Frequently Asked Questions

How Durable Is Metal coating?

Think of our metal coating as you would your car finish. Your car can take years of rain, snow, sunlight and the local car wash, but you wouldn’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges to care for it. Treating our products, the same way will ensure years of lasting beauty and remember we guarantee our metal finishes for life to never chip, flake or peel under normal usage. Like the sealer you put on your car to protect the finish, we also recommend Stain-Proof™ Original by Dry Treat (drytreat.com) or Gojo ® non-abrasive hand cleaner to form a barrier between the finish and moisture.

How is Metal Coating Different from Plating, Powder Coating and Cladding?

The metal is applied as part of a proprietary seven-step process. At an average 10-mil thickness (plating is less than 1-mil thick) our metal coating adds less than four ounces of weight per square foot, provides the durability of solid cast metal and is non-corrosive. Unlike plating, powder coating and cladding, Unique Finishes metal coat is available in several metals and finishes and can be applied to almost any substrate. 

Plating is less than 1-mil thick and is restricted to specific surfaces, has limited metals and finishes, and is harmful to the environment.

Powder Coating is a finely ground powder applied to a substrate and heated to its melting point to create a smooth film. Unlike metal coating, powder coating can chip and requires the application of heat, eliminating most substrates and is not real metal.

Cladding is a thin sheet of metal attached to a surface (i.e. wood, metal or plaster), which creates the potential for delaminating.

Which Metals and Finishes Age the Fastest and How Do I Care for the Finish?

High Polished Bronze, Copper and Brass will begin aging the fastest. High Polish & Highlight Polish will keep their original appearance by occasionally applying Gojo® sparingly on a soft brush and then buff dry with a towel. Antique Patina, Oil Rubbed, Verdi, Rust and Wrought finishes will not age, but should be oiled (mineral oil) occasionally to protect the finish.