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Metal finishing refers to the application of one or more thin coats of metal or other products to a wide range of substrates. Several types of metals may be used, including gold, copper, silver, calcium, tin, brass, lead, chromium, phosphate, and nickel. Other common metal finishes includes paint, ceramics, and lacquers. Metal finishing is common in many manufacturing industries. Metal finishing processes are widely used in military, aerospace, medical, telecommunications, electronics, automotive, jewelry, and computer industries. Common products that employ the use of metal finishing include nuts, bolts, fasteners, rods, various plumbing, electronic, automotive components, jewelry, tires, and plastic substrates.

Metal finishing, along with other coating practices, serve a variety of purposes. The hard property of metal is prized for its ability to make products more durable. Metal finishing is often applied to prevent against wear and corrosion. Without metal finishing, metals rapidly wear and disintegrate. Nickel plating, for example, is a common process whereby nickel is applied to other metals, such as brass, copper, aluminum and steel, for protective purposes. Metal finishing is also used to enhance the electrical properties of products by either improving electrical conductivity or boosting electrical resistance. Metal finishing also protects products by making them more resistant to chemicals and tarnish. Metal finishes are also valued for their ability to vulcanize. Many finishes are capable of enhancing the ability of certain products to bond to rubber, adhesives, and organic coatings.

Metal finishing is also popularly used to create original and decorative finishes. Many companies specializing in metal finishing provide consumers with such decorative options as color application, metal polishing, glass beading, chromating, restoration, and custom metal plating.

One of the most common metal finishes is also one of the most dangerous to apply. Hot blackening refers to the application of black oxide to substrates. Hot blackening results in a thin black metal finishing apparent on many automotive fixtures, such as sprockets, plugs, wrenches and other tools, as well as firearms. Hot black oxide is applied at a temperature of 290 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it particularly dangerous to handle. Cold blackening is a relatively new procedure that helps manufacturers avoid some of the dangers associated with hot blackening by replacing black oxide with copper selenium at room temperature.