Cross-group finish comparison
Hydrophobic Nano-Coating vs Surface Sealing
Hydrophobic Nano-Coating (coatings for plastics) and Surface Sealing (3d-print & moulding post-processing) solve the same problem by different routes; surface seal resists corrosion better.
Hydrophobic Nano-Coating
Coatings for plastics · $$ · instant quote
Hydrophobic nano-coating is an ultrathin water-repellent treatment that lowers surface energy so droplets bead and shed.
Surface Sealing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Surface sealing fills connected pores in printed or cast parts with a compatible resin or sealant.
When to choose which
Choose Hydrophobic coat
Hydrophobic coat is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Surface seal's.
- Adds water repellency with minimal dimensional change
- Can reach complex external geometry
- Usually preserves appearance
Choose Surface seal
Choose Surface seal when porous printed material must become pressure-tight.
- Reduces connected porosity
- Improves cleanability
- Can make parts liquid-tight after validation
What the numbers say
- Surface seal resists corrosion better.
- Hydrophobic coat is the lower-cost option ($$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Hydrophobic coat | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 25 Low | 30 Low |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 20 Low | 55 Good |
| Lubricity | 45 Fair | 20 Low |
| Cost | 35 $$ | 40 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Hydrophobic coat | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | — | ≥ 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | clear | clear, custom |
| Relative cost | Standard ($$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Added lead time | 2–6 working days | 2–7 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Hydrophobic coat | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Limited |
| Binder Jet | — | Yes |
| MJF | Limited | Yes |
| Polymer | Yes | Yes |
| SLA | Yes | Limited |
| SLS | Limited | Yes |
| Brass | With care | No |
| Composite | With care | — |
| Copper Alloy | With care | Limited |
| DMLS / SLM | With care | With care |
| FDM | With care | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | Limited |
| Stainless Steel | With care | Limited |
| Steel | With care | Limited |
| Titanium | With care | Limited |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | Limited |
Hydrophobic coat vs Surface seal — frequently asked
What is the difference between Hydrophobic coat and Surface seal?
Hydrophobic Nano-Coating (coatings for plastics) and Surface Sealing (3d-print & moulding post-processing) solve the same problem by different routes; surface seal resists corrosion better. Hydrophobic coat is the lower-cost option ($$).
When should I use Hydrophobic coat instead of Surface seal?
Conversely: choose Surface seal when porous printed material must become pressure-tight.
Is Hydrophobic coat or Surface seal cheaper?
Hydrophobic coat is the lower-cost finish ($$ against $$$ for Surface seal) 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.