Buying Guides5 min read
Choosing between our three standard finish grades
By Operations Team
Mill finish is the as-machined surface with no additional treatment. It's the cheapest option and fine for parts that will be painted, powder-coated, or hidden inside an assembly where cosmetic appearance doesn't matter.
Bead-blasted finish gives a uniform matte texture and removes minor tooling marks. It's a mid-cost step up, common for parts that are visible but don't need corrosion resistance beyond what the base material already offers.
Anodized finish adds a hard, corrosion-resistant oxide layer (aluminum parts only) and comes in a few standard colors. It costs more and adds a few days to lead time, but is worth it for parts exposed to handling, moisture, or repeated wear.
If you're unsure which grade your application needs, tell us where the part will be used (indoor/outdoor, visible/hidden, handled frequently or rarely) and we'll recommend the grade that avoids over-paying for finish you don't need.


