Aluminum is a unique and versatile metal. Out of all the metals present around the globe, Aluminum has certain properties, which makes it fit for use in several situations. The material is light and has high strength, which is astonishing. Unlike every other metal, Aluminum cannot also undergo rusting and corrosion due to the formation of the oxide layer. However, an added layer can be formed on the metal to improve the appearance and enhance environmental protection, where custom aluminum extrusions are beneficial.

When Aluminum is exposed to air, a thin layer of oxide is formed on the metal surface, preventing the metal's corrosion. This protective layer acts as a surface finishing for the metal equipment. Aluminum has brilliant resistance to corrosion, but the metal still requires surface finishing for other reasons such as color, hardness, reflectivity, wear resistance, and electric insulation, according to the custom aluminum extrusions supplier. 

Here Are Six Types of Finishes That Can Be Applied To The Metal

1. Mechanical finishing on Aluminum - You may have observed aluminum beams and brackets having different textures on them. Well, these textures are a result of mechanical finishing. Mechanical finishing provides a unique identity to the custom aluminum extrusions and prepares the metal for further finishing techniques such as buffing, blasting, polishing, and sanding.
2. Pre-treatment of Aluminium - For the pre-treatment of the aluminum metal, the surface of the metal article is cleaned with an alkaline or acidic solution. Once the application is complete and the surface is thoroughly cleaned, a pre-treatment layer is applied on the surface of the metal. The application of pre-treatment material increases the corrosion resistance of aluminum and increases the paint adhesion on the surface.
3. Finishing using chemicals - One of the renowned ways of finishing any metal surface is using different chemicals. The chemical process is carried out using an aluminum article such as a beam and dipping it in the chemical solution. This is the basic principle behind most of the chemical finishing processes. In the case of aluminum, bright dipping is one of the highly utilized finishing processes. In this process, aluminum is dipped in a nitric or phosphoric acid solution.
4. Finishing of aluminum using anodizing - Anodizing is a combination of chemical and electrical processes. In this process, a porous anodic oxide layer is developed on the surface of the aluminum metal. The main idea behind anodizing the metal surface is to thicken the oxide film, which is formed naturally on the aluminum metal when it is exposed to the air. The thickening of the oxide layer will definitely enhance the corrosion resistance of custom aluminum extrusions.
5. Application of Liquid paint on the Aluminium surface - Painting the surface of a metal is one of the proven ways to reduce the chances of corrosion on it, increase the life of the metal and improve its appearance. Painting the surface of a metal liberates organic compounds during the baking process. Thus creating a thick film on custom aluminum extrusions.
6. Powder Coating the aluminum surface - When we apply paint on aluminum, volatile organic compounds are formed. However, these compounds are a threat to the environment. Therefore, powder coating can be done on the aluminum surface. Powder coating increases the rigidity of the film, and as the metal undergoes the baking process, the powder coating thickens.