06 Nov How to Maintain Metal Finishes
Metal finishing enhances durability, improves corrosion resistance, and gives finished components a professional look. Whether your parts are anodized, plated, or coated, proper care is essential to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are a few practical tips for maintaining equipment with finished metal parts.
Finished Metal Maintenance 101
1. Understand the Finish on Your Product
Knowing your finish helps you choose the right maintenance methods, because not all finishes require the same level of care.
For example:
- Anodized aluminum offers strong corrosion resistance, but may require gentle cleaning to preserve its oxide layer.
- Electroless nickel plating provides excellent wear resistance, but you should avoid abrasive scrubbing to prevent damage.
- While CARC paint adds a tough barrier, harsh chemicals might damage the surface.
2. Clean Regularly, But Gently
Dust, dirt, and oil can degrade protective finishes over time. Use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean surfaces. Avoid abrasive pads, wire brushes, or harsh cleaners unless the finish is specifically designed to withstand them. After cleaning, make sure to rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to prevent water spots and corrosion.
3. Protect Against Corrosion
Even highly resistant finishes can suffer in harsh environments. If your product is exposed to saltwater, chemicals, or high humidity, additional protection may be necessary. You can apply protective oils, waxes, or sealants recommended for the specific finish to help extend its lifespan.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Strong acids, alkalis, and industrial cleaners can damage protective coatings and metal plating. When possible, store and use finished metal equipment in environments free of these chemicals. If you can’t avoid chemical exposure, additional protective finishes can help prevent degradation.
5. Handle with Care
Scratches and dents not only affect appearance, they also compromise the protective finish. It’s essential to handle and transport finished parts carefully. Protective packaging, padded storage, and proper stacking can help preserve the integrity of your metal finishes.
6. Perform Routine Inspections
Set a schedule for inspecting high-use components and any exposed metal parts. Regular inspections can help you identify early signs of wear, discoloration, or corrosion. Detecting problems early on allows you to plan for maintenance or refinishing while the damage can still be repaired.
7. Refinish When Necessary
Even the best metal finishes may show signs of wear over time. Fortunately, many finishes can be reapplied to restore performance and protection. If your metal finishes ever become compromised, reach out to CRC Surface Technologies to discuss your options. We can either refinish your components or upgrade to a more durable coating.
Metal Finishing Services in Phoenix
With proper care, you can maximize the durability of your equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and extend its lifespan. However, longer-lasting results do require a professional finishing process to begin with.
CRC Surface Technologies in Phoenix offers a wide range of high quality metal finishing treatments to machine shops nationwide. To request a quote, please email rfq@chemresearchco.com, or call us at 602-253-4175 to learn more.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/6/2025). Photo by Toon Lambrechts on Unsplash