---
title: The Importance Of Finishes On Metal Handrails
description: In this article, we discover the importance of finishes on metal handrails and why GLW Engineering can guarantee a professional steelwork.
image: https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/The%20Importance%20Of%20Finishes%20On%20Metal%20Handrails.jpg
---
Call us: 01945 464 637
[](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/)
# The GLW Engineering Blog
[Structural Steel Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication), [Handrailing Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication)
## [The Importance Of Finishes On Metal Handrails](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/importance-of-finishes-on-metal-handrails)
Handrails are primarily a critical safety feature, a way for people to move safely up and down flights of stairs or steps, particularly in cold or wet weather when the surface under their feet may be slippery.
Handrail manufacturing is governed by [health and safety legislation](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/legal-height-requirements-for-railings-in-the-uk) with regulations defining aspects such as their position and height. For safety, therefore, qualities such as durability and strength are key.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/fa0ffb92-3293-4049-b4f6-36bb700b36df)
However, handrails can be so much more than a functional and regulatory requirement. Designs that are elegant, contemporary or antique can perfectly compliment interior décor, providing an eye-catching focal point for any business or home.
If you’re seeking to balance functionality with style, you need to [choose the right surface treatment](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/suitable-type-of-metal-for-outdoor-railings-and-handrails) too.
## Types Of Surface Treatment
Different surface treatments can be used to give handrails a finish that is durable and aesthetically pleasing:
- **Powder coating**: powder coatings provide a smooth, flawless surface that resists impact damage and abrasion. Powders are more cost-effective than liquids and offer a fast turnaround time.
- **Galvanisation/zinc coating**: galvanised coatings offer longevity and excellent resistance to wear, making them ideal for outdoor locations. With every part of the steelwork coated, the entire handrail is protected against corrosion with no paintwork or maintenance required. A galvanised coating can be applied through either the traditional hot-dip galvanisation process or through a hot-zinc spray application.
- **Polish (stainless steel)**: stainless steel doesn’t normally require a surface treatment but may benefit from polishing to accentuate the shine and smoothness of the metal. Equally suited for interiors where the handrail can be a captivating focal point or outdoors due to its resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is also low maintenance and easily cleaned.
## The Benefits Of Surface Treatment Of Handrails
Durability is important when a handrail must withstand constant usage without affecting its appearance. Surface treatment can have significant benefits that will protect its strength and appearance for years to come:
## Anti-Corrosion
[A handrail that is corroding poses a safety risk to users](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/manage-your-steel-fabrication-project-effectively). Regular exposure to rain, wind and cold can cause the substrate to degrade over time; even indoor handrails are not immune, as the minerals contained in sweat on palms can have an adverse effect on metals. An oxide coating will reduce the corrosion of the handrail, reducing degradation and minimising maintenance costs.
## Increased Lifespan
Handrails that are protected by a metallic finish have greater longevity compared to alternative finishes. Due to its functional role, a handrail will be exposed to considerable use over time and, without surface treatment, will erode quickly. Surface treatment offers durability and resistance to wear, scuffs and scratches.
## Easy Maintenance
Areas of high contact require regular cleaning to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. A metallic surface coating is easy to wipe over due to its smoothness and is resistant to potentially damaging detergents and cleaning solutions.
## Superior Appearance
Surface finishes are both visually impressive and durable, meaning little maintenance is needed to sustain the handrail’s eye-catching appearance. By comparison, regularly applying paint to a handrail is time-consuming and costly.
Different techniques such as anodising, powder coating and plating can provide an aesthetically pleasing finish free from flaws, creating a handrail that is stunning to look at, as well as safe and reliable.
## Download Our Free Guide
At GLW Engineering, we can fabricate bespoke handrails for any setting with the highest standard of engineering and finishing.
[Download our free e-book The Guide to Railings and Handrails](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-and-handrails), to find out more or phone for a free quote.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/d698e5dd-a7b8-400b-aa42-d9b44d620810)Image source: [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/stairs-stairwell-stairway-staircase-1611679/)
June 25, 2020 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white)
##### Share this entry
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c)
### Subscribe to Email Updates
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d)
### Latest Posts
- [ **How To Protect Metal Railings From CorrosionApril 01, 2021 - 04:50 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-protect-metal-railings-from-corrosion)
Rust can not only affect the appearance of [metal railings](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails), but also their structural integrity, posing a potential safety hazard to users. It isn’t just visible corrosion you need to watch out for. If appropriate preventive steps are not taken, rusting may even occur from the inside, seriously compromising the strength of the railings and causing[...]
- [ **How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel BalustradesMarch 25, 2021 - 04:29 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-avoid-rust-on-your-steel-balustrades)
[Steel is an excellent choice of metal for balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/suitable-type-of-metal-for-outdoor-railings-and-handrails), as it offers decent resistance to rust and tarnishing as well as an eye-catching appearance that is both sleek and contemporary. However, despite its weather resistant properties, steel is not totally free from corrosion, particularly if it is poorly maintained.
