PVD coating or powder coating for stainless steel?

Both add colour to metal, but they look and behave very differently. PVD keeps the steel's own grain and shine; powder coating covers it with paint.

What PVD is

PVD (physical vapour deposition) bonds a very thin metallic film to the stainless steel in a vacuum chamber. The film is so thin that the finish underneath stays visible: a mirror sheet stays a mirror, and the lines of a hairline sheet still show through the colour.

What powder coating is

Powder coating is a coloured powder sprayed on and baked into a paint layer. The layer is much thicker, so it hides the metal: the result looks like painted metal, not like steel.

How they compare

• Look: PVD gives a metallic colour (gold, rose gold, champagne gold, bronze) with real depth and reflection. Powder coating gives a flat or textured paint look.
• Finish underneath: with PVD the mirror, hairline, matte, bead blast, etched or embossed finish still shows. Powder coating covers it.
• Colour range: PVD comes in a small family of metal tones. Powder coating can be almost any paint colour.
• Cleaning: both clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. On PVD, an anti-fingerprint (AFP) coating helps on surfaces people touch.

When to choose PVD colour sheets

Choose PVD when you want the warmth of gold, rose gold, champagne or bronze with the feel of real metal: lift interiors, feature walls, reception desks, furniture trims and hospitality spaces. SMN supplies PVD colour sheets in SS 304 and SS 202, 0.8 to 2.0 mm, in every main finish.

Before you decide

Screens change colour, so always approve a physical sample in your own light. Tell us where the sheet will be used and we will suggest the finish, colour and grade.