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.