Aluminium Finishes

Also called mill finish aluminium, this is the raw surface straight from the extrusion press or rolling mill. It shows faint lines, has no added colour, and is the most cost-effective option where the metal will later be painted or hidden from view.

An aluminium anodised finish converts the natural oxide film into a thicker, controlled barrier using an electro-chemical bath. Thickness (measured in microns) can be tailored for interior or severe coastal environments. Popular colours include clear satin, bronze and black metal finishes. For projects that demand a vibrant hue, dyes can be sealed into the pores before final sealing.

Powder coating bonds polyester or fluoropolymer powder to the metal before curing in an oven. It offers endless colour and texture possibilities, from super-durable matte whites to aluminium wood-grain composite panel finishes that imitate timbers without ongoing maintenance.

Mechanical finishing uses belts or wheels to impart a direction grain (brushed), soft reflectivity (satin) or high specular shine (mirror). These aluminium sheet finishes are favoured for signage, retail fit-outs and feature wall panels.

Chemical conversion coats such as chromate or phosphate promote paint adhesion, while hardcoat anodising boosts abrasion resistance for flooring planks and treads.

• Want a deeper dive? The Australian Aluminium Council explains the science behind each process.

• Environment: Proximity to surf or industrial pollutants calls for Class 2 powder or 25 µm anodising.
• Touchability: Anodised and brushed surfaces resist fingerprints better than mirror polish.
• Colour accuracy: Powder offers near-unlimited hues, whereas anodising is limited but colourfast.
• Warranty: Check coating warranties align with the building’s design life and NCC requirements.
• Sustainability: Finishes that are free of VOCs and allow recycling at end-of-life earn Green Star points.

When creating a finish schedule or shop drawing, reference the relevant AS 3715 or AAMA specification, quote film thickness, gloss level and colour code, and indicate any mechanical pre-treatment such as linishing. Architects often write: “25 µm clear anodise, AA20, satin, colour EW-002” or “Interpon D 2015, colour Basalt, matte, 70% PVDF.” Adding these details keeps pricing accurate across tenderers.

Don’t forget to nominate fabrication tolerances and whether sheets arrive with a peel-off protective film-essential for aluminium mirror finish panels that scratch easily.

Aluminium is lightweight, so installers can span larger distances with lighter sub-structure. However, isolate the metal from wet timber and copper pipes to avoid galvanic corrosion, and always use compatible stainless-steel fixings. Routine washing with pH-neutral detergent prevents salt build-up and upholds warranty terms.

• Mill finish sheet: from A$15–25/m²
• Standard powder coat: A$35–55/m²
• 25 µm anodised finish: A$55–75/m²
• Brushed & clear lacquer: A$60–90/m²
• Mirror polish: A$120+/m²

Prices exclude fabrication, freight and site labour, but provide a ballpark to compare tenders.

Co-ordinating aluminium with timber floors, stone benchtops and acoustic panels is easier when all materials sit in one marketplace. After reviewing metal options, jump across to complementary categories like flooring finishes, tiles and stone surfaces or architectural paints to lock in a cohesive palette.

If acoustic performance is critical, combine perforated aluminium panels with acoustic panels. For exterior decks, team your coated aluminium joists with UV-stable stains from our stains and treatments section. Solid benchtop projects? Check out solid surface sheets for seamless transitions.

ArchiPro vets every supplier, so you can focus on design, not due diligence. Use filters to sort by material grade, coating system, sheet size or fire rating. Need technical data? Download MSDS and NCC-compliant test reports direct from the product card, then request a sample or click “Get in touch” for a same-day quote.

Still exploring wider options? Visit our complete product library to discover lighting, joinery hardware and other elements that complete your project.

By leveraging Australia’s most comprehensive marketplace, you’ll secure the right aluminium finish, on budget and on time.