Metal Finishing Services
Protect, enhance, and extend the performance of Specialty Metals with Metal Finishing Services.
We offer a range of pre- and post-fabrication finishing options for Carbon Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, including Pre-Galvanized, Hot-Dipped Galvanized, and Powder Coated materials, as well as Custom Solutions tailored to your project requirements.
Post-fabrication services such as Hot-Dip Galvanizing and Powder Coating provide essential corrosion resistance and long-term durability in demanding environments. For architectural applications, Aluminum can be Anodized, and Stainless Steel can be polished to deliver a clean, refined appearance.
For projects requiring precise color control, RAL color matching is available across a variety of coatings and textures.
Explore Metal Finishing Services
In addition to professional Metal Finishing Services, many customers choose to paint or apply their own finishes to Specialty Metals and Gratings products for a more personal touch.
Why Choose a Professional Finish?
Corrosion Protection
Engineered finishes such as Hot-Dip Galvanizing for Carbon Steel and high-performance Powder Coating systems significantly reduce oxidation, extend service life, and minimize maintenance requirements.
Aesthetic Control
Powder Coating enables precise RAL color matching and consistent surface textures across Carbon Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel for uniform, high-quality visual results.
Performance & Longevity
Finished surfaces improve durability, ease of cleaning, and user safety while maintaining structural integrity over time. Certain Powder Coated Steel products can achieve up to a 3,000-hour salt spray rating for use in coastal and high-exposure environments.
Typical Applications
- Infrastructure and Municipal: Hot-Dipped Galvanized Bar Grating, Stair Treads, and structural components.
- Marine and Coastal: Hot-Dipped Galvanized and high-performance Powder Coated products designed for salt exposure.
- Architectural: Powder Coated Carbon Steel or Aluminum Perforated Metal, Anodized Aluminum, and polished Stainless Steel for refined aesthetics and brand-aligned finishes.
- Industrial and OEM: Machine guards, enclosures, and equipment in Carbon Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel requiring durable finishes and color-coded safety identification.
Performance Testing
For high-exposure applications involving Carbon Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel, performance criteria should be based on verified laboratory data. Key metrics include:
- Salt spray resistance (ASTM B117)
- UV resistance (color retention)
- Coating adhesion
- Coating hardness
McNICHOLS provides supporting test data for both standard and specialty coating systems. Finish selection should be verified based on environmental conditions and material type.
Color Matching
McNICHOLS offers RAL color matching and a range of textures for Powder Coating and paint systems to achieve consistent color results. Physical swatches or samples are recommended prior to final approval, especially for branded applications where color accuracy is critical.
One-Stop Support and Logistics
McNICHOLS integrates Fabrication, Cut-to-Size, and Finishing Services for Carbon Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, streamlining procurement and reducing vendor coordination. With a nationwide network of 19 Metals Service Centers, we support efficient project execution through local pickup and dedicated delivery.
Ready to Specify Your Finish?
Speak with a Customer Service Specialist to choose the right finishing system, establish performance criteria, and coordinate fabrication and delivery.
We carry a wide variety of Hole Products to meet your project needs, including Perforated Metal, Expanded Metal, and Wire Mesh, as well as Bar Grating, Plank Grating, and Fiberglass Grating. We are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 813.466.6979, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.
FAQ
Hot-Dip Galvanizing provides effective corrosion protection for coastal environments. For enhanced performance and improved aesthetics, a duplex system combining Galvanizing with Powder Coating is recommended.
Post-fabrication finishing is generally recommended for Carbon Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel to prevent coating fractures at bends and formed areas.
Pre-Galvanized Steel, however, is coated prior to fabrication and provides a smooth, factory-applied finish, but may be susceptible to coating disruption at cut edges and bends.
Yes. RAL color matching is available, and physical samples can be provided for approval prior to production.
Lead times vary based on finish type, material (Carbon Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel), and project volume. Contact a Customer Service Specialist for project-specific scheduling. Our nationwide network of Metals Service Centers supports efficient turnaround times.