Powder coating and anodizing cater to different needs. Powder coating provides endless color options and a thicker protective layer for steel or iron parts, such as outdoor furniture. Anodizing, exclusive to aluminum, offers superior adhesion and thin-film protection for intricate CNC parts like heat sinks. While powder coating is cheaper upfront, anodizing lasts longer in corrosive environments. For example, black-anodized bicycle frames resist chipping better than painted ones. Hybrid approaches, like anodizing followed by PVD coating, merge benefits for aerospace components. Consider material compatibility, environmental factors, and lifecycle costs when choosing.