The purpose of surface finishing is to provide an object with certain desirable properties that the object does not possess on its own. Surface finishing can:
- Improve an object’s appearance
- Provide corrosion and abrasion resistance
- Improve wear resistance
- Increase conductivity, solderability, and lubricity
- Render an item non-toxic
Consequently, surface finishing can improve an object’s economy of production, useful life, and functionality.