Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Brushed Finish vs Texture Finishing
Brushed Finish and Texture Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; brushed resists corrosion better.
Brushed Finish
Mechanical finishing · $$ · instant quote
Brushing creates a directional grain with abrasive belts, wheels, or pads.
Texture Finishing
Mechanical finishing · $$$ · instant quote
Texture finishing creates a controlled pattern on the mold so every molded part replicates it.
When to choose which
Choose Brushed
Choose Brushed when directional grain is applied to metal after fabrication.
- Creates intentional directional grain
- Hides minor scratches along the grain
- Common 180–320 grit process window
Choose Mold texture
Mold texture is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Brushed's.
- Hides sink marks and light wear
- Creates grip and anti-glare appearance
- Replicates texture on every molding cycle
What the numbers say
- Brushed resists corrosion better.
- Brushed is the lower-cost option ($$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Brushed | Mold texture |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 5 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 75 Very good | 85 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 25 $$ | 60 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Brushed | Mold texture |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Standard ($$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Added lead time | 1–4 working days | 5–15 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Brushed | Mold texture |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Limited |
| Brass | Yes | No |
| Copper Alloy | Yes | No |
| Polymer | Limited | Yes |
| Polyurethane | — | Yes |
| Silicone | — | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Limited |
| Titanium | Yes | No |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | No |
| Steel | With care | Limited |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | Limited |
Brushed vs Mold texture — frequently asked
What is the difference between Brushed and Mold texture?
Brushed Finish and Texture Finishing are both mechanical finishing finishes; brushed resists corrosion better. Brushed is the lower-cost option ($$).
When should I use Brushed instead of Mold texture?
Choose Brushed when directional grain is applied to metal after fabrication.
Is Brushed or Mold texture cheaper?
Brushed is the lower-cost finish ($$ against $$$ for Mold texture) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.