Service
Edge Finishing
Edge finishing is the umbrella for everything we do to the cut edge after the cut itself — sanding, deburring, polishing, paint prep. Pick the finish level that matches the job.
About Edge Finishing
The cut edge is half the part. A clean cut from any of our machines is most of the job, but the final finish on that edge depends on what the part is for. A backer panel hidden behind a fascia? Raw cut is fine. A retail display front? You want polished. The middle ground — counter detail, signage backers, marine fittings — depends on the look.
We offer a graded set of edge finishes that you pick per job. Raw machine finish is the cut edge straight off the router or laser, no second step — fine for hidden or utility work. Sanded finish removes machine marks and gives a uniform matte texture; good for parts that will be painted or for fittings where the edge needs to be safe to handle. Polished finish (sanded then buffed) gives a satin or near-clear edge depending on material and the number of stages applied. Flame-polished is a separate higher-tier process for acrylic (see the Flame Polishing page).
Material matters. ACM edges sand cleanly and take edge-paint well. Solid aluminium — sourced and cut by review — can be sanded and brushed for a fabricated look, or polished to a near-mirror finish for premium signage; we confirm the finish in the quote. Acrylic responds best to sand-then-flame-polish. MDF and ply edges sand smooth but need filler-and-paint for a finished look — talk to us about prep for paint.
For your enquiry, tell us "raw / sanded / polished / paint-prep" against the visible edges of each part. We'll quote against the spec.
Good for
- Parts where the cut edge will be visible in the final installation
- Trade fitments needing a safe-to-handle finished edge
- Painted parts that need uniform sanded edge prep
- Mid-tier signage where flame-polish is overkill but raw cut is too rough
- ACM cuts where a fabricated look is the target (solid aluminium by review)
Not for
- Hidden edges in finished installations (skip finishing, save the cost)
- Where flame-polish is required (book that as the separate add-on)
- Heavy-deburr metal jobs (use Deburring as the dedicated step)
Edge Finishing — common questions
- Sanded, polished, or paint-prep — which should I pick?
- Sanded for visible-but-not-premium edges (counters, backers, mid-tier signage). Polished for retail signage, premium presentation, marine fit-out. Paint-prep specifically if the part will be primer-and-paint finished afterwards — different surface prep target.
- Can I get a sample finished edge to inspect before committing?
- For larger orders or new trade customers, yes — we can finish a test edge in the material you've specified and ship/deliver it for you to inspect. Ask on the enquiry; we'll arrange.
- How quick is a quote?
- Most quote requests reviewed within 1 business day. Simple trade jobs may be quoted faster during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm AEST). Complex, review-required, or unusual jobs may take longer. We'll tell you up front if so.
- Can I pick up or do you deliver?
- Both. Pickup is from Helensvale by appointment — we'll send the address when your job is ready. Local delivery covers the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan and Tweed Heads, quoted per job. Freight elsewhere in Australia on request.
Related
Paired cutting processes
Recommended add-ons
- ServiceFlame PolishingGlass-clear flame-polished acrylic edges for display and signage. Acrylic only; finish depth depends on grade.
- ServiceDeburringSharp-edge removal on cut parts. Standard on ACM jobs; on request for plastics and timber. Solid metals are sourced and cut by review.
- ServiceRadius CornersRounded internal and external corners — safer handling, longer-wearing edges. Specify your radius in millimetres.
File-prep rules · How to prepare your artwork for cutting
Ready to quote edge finishing?
Quote back, usually within 1 business day. No card needed.