Raw aluminium is lighter on the wallet and hides scratches; powder coat resists scuffs, kills glare and looks sharp. Both are durable — the choice is about looks and use.
Raw aluminium
Marine-grade alloy doesn’t need paint to resist corrosion, so a raw finish is a legitimate, cost-effective choice. Minor scuffs blend in.
Powder coating
A baked powder-coat finish — usually matte black — adds scratch resistance, cuts glare on the highway, and gives the build a premium, unified look. HARIO powder-coats in-house, so we can match colours on request.
Maintenance
Both wash down easily. Powder coat is more forgiving of worksite abuse; raw aluminium is easier to touch up.
Colour options
Matte black is the most popular powder-coat finish and suits the industrial look, but HARIO powder-coats in-house so other colours are available on request. Raw aluminium is a clean, cost-effective alternative that ages gracefully.
Longevity of each finish
Both last. Powder coat is more forgiving of worksite knocks and cuts highway glare; raw aluminium is easier to touch up and never chips because there’s nothing to chip. Neither will rust — that’s the alloy’s job, not the finish’s.
Key takeaways
- Raw = cost-effective, hides scuffs, easy to touch up
- Powder coat = scuff-resistant, low glare, premium look
- In-house coating means custom colours
- Neither finish is what stops rust — the 5052 alloy does
Frequently asked questions
Should I powder-coat my ute canopy or leave it raw?
Both are durable. Choose powder coat (usually matte black) for scuff resistance, low glare and a premium look; choose raw aluminium to save money and touch up easily. Neither affects rust resistance — the marine-grade alloy handles that.
Can I get a canopy in a colour other than black?
Yes — HARIO powder-coats in-house, so colours beyond matte black are available on request.
Does powder coating stop rust?
Powder coating adds scuff resistance and cuts glare, but rust resistance comes from the 5052 marine-grade aluminium itself, not the finish.
