Premium grade metals and high quality finishes

This non-reflective finish is similar to the satin finish that we achieve in stainless steel. While this finish has a perceivable direction of grain, this is smoother and more subtle than the brushed / grained finish. To achieve this our polishers abrade a mirror polished aluminium tube or component using a coarse mop.

We strongly advise that the tubing and metal parts are anodised post-polishing to prevent the aluminium from oxidising. This will also serve to strengthen this relatively soft metal.  

Our brushed / grained finish is similar to the brushed finish that we achieve in stainless steel. This finish has deeper directional grain lines than satin polish, and is a coarser finish than the satin polish. It is sometimes referred to as a dull polish.

We strongly advise that the tubing and metal parts are anodised post-polishing to prevent the aluminium from oxidising. This will also serve to strengthen this relatively soft metal.  

If you want to achieve a reflective surface then we can polish the aluminium to a mirror finish.

We highly recommend that the tubing is anodised post-polishing. However please note that this thickened layer will slightly dull the metal’s brightness, so you may wish to get samples made prior to full production.

Often referred to as sand-blasting, this process actually ‘blasts’ materials such as glass beads or even bicarbonate of soda onto metal to achieve a variety of grained finishes. This is an attractive option if you require a textured but uniform finish.
The finer the grain used (such as fine glass beads), the smoother and more delicate the finish.

Blasting also has the added benefit of preparing the surface for anodising by creating a better ‘key’ for the coating to bond to thanks to the tiny peaks and troughs that it forms on the substrate. The metal will need to be anodised after this process to prevent oxidisation.

If you have specified aluminium tubing for your application then you will probably find that you want to increase its robustness and resistance to corrosion by choosing to have it anodised. This electrolytic treatment produces a coating of aluminium oxide, which upon request, can be dyed to produce colours such as black, red, blue and purple.  

We work closely with one of the UK’s leading aluminium anodisers to ensure that you get the right finish for your application. Typically our clients will select sulphuric anodising, which offers the same robustness as stainless steel (different thicknesses are available depending upon the desired hardness or colour).

For applications that require a thicker protective coating of over 25 microns, hard anodising will be required. It is important to note that a thick coat of anodising (such as hard clear anodising) is likely to darken the original shade of the base material. We urge all clients to consider this if aesthetics are crucial to the end-application.
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Tubing and machined aluminium parts will need to be welded prior to anodising so as not to damage the surface.

We work with trusted suppliers who can powder-coat pre-treated aluminium tubing to an excellent standard, helping to improve the metal's corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.

Powder coating is available in a wide range of colours and finishes.