
Surface Treatment and Its Processes
Surface treatment determines how long materials will last, what color they look like, and even how well they work. If you belong to manufacturing, building, or supplying goods, it's important for you to understand surface treatment and go through its processes.

What is Surface Treatment?
Surface treatment involves a variety of treatments applied to a material surface, which are intended to enhance one or more properties of the surface. Coatings can provide improved corrosion, wear, and scratch resistance as well as better adhesion of coatings in addition to aesthetics. The process, on the other hand, uses physical, chemical, or mechanical techniques, which are used to achieve specific goals.
Importance of Surface Treatment
More than just improving looks, surface treatment techniques have a profound effect on a product’s service life and performance. Here’s one very good reason why:
- Durable Surfaces: Surface treatments protect surfaces from the effects of environmental factors such as moisture, UV rays, chemical exposure, etc.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Surface treatment processes can provide a polished, textured, or colorful finish, improving the visual appeal of the product.
- Functional Properties: In many branches of industry, surface treatments bring about improved adhesion, conductivity, or insulation.
- Cost Effectiveness: Surface treatments are simply a matter of trouble prevention. They reduce maintenance costs and lengthen a product’s lifespan by protecting the material.

Types of Surface Treatment Processes
Depending on the material and its intended application, the process of surface treatment may differ. Here are some commonly used processes:
Mechanical Treatment
Mechanical treatments change the surface by physical effects. Common methods include:
- Grinding & Polishing: Creates a smooth, shiny surface widely used in metals, stones, etc.
- Sandblasting: Dry powder is blasted against a surface for cleaning, roughening, or shaping.
- Shot Peening: Small spheres are shot at the surface to improve fatigue strength and reduce stress.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical processes involve using chemicals to alter surface properties. Examples include:
- Anodizing: Used primarily for aluminum, anodizing increases corrosion resistance while improving appearance.
- Pickling: Metal surfaces are cleaned and deoxidized using acid solutions.
- Electroplating: A thin metal coating is deposited on a given surface by a direct current, preventing corrosion and improving appearance.
Thermal Treatment
Thermal treatments apply heat to change surface properties. Usual methods are:
- Heat Treatment: Processes such as annealing and tempering increase hardness or strength.
- Plasma Spraying: This process melts a coating material and sprays it onto the surface, providing a strong bond.
Coating Processes
Coatings are protective or decorative layers applied on surfaces. Techniques include:
- Powder Coating: A dry powder is applied electrostatically and cured under heat for a durable finish.
- CED Coating: Cathodic Electro Deposition (CED) coating provides superior corrosion protection and a smooth, even finish.
- Painting: Provides color and protection, utilized in numerous industries.
- Ceramic Coating: A high-temperature-resistant and protective layer.
Nanotechnology Treatments
Surface treatments are done with nano-coatings to improve properties such as water resistance, self-cleaning, UV protection, etc. This new approach is an increasing trend in areas such as electronics, automotive, and medical.

Applications of Surface Treatment
Surface treatment processes are essential in a variety of industries. Here are some significant applications:
Automotive Industry
In the car industry, surface treatments are used to protect and refine various car parts. Corrosion resistance is achieved through processes such as electroplating, CED coating, and powder coating.
Construction and Architecture
In construction, surface treatments provide a veneer of protection against environmental damage for materials such as steel and concrete. Coatings are also used for aesthetic reasons.
Electronics and Electrical
Surface treatments enable conductivity and reduce oxidation in electronic devices. Common examples include gold and silver plating for circuit boards and connectors.
Aerospace and Defense
Surface treatments play a role in the aerospace industry to maintain materials when dealing with extreme temperatures and pressures, as well as improve safety and performance.
Consumer Goods
Surface treatments add to the durability and aesthetics of everything from kitchenware to jewelry.