PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a coating applied in a vacuum that bonds to the stainless steel surface at a molecular level. It is used to produce black, gunmetal and gold drain finishes that are far more durable than painted or electroplated alternatives.
Why PVD is used for drain finishes
| Property | PVD | Painted / plated |
|---|---|---|
| Bond to substrate | Molecular — not a layer sitting on top | Surface layer |
| Scratch resistance | High | Low — flakes and chips |
| Colour stability | Stable; does not fade | Can fade or discolour |
| Corrosion resistance | Maintains stainless performance | Coating failure exposes base metal |
| Cleaning | Normal non-abrasive products | Risk of coating damage |
Where it matters most
Drain grates take abrasion every day — feet, cleaning tools, dropped objects. A painted finish on a grate degrades quickly and the resulting appearance is difficult to repair. PVD holds up far better in the same conditions, which is why matte black drainage is normally specified in PVD rather than paint.
Practical notes
- Use non-abrasive cleaners. Abrasive powders will damage any finish, PVD included.
- Avoid aggressive acidic or high-chlorine products.
- Protect the grate during tiling — the coating resists scratching but construction debris is harsh.
- PVD is a finish, not a material grade. Confirm the stainless steel grade (304 or 316) separately — see 304 vs 316.
Available finishes across our range are listed under products.