How to Choose Metal Materials and Surface Finishes: A Quick Guide for Designers

Choosing the right metal and surface finish is essential to achieving both quality and craftsmanship. This article offers a concise guide to common materials, their uses, and practical tips for pairing them with surface effects.

Comparison of Metal Material Properties

Material	Grade / Specification	Material Characteristics	Suitable Surface Finishes
Stainless Steel (SUS)	301 / 304 / 430 (magnetic) / 316 (acid & alkali resistant)	Corrosion-resistant, structurally stable	Raw / Hairline / Polished / Matte / Titanium Plating
Brass	1/2H、H	Warm color tone; requires coating or plating	Raw / Hairline / Polished / Sandblasted / Plated / Antique
Copper	1/2H、H	Reddish tone; requires coating; less often plated	Raw / Hairline / Polished / Sandblasted / Plated / Antique
Aluminum	Japanese material / 1050 / 5052 / 6061 / 6062	Softer hardness; not suitable for openwork etching	Raw / Hairline / Plowed Finish / Anodized / Diamond-Cut / Embossed

Overview of Surface Finishes | Designer’s Material Reference

Material	Description
Raw / Natural Finish	Shows the metal’s original texture. Depending on the material, can be matte, bright, or mirror finish. Suitable for products that embrace the natural metal color and can accept minor surface scratches.
Hairline (Brushed)	Choose the hairline direction according to design needs to convey a refined, solid feel. Works well with inlay colors or printing. For materials thicker than 1.0 mm, minor surface pits may appear during brushing (depends on actual material).
Polished	Enhances metal brightness and produces a radiant surface. Often combined with matte, sandblasted, or plated effects. Commonly used for badges, commemorative coins, keychains, and ornaments.
Matte / Sandblasted	Creates a soft, refined texture that reduces reflectivity, giving a subdued, elegant feel. For stainless steel, consider adding a gloss or matte protective coating to minimize fingerprints. Often paired with polished surfaces for bookmarks, nameplates, or decorative items.
Electroplating	Produces various metal colors such as gold, nickel, black nickel, rose gold, etc. Can be combined with inlay colors or sandblasted textures to enhance contrast and depth. Widely applied to badges, keychains, and decorative products.
Titanium Plating	Available in gold, champagne gold, black, coffee, and other tones.。 Offers excellent corrosion resistance, acid/alkali resistance, and wear resistance. Ideal for outdoor use or products requiring durable and vibrant finishes, such as outdoor plaques.
Antique / Patina Finish	Provides a vintage look with colors like antique silver, bronze, or red copper. Color may vary ±10% per batch and will naturally darken over time. Can be combined with partial engraving or inlay for enhanced depth and layering. Suitable for cultural/creative products, artisan crafts, or signage.

Every metal material and surface finish is an essential part of the design language. Choosing the right material and pairing it with a suitable finish not only enhances the product’s quality, but also reflects the brand’s spirit and design intent. MicroMetal offers a diverse material library and extensive processing experience, helping you find the optimal production combination based on your design, application, and budget.

Unsure which material or surface finish best suits your project? Contact us for personalized advice and sample support!

How to Choose Metal Materials and Surface Finishes: A Quick Guide for Designers

Comparison of Metal Material Properties

Overview of Surface Finishes | Designer’s Material Reference

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