At Macy Industries, we match every project with the right finish, whether that means a smooth wet paint, a tough, colorful powder coat, the rugged corrosion resistance of galvanizing, or even something a little more specialized like anodizing.
Our Go-To Finishes for Most Metal Fabrication Projects
Over decades of fabrication work, we’ve found that three finishes meet the needs of the majority of our clients: powder coating, galvanizing, and wet paint.
Powder Coating
With powder coating, a dry powder is electrostatically applied and cured under heat. A powder-coated finish stands up well to chips, scratches, and general wear while offering nearly endless color options. This durable finish is used in a variety of applications, including consumer products, automotive parts, and enclosures.
Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing adds a zinc layer to steel for exceptional corrosion resistance, making it a go-to for outdoor structures, safety rails, and other components exposed to harsh environments. Galvanized finishes are typically selected when protection is the top priority over appearance, such as with HVAC components or construction materials.
Wet Paint
Paint allows for excellent color matching and can be a more budget-friendly option in some cases. While it’s not as thick or abrasion-resistant as powder coating, wet paint offers strong performance and a smooth finish when properly applied and maintained.
Other Metal Finishes
Powder coating, galvanizing, and wet paint might be the most common finishes we use at Macy Industries. But they’re not the only ones available.
Some other finishes include the following (and this isn’t an exhaustive list):
- Electroplating: Deposits a thin layer of metal (such as zinc, nickel, or chrome) via electricity to improve corrosion resistance and enhance appearance. Common in electronics and hardware.
- Anodizing: An electrochemical process (primarily for aluminum) that thickens the oxide layer for corrosion resistance and aesthetics. Common in aerospace and electronics.
- Black Oxide: Converts the surface to magnetite for corrosion resistance and a matte look, often used in military hardware, fasteners, and precision parts.
- Bead Blasting: Uses abrasive blasting for a uniform, matte texture, often as a pre-treatment before painting or powder coating industrial equipment.
- Passivation: A chemical cleaning process for stainless steel that removes surface contaminants, allowing the metal’s natural chromium oxide layer to fully protect against corrosion. It’s especially important for medical, food-grade, and marine applications.
When it comes to metal finishes—even if you select a less-common one—we’ve got you covered. Macy Industries has been cultivating relationships with trusted vendors for decades, so we know who to call to make it happen.
Choosing a Finish for Your Metal Fabrication: What Drives the Decision
No two projects are exactly alike, and the right finish for one might be the wrong choice for another. At Macy Industries, we look at each project’s specific requirements to determine the best match.
Here are the key factors that drive the decision:
Environment
Will the product live indoors, outdoors, in a humid basement, near salt air, or in a high-traffic area?
Function
Beyond rust and corrosion resistance, we consider other needs such as abrasion resistance, UV light protection, or safety-related color coding (for example, red for danger zones). Some finishes can even help add grip (like textured powder coating) or reduce glare.
Appearance
Finishes can help create a specific mood, convey a brand identity, or blend seamlessly into an existing space. We work with clients to understand their aesthetic goals, whether that’s sleek and modern, warm and traditional, or bold and eye-catching.
Budget
Some finishes have a higher upfront cost but offer a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over time. Our goal is for clients to weigh the total cost of ownership when comparing options.
To help clients make the right choice, we often share physical samples or use visual tools to preview how different finishes will look. This collaborative process ensures that the selected finish not only meets the technical requirements but also aligns with the overall vision for the project.
Project Highlight: Beer Garden Retractable Walls
When a beer garden in Salem, New Hampshire, needed custom retractable walls, the owner turned to Macy Industries to design and fabricate a solution that could handle New England’s climate while maintaining a clean, inviting look for patrons.
The walls were powder coated a sleek black for both durability and appearance, helping them withstand outdoor exposure while enhancing the overall atmosphere of the space. Read the full case study here.
The Right Finish Makes All the Difference
With decades of fabrication experience and strong relationships with trusted finishing vendors, Macy Industries can match every project with the ideal finish—whether it’s one of our go-to options or something more specialized.