When you hear words like mill, anodized, or brite you might wonder what it actually means for your project and the extruded aluminum you’re using. Aluminum extrusions are used for their strength, versatility, moldability, and aesthetics. And it’s these characteristics that make choosing the right finish for your project a top priority.
Do you need something with more strength? Do you need something rough and cheap? Or how about a fancy finish to cap off a beautiful design? Whatever the case, let’s run through the different finish options so you can make sure you pick the right one for your next project.
A mill finish is useful when appearance doesn’t matter. There is no surface treatment, which means the material is sold as extruded. And because it doesn’t really have a finish, a mill finish is cheaper. It’s great for projects where you won’t see the aluminum extrusions.
Anodized finishes are treated, and have a dull, matte finish. Anodized improves corrosion resistance and durability which is great for tough weather. Additionally, choose the matte finish to match your aesthetic preferences.
Brite has a polished finish. It’s so bright and reflective you might even be able to see yourself. Additionally, brite finishes are decorative, architectural extrusions, and only work with 6463 alloys. This grade is medium strength and can be chemically brightened.
Other in-stock finishes at Extrude-A-Trim include satin black, brass, and stainless steel brushed. Most of these are used aesthetically and architecturally. But we also offer powder coating. This is where you can get as funky as you want. Want something in cheetah print? Have a Batman logo (or even better an Xtrudor logo) you want to take your design to a superheroic level?
Have no fear, the process of powder coating includes melting powder into a paint-like finish and curing it under a heat source enabling you to have whatever finish you can imagine. It’s just one of the many custom options you can choose (in addition to custom extrusions) when dealing with Extrude-A-Trim.
Learn more about our Finishes or contact us today to get a quote on the perfect extrusions for your project.
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© 2025 – EXTRUDE-A-TRIM® is a registered trademark of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
All drawings and part numbers are the property of Extrude-A-Trim Inc., and may not be copied or reproduced or altered in any way without the expressed written approval of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
2321 NW 30TH Place
Pompano Beach, FL. 33069
Tel: (954) 884-0302
360 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario. M9W 5X9
Tel: (416) 798-1277
Pickup & Delivery
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
© 2025 – EXTRUDE-A-TRIM® is a registered trademark of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
All drawings and part numbers are the property of Extrude-A-Trim Inc., and may not be copied or reproduced or altered in any way without the expressed written approval of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
