Powder coating
Works on steel, aluminum and stainless, gives a durable, chip-resistant color coat in almost any RAL or custom color, and is the most common choice for enclosures, brackets and panels that need a consistent painted look. Cure time and color-change setup add cost on very small runs.
Anodizing
Aluminum-only process that converts the surface into a hard oxide layer, giving better wear and corrosion resistance than paint along with a range of color options (clear, black and a limited color palette). Type II is standard-duty; Type III (hardcoat) suits parts with sliding wear or abrasion exposure.
Plating (zinc, nickel, chrome)
Mainly used on steel for corrosion protection or a specific conductive, wear or decorative surface property. Zinc plating is the common low-cost corrosion route for steel brackets and fasteners; nickel and chrome plating cost more but give a harder, more decorative finish.
Passivation for stainless
Not a coating but a chemical treatment that removes free iron from the surface after machining or welding, restoring stainless steel's natural corrosion resistance. Skipping it on welded stainless assemblies is a common cause of early rust at weld zones.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Base material fit | Anodizing is aluminum-only; plating and powder coat both work on steel; passivation is stainless-specific. |
| Environment | Outdoor, humid or chemical-exposure environments favor anodizing (aluminum) or plating (steel) over paint alone. |
| Wear surfaces | Sliding or abrasive contact points favor hardcoat anodizing or hard plating over powder coat, which can chip. |
| Color and cosmetic needs | Powder coat gives the widest color range; anodizing and plating are more limited but more durable. |
| Conductivity | Standard anodizing and powder coat are electrically insulating; specify chromate conversion or masked contact areas if grounding is required. |
| Lead time and MOQ | Custom powder coat colors and small anodizing lots both add setup time; confirm minimum run size before locking a finish. |
Next step
Use the guide to prepare a cleaner inquiry, then attach the best available files through the RFQ form. If an item is unknown, say so directly so the first reply can separate quote assumptions from confirmed requirements.