- [ **Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?March 18, 2021 - 04:06 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/aluminium-or-steel-balustrades-sustainable-option)
When you’re choosing balustrades, handrails, and railings for a project, there are many reasons why you may opt for one material over another. For example, you may prioritise appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, or cost, with the decision likely to be influenced by factors such as the location of the metalwork, the environmental[...]
- [ **3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your MetalworkMarch 11, 2021 - 03:37 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/3-ways-that-shot-blasting-can-improve-your-metalwork)
Shot blasting is an abrasive ‘blast’ surface treatment that uses round metal shots that are propelled under high velocity,[ commonly to polish a metal substrate, to strengthen it, or to repair damaged metalwork](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) by closing cracks or tiny tears. The force required to propel the particles is achieved using a centrifuge or wheel, spun at high[...]
- [ **Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel FabricationsMarch 04, 2021 - 03:14 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/paint-vs-powder-coating-for-steel-fabrications)
Surface finishing is vital for coating reactive metals such as steel. Without a suitable finish, oxidation can cause rust to form, which is not only unsightly but also threatens to weaken the structure, hastening its premature failure. Surface coatings are, therefore, more than just a way to improve the aesthetics of a [steel fabricated ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/steel-staircase-fabrication-guide)object, as[...]
- [ **The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You MoneyNovember 13, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-latest-trends-in-laser-welding-and-how-it-can-save-you-money)
With the rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years, many aspects of manufacture and fabrication will likely be revolutionised in the not-too-distant future. The fully automated laser welding machine, for example, could be on the horizon sooner than you think: able to decide for itself where and how to weld, to identify[...]
- [ **Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?November 06, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/manufacturing-or-fabrication-what-are-the-differences-and-do-they-matter)
To many non-specialists, manufacturing and fabrication are simply two workshop-based processes that use various techniques to assemble or produce metal products. Often, the two terms are used interchangeably, with little awareness of the differences. While many of the methods used in manufacturing and fabrication may be similar, the difference[...]
- [ **How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication ContractorOctober 30, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-guarantee-quality-results-from-your-welding-metal-fabrication-contractor)
The quality of the weld is extremely important in any fabrication project, as it guarantees the integrity, durability, and longevity of any structure. Quality control checks during and after welding are vital to ensure that high standards have been achieved. Any weakness in the weld, from tiny holes to splits or cracks, could be disastrous in the[...]
- [ **Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication ProjectsOctober 23, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-using-sheet-metal-why-thickness-matters-for-metal-fabrication-projects)
The fabrication of sheet metal is a highly specialised task, requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. If you’re planning to outsource the architectural steelwork for a civil engineering, commercial, or construction project, it’s vital to employ the services of a competent fabricator who can guarantee high-quality finishing that complies[...]
- [ **What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?October 16, 2020 - 04:48 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/what-are-the-most-effective-corrosion-prevention-coatings)
Traditional galvanisation and newer hot zinc spray technologies are standard anti-corrosion treatments for vulnerable metals. However, they may not always be desirable or even necessary. Several other corrosion-resistant treatments are found in the form of coatings. The suitability of these will depend on several factors, such as aesthetics,[...]
### Recent Posts
### Posts by Topic
- [Structural Steel Fabrication (44)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication)
- [Powder Coating (31)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/powder-coating)
- [Handrailing Fabrication (15)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication)
- [Shot Blasting (13)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting)
- [Metal Fabrication in Norwich (12)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich)
- [Grit Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/grit-blasting)
- [Soda Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/soda-blasting)
- [Insider (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/insider)
- [Sand Blasting (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/sand-blasting)
- [Abrasive Blast Cleaning Methods (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/abrasive-blast-cleaning-methods)
- [Balustrade Fabrication (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/balustrade-fabrication)
- [Hot Zinc Spraying (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/hot-zinc-spraying)
- [Plasma Cutting (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/plasma-cutting)
- [Security Gates (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates)
- [Steel Staircase (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/steel-staircase)
- [Blasting Methods (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/blasting-methods)
- [Security Gates & Barriers (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates-barriers)
- [Welding (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/welding)
- [Traditional Galvanising (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/traditional-galvanising)
- [Vacancies (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/vacancies)
- [Bicycle Park (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/bicycle-park)
- [Trolleys (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/trolleys)
[see all](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/importance-of-finishes-on-metal-handrails#)
Search this site on Google
Search Google
© Copyright - GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd - Developed by [Viscribe Ltd](http://www.viscribe.co.uk)
- [T & C’s](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/t-cs/)
- [Privacy](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/privacy/)
- [Smartwater](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/smartwater/)