Except for stainless steel, all furniture metals must be finished to protect against rust and oxidation. Painted metal surfaces may chip and peel. Baked-on enamels and synthetic coatings are durable but can scratch or chip. Fluid bed coatings are tough and durable and can be textured slightly. A leather texture is popular.
Heated metal is dipped into a container of plastic powder or dust.
The dry material melts when it comes in contact with the heated metal and fuses to the surface. A thin deposit of hard noncorrosive metal is deposited by electrolysis on a base metal. The plate can be bright and shiny, brushed or stain. Plated metals are fairly durable but tend to peel if not done well. Plating wears off at points of constant use after a period of time.