Comparisons · Finishes
Powder coating or wood effect: which finish suits your aluminium?
How they look, how they hold up outdoors, near the sea and against knocks, and what upkeep they need.
In a nutshell
- Powder coating: it comes in any colour, matt or gloss, holds up well outdoors and can be touched up.
- Wood effect: it gives the warmth of wood without rotting, without swelling and without ever needing varnish.
- Colours: powder coating (5 against 3 out of 5).
| Property | Powder coating | Wood effect |
|---|---|---|
| How it looks | Solid colour | Wood grain |
| Colours | All of them (5 out of 5) | Several grains (3 out of 5) |
| Outdoors, in sun and rain | Very good (4 out of 5) | Very good (4 out of 5) |
| Near the sea | Yes, reinforced (4 out of 5) | Yes, reinforced (4 out of 5) |
| Knocks and scuffs | A knock marks it (3 out of 5) | Scratches show (3 out of 5) |
| Upkeep | Soap and water | Soap and water, never varnish |
| Price | Mid-range | The most expensive |
Values for guidance only, for architectural aluminium profiles; the points (1 to 5) compare the finishes with each other. The technical detail is in the Finishes lesson of the Aluminium Guide.
- Choose powder coatingIt comes in any colour, matt or gloss, holds up well outdoors and can be touched up.
- Choose wood effectIt gives the warmth of wood without rotting, without swelling and without ever needing varnish.
Still not sure which to use?
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Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer outdoors, powder coating or wood effect?
Powder coating: very good (4 out of 5). Wood effect: very good (4 out of 5).
Which stands up better to knocks and scuffs?
Powder coating: a knock marks it (3 out of 5). Wood effect: scratches show (3 out of 5).