh-contrast marking
PVD CoatingMetalHighHighDecorative metallicReview coated interfacesSpecify appearance requirement
Heat TreatmentMetalBasicHighMaterial dependentBulk material processMaterial dependent
Thermal SprayingMetalHighHighTechnical coatingReview coating buildMaterial dependent
Lacquering / Clear CoatingMetal, selected plasticsMediumBasicClear gloss / matteReview coated interfacesClear appearance
TexturingMetal, selected plasticsBasicBasicPatterned textureSurface patternSpecify texture requirement

QUALITY YOU CAN VERIFY

Specify the Surfaces That Matter.

Define cosmetic faces, critical dimensions, threads, bearing and sealing surfaces, contact areas, masking zones and downstream assembly needs before the finish route is finalized.

ISO 9001ISO 14001ISO 45001IATF 16949RoHS Compliant — specified materials and orders
Real surface roughness measurement of a precision component

ENGINEERING FAQ

Questions Before You Specify?

Get practical answers, or bring your drawing to our engineers for a project-specific recommendation.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Tell Us About Your Project.

Share the drawing, substrate, finish, visible or critical surfaces, masking needs, quantity and downstream assembly requirements. Identify threads, bores, bearing fits and contact areas that need protection during finish review.

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Surface Finishing Options for Custom Parts | T-One