Finish Selection Guide

Color Options

To see some of our color options, click HERE. We can match any color sample you send to us.

Metal Finishes

Electroplating
(Galvanic plating,
rack & barrel electroplating)

Function: Applies a layer of metal to the part
Advantage: Cost, strong adhesion
Finishes: To see some of our finish options click HERE (last two rows).
Metals: Steel, brass or zinc
Coating material: nickel, brass, gold, silver, tin, or copper
Process: Galvanic plating is the process of applying a protective non-corrosive metal coating to the part in order to prevent rusting and also (optionally) provide an aesthetic shield.
In Rack Electroplating, the parts are individually hung from a rack, then each rack is dipped into a solution of metal to be bonded. Rack Electroplating is used for a high-quality finish.
In Barrel Electroplating, the parts are placed in bulk in a barrel which rotates as the electroplating takes place. Barrel Electroplating provides a more commercial grade finish.

PVD
(Physical Vapor Deposition)

Function: Applies precision thin-film material finishes
Advantage: High Quality, Durability
Metals: Steel, brass or zinc
Coating material: Various
Process: The coating material is vaporized in a vacuum; the atomic vapor condenses onto the part leaving a thin and uniform surface.

Clear Coats & Colors

Anodizing	Function: Applies bright colors to aluminum parts Advantage: Increases resistance to corrosion and wear Metals: Aluminum Coating material: Chemical dye Process: The surface of the aluminum is coated by electrolysis with a colored chemical dye, which bonds to the surface.
Dip and spin	Function: Applies clear coat Advantage: Corrosion resistance Metals: All metals Coating material: lacquer (nitro-cellulose, polyester, or polyurethane) Process: Parts are immersed in a barrel holding the coating material. The barrel is then spun to complete the process and remove excess coating.
E-Coating (electrophoresis, electrocoating, electrophoretic lacquering)	Function: Almost invisible clear coat which is very thin, very clear, and very durable. Advantage: Corrosion resistance and superior aesthetic clarity Metals: All metals Coating material: Metallic-based lacquer or paint Process: E-coating uses electrolysis to apply lacquer or paint. After electrolysis, the parts are baked for curing.
Electrostatic powder coating	Function: Thick, hard finish tougher than conventional paint. Advantage: Aesthetics, durability and corrosion resistance. Metals: All metals Coating material: Plastic (acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, others) Process: Parts are individually racked and electrically positive-charged. The negative-charged powder sticks to the part by static electricity. The rack is then placed in an oven until the powder is baked on.
Painting (barrel & spray)	Function: Applying color and decorative finishes. Advantage: Unlimited colors offered by paint and lacquer Colors: To see some of our color options click HERE. We can match any color sample you send to us. Metals: All metals Coating material: Clear coat (lacquer), paint (enamel), epoxy Process: Spray painting - individual parts are suspended from a rack or put on a tray before the paint is sprayed Spray painting provides smooth, blemish-free finish. Barrel Painting - Multiple parts are inserted into a container which is rotated as the paint is sprayed. Barrel painting is available at a lower cost.
Plastic coating (minicoating)	Function: Applies a plastic coating Advantage: More durable than paint; consistent quality and thickness of coating; very good corrosion resistance Metals: steel, brass aluminum, and stainless steel Coating material: nylon, acrylic and epoxies Process: Plastic powder is applied to the parts, which are heated to melt the powder.