Surface finish does more than improve appearance — it protects metal from corrosion, wear and UV exposure. Two of the most common options for sheet metal parts are powder coating and anodizing. Which one fits your project?

Powder coating: applies a dry polymer powder electrostatically to the part, then cures it under heat. It works on steel, aluminum and most metals, offers a wide range of colors and textures, and is generally the more economical choice for enclosures, cabinets and outdoor equipment. It is highly durable, UV-resistant and easy to touch up.

Anodizing: builds a protective oxide layer on the surface of aluminum through an electrochemical process. It is ideal for aluminum parts that need a hard, corrosion-resistant, decorative finish with excellent wear resistance. It does not add color options as broadly as powder coating and is limited to aluminum.

Choose powder coating when: you need any color, steel or mixed materials, outdoor protection, or a cost-effective finish for large enclosures.

Choose anodizing when: your part is aluminum, needs a premium metallic look, high wear resistance or excellent corrosion performance.

At JSD, we provide both powder coating and related surface treatments in-house. Send us your drawings and environment requirements — our engineers will recommend the most suitable, cost-effective finish.