Common Metal Finishing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Costly Delays)

Vague Purchase Orders

A purchase order that says something like “zinc plate” leaves too much open to interpretation.

There are multiple variations:

• Zinc with clear chromate
• Zinc with yellow chromate
• Other spec-driven requirements



If that detail isn’t included, the shop has to stop and ask—or make a call that may not match what was expected.

Wrong Spec or Material Callouts

This happens more often than most people expect.

Common scenarios include:

• Copying notes from one drawing to another
• Applying aluminum specs to steel parts
• Referencing a spec without the correct type, class, or grade



Even when the base spec is correct, missