When choosing a shower enclosure, aesthetics play as fundamental a role as functionality. The finishes of the shower enclosure profiles significantly contribute to the visual impact of the bathroom. But is it better to opt for anodized aluminum or painted aluminum? In this article, we analyze the advantages, differences, and types of finishes available to help you make the right choice.
The Characteristics of Anodized Aluminum
Anodized, or oxidized, aluminum is the result of an electrochemical process known as anodization, during which a protective oxide layer forms on the metal’s surface. This layer is not a simple coating, but a transformation of the metal itself, which acquires corrosion resistance, greater hardness, and durability. Another great advantage is its color consistency and ability to maintain its color intact even after years of exposure to humidity and detergents.
Anodizing technology allows for natural, elegant, and refined colors that do not peel or fade. The shower enclosure finishes included in the Relax catalog are:
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Polished
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Polished Silver
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Brushed Gold
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Brushed Rose Gold
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Steel
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Polished Steel
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Satin Steel
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Satin Silver
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Bronze
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Black
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Polished and Brushed Gunmetal
The properties of painted aluminum
Painted aluminum is distinguished by the application of a colored coating through a process called phosphochromation, which allows the color to adhere uniformly and durably to the metal. Unlike anodizing, where the metal itself is colored, here the color is applied externally.
Relax offers finishes for shower enclosure profiles in painted aluminum with a 7-year colorfastness guarantee, a testament to the reliability of the treatment. Available shades include:
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Matte white
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Cream
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Dove Grey
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Grey
These finishes are perfectly suited to modern, Scandinavian, or soft industrial styles, offering chromatic uniformity and easy matching with tiles, fixtures, and other bathroom furnishings.
Aesthetic and functional differences between anodized and painted aluminum
Although both treatments are intended to improve the aesthetics of your shower enclosure, there are substantial differences between the two solutions. Anodized aluminum finishes often have a more “metallic” effect, perfect for those seeking technical elegance, while painted finishes have a more textured and matte finish, highly appreciated in projects with a simple or Nordic style.
The touch also varies: anodized finishes have a colder, smoother feel, while painted finishes can be slightly softer and velvety. Depending on the experience you want to have in your bathroom, this detail can make the difference in your final choice.
How to choose the right finish for your shower enclosure profiles
The choice between anodized or painted aluminum depends on a series of factors: aesthetic, functional, practical, and even emotional. Before deciding, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions:
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What style is my bathroom?
If the space is modern, industrial, or minimal, finishes like Black, Gunmetal, or Satin Steel might be perfect. For classic or dreamy environments, Brushed Rose Gold or Cream are best. -
What colors predominate?
If you want a tone-on-tone effect or studied contrasts, consider painted options for a precise color match. Alternatively, anodized aluminum finishes also closely match faucet handles and other furnishing elements.
The Relax‘s range of shower enclosure finishes is expanded and updated every year to meet the most diverse needs. Carefully evaluating the aspects covered in this article will help you choose the right profile for your shower enclosure, for a special result that exceeds your expectations.
Conclusion
The anodized and painted aluminum shower enclosure profile finishes offer stylistically different, yet equally effective, solutions. Understanding the differences will help you choose the one that best suits your style, needs, and project. Want to learn more? You can find them all here.
