The mill finish aluminum vs. anodized aluminum is a very hot topic. When it comes to appearance, it is difficult to distinguish between mill finish aluminum and anodized aluminum simply by looking at them. Both times of products are manufactured by rolling sheets of metal into rods and then cutting the rods into lengths needed for the product (in most cases).
The difference of mill finish aluminum and anodized aluminum
Metals will be flat and smooth when manufactured, before being cut into pieces that become floor needs or other items for our home.
The only difference in appearance between these two types of metal is their color, which is the result of different coloring processes used during manufacture.
Mill Finish Aluminum
Mill finish aluminum is an unpolished aluminum that has been cut or ground. Anodized aluminum is an electrochemical process of applying a colored, hard and durable coating to the surface of aluminum. The mill finish looks duller and smoother whereas the anodized finish consists of glossy color and a textured feel.
A mill finish aluminum is a raw material, it has no coating and can be sold in this form.
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized aluminum is considerably more durable than mill finish aluminum. It also has a shinier surface and is more scratch resistant. The anodizing process uses electricity to make the surface of the metal super hard, which protects it from scratches and dents. It’s desirable for components that will be subject to contact with fluids or with wear and tear, such as door hinges or other fixtures that might get scuffed up over time.
Anodized aluminum, on the other hand, is coated with a chemical such as PVD or CVD to get the color coating ranging from transparent to black.
The main difference between anodized aluminum and mill finish is that the mill finish looks more like aluminum, while anodized finishes can be tinted, colored, or textured.
The anodized color goes through a chemical process of oxidation while the mill finish is polished or has imperfections that are left in place.
