Types of Metal Finishes

One of the things KegWorks likes to pride itself on is the variety of finishes we offer for our architectural metal products, such as bar rail and drink rail, and our ability to match virtually any finish for custom orders. The finish not only enhances the metal surface's aesthetic appeal but can also protect it from the effects of the environment or contact with other surfaces or objects. 

Our in-stock finishes are created through one of three processes: brushing and polishing, powder coating, or electroplating. Because of this, the finish you choose for your project will impact the materials' cost, durability, and availability. This guide will break down the types of finishes we offer and how each affects the lead times and susceptibility to wear and tear of the finished product.

Brushing & Polishing

Finishes: Polished Stainless Steel, Brushed Stainless Steel, Polished Brass, Brushed Brass

Traditional finishes, such as polished stainless steel or satin brushed brass, come from steel or brass tubing that is run through equipment to refine the exterior surface. Brushing involves rubbing the metal surface with a fine abrasive material, creating a textured appearance that helps to mask fingerprints and scratches. KegWorks uses a standard #4 Satin finish on all our brushed stainless and brass products. Polishing, on the other hand, entails buffing the metal to a mirror-like shine. 

While these finishes are the most affordable, they are also more susceptible to wear and tear. Brass finishes, whether polished or brushed, will also develop a patina over time unless they are treated with a protective clear coat that is available for an additional fee. However, their availability and lack of lead times make them a convenient choice for many projects.

Powder coating

Finishes: Matte Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Gunmetal Grey, Sunset Copper

Our powder-coated finishes are some of our most popular looks for bar rail, especially Matte Black and Oil Rubbed Bronze. This process involves applying a dry powder to the metal surface, which is then cured under heat to form a protective layer. In addition to our four distinct in-stock powder coat finishes, KegWorks can powder coat its products with any color available on the market, whether it's a powder made by Tiger Drylac, Prismatic, or PPG with minimal lead times. 

Powder-coated finishes are mid-range in terms of cost. While they are somewhat susceptible to wear and tear, they are easy to clean and maintain with soap and water.

Electroplating

Finishes: Antique Brass, Antique Bronze, Antique Copper, Blackened Steel, Pewter, Brushed Brass with Cerakote®

For those seeking a premium finish, electroplating is the way to go. This method involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto a base material through an electrochemical process. At Kegworks, we offer an array of electroplated finishes, including Antique Bronze, Brass & Copper, Blackened Steel, Pewter, and Sunset Copper. While these finishes command a higher price point, they offer a high level of durability against standard wear and tear. Additionally, our electroplated finishes can be further protected with Cerakote for added resilience against moisture, making them perfect for drink rail projects.

KegWorks can also match any metallic finish sample to create a custom look for any project. The lead time for electroplated products is slightly longer than the time needed for powder coating.

Choosing the right metal finish for bar rails and drink rails balances aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. Whether opting for the affordability of brushed and polished surfaces, the versatility of powder coating, or the premium quality of electroplated finishes, KegWorks provides options to suit every need. 

KegWorks offers sample chips of all our stocked finishes and provides them at no cost to our commercial customers. Request your sample chip ring to help with the design choices for your next hospitality project.