Different types of aluminum finishes and how to choose them
Most aluminum products require protective coatings or decorative finishes, but the companies that sell them don’t know enough about them. Please don’t be surprised, as the process of finish machining is often complex. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a professional and quality manufacturer (Hugh aluminum) to work with. ——Hugh Aluminum has finishing services such as powder coating, aluminum anodizing , anodic electrophoresis and woodgrain.
In the following blog, we will help you to recognize all the finish processes for aluminum products. Discuss how to choose the right finish for your aluminum parts, the benefits of each surface coating. Read on, these can help you find the best surface solution for you!
Types of Aluminum Finishes
When you want to know how many ways can you finish the appearance of an aluminum product? My answer is more than twenty, but these are some of the more popular finish options: anodizing, powder coated, mill finish, woodgrain, and PVDF. So, we’re going to give you an overview of these finishes today to help you get a better understanding of them.
What is Powder coating？
Powder coating is a kind of aluminum surface treatment technology, which evenly sprays powder coating on the surface of aluminum through electrostatic action, and after high temperature baking and curing, forming a layer of hard, beautiful and durable coating.
How does it work?
Powder is charged by the gun electrode during the spraying process, ejected through the nozzle and forms a uniform coating on the surface of the charged workpiece. Aluminum parts with charged powder are then sent to a high temperature oven, which is generally at a temperature of (180-210 degrees Celsius). After curing at high temperature, the powder coating becomes hard and glossy.
Belows video from Hugh aluminum can detailed this finishing：
Advantage of powder coating finish
No environmental pollution:
Powder coating does not require the use of solvents, reducing the environmental pollution caused by the evaporation of liquid solvents. In addition, the excess powder of powder particles in the spraying process can be collected and recycled for reuse, reducing powder pollution.
Excellent coating quality:
The coating formed by powder spraying has the characteristics of uniformity and denseness, and it can effectively protect the surface of aluminum from corrosion. The coating has high hardness and wear resistance, which can improve the hardness and strength of aluminum parts.
What is anodizing finish and how it works？
Aluminum anodizing is an electrochemical treatment. When the aluminum metal in the corresponding electrolyte under the process conditions, through the role of the applied current, the formation of a layer of oxide film on the aluminum products process. The color of the aluminum metal is formed according to the submerged electrolyte, and the color of the electrolyte is transferred to the aluminum metal through the electric current.
Advantage of anodizing finish
Excellent insulating property:
Aluminum oxide is an insulating material, so anodized aluminum parts have excellent electrical insulation. Anodized aluminum is able to be a material for electronic enclosures because it is insulating.
What is Mill Finish Aluminum?
Mill Finished Aluminum refers to aluminum metal that has not been treated or further processed in any way. The surface of aluminum in this form is metallic in texture and may be a bit dull. It has just been made through the extrusion process and has not been subjected to the next step of processing.
Why choose it?
If it has not been treated in any way, why do many people choose it? This is because mill finished aluminum retains the appearance of aluminum metal and also retains the properties of aluminum metal. Mill Finished Aluminum is a great choice for those looking for durability and a lower budget.
In addition, some designers want to display their houses or commercial settings more aggressively. This requires the help of mill finish aluminum, the unique metallic texture can make a tough and modern style.
Preventing Corrosion
Anodizing adds a protective oxide film to the surface of aluminum, which is highly resistant to corrosion. Even in harsh environments such as seawater, typhoons or man-made corrosion (beer or ketchup). It protects the aluminum from being affected.
What is woodgrain finish？
The wood grain aluminum process is to make the pigments in the ink change chemically on the surface of the aluminum through the action of high temperature and high pressure, so as to form the same texture effect as the surface of the wood. Many consumers want aluminum products that resemble the appearance of wood, so this process of wood grain finish is preferred by more consumers.
It is a good solution to the difficulty of replacing wood with aluminum！
Wood-like appearance:
The wood grain surface process is capable of producing wood grain patterns in a wide range of colors and textures, giving the aluminum surface a realistic wood effect. It can replace wood as an outdoor aluminum railing. Wood-like finish but resistant to corrosion. This makes the woodgrain finish popular with railing manufacturers.
What is PVDF finish
Its full name is polyvinylidene fluoride coating process. It is an advanced surface treatment technology that applies PVDF resin coating to the surface of aluminum. The coating is applied to the aluminum metal and then baked at high temperature (180-250°C) to cure the coating. This PVDF finish has a fairly strong adhesion and will not peel off after 15 years of normal use.
Benefits of using it:
Excellent weathering resistance:
The PVDF coating has excellent UV resistance and weatherability. It maintains a consistent appearance and performance in a variety of harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, it is often used in the finishes of aluminum railings, aluminum wall panels.
High adhesion:
Compared with powder coating and anodizing. the finish adhesion of PVDF is stronger, it is less likely to peel or fade. Because epoxy resin’s adsorption is more powerful, luxury outdoor aluminum products often need its help. Examples include golf clubs, tents and aluminum water bottles.
Which is the best aluminum finish option?
If you want to improve the durability of your parts
Anodizing or PVDF finishing would be the best choice. This is because both finishes will give you a protective coating on the surface of the part. It can effectively protect your parts from corrosion or UV. However, these two finishes will be more expensive. If you have a low budget for your project, choosing this type of finish will be difficult.
Stylish look and multiple color options
Powder coating is the best option. Different colors of powder can help you get a beautiful look. Powder coating allows you to mix powders to change the surface finish of aluminum products. According to Hugh aluminum’s powder coating guide, there are over 400+ color options. Many color options are available to meet different design needs.
If you want a finish to match the nature wood
Woodgrain finish would be the best option. A woodgrain finish can help your aluminum products get a wood-like appearance. This process is uniquely decorative and can help your building project replace wood. When wood materials cannot resist corrosion and harsh outdoor environments, woodgrain aluminum will be the perfect solution.
A original look and a low budget option
Mill finish aluminum has a smooth aluminum surface. It is in its most pristine state with no surface treatment. Therefore, it is cheaper compared to other finishes. The metallic look has a unique ambiance and meets some of the design needs. It is important to note that it is not as corrosion resistant as other finishes, which is dangerous if you install the mill finish aluminum part on the seashore.
Here you can find the best finishes!
Before deciding if aluminum finishing is right for you, it’s important to carefully consider all aspects of your project.
In addition to anodizing, powder coating, PVDF and woodgrain. There are other aluminum finishes to consider. So be sure to research all options! Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific requirements and expectations for your final application.
So if you are looking for aluminum extrusion finishing and Hugh Aluminum can help!
Hugh Aluminum is a large aluminum extrusion manufacturer located in China. Currently we have aluminum anodizing, powder coating, PVDF, wood grain and anodic electrophoresis aluminum finishing services.
If you need to purchase aluminum products in bulk or looking for quality suppliers, feel free to ask our team！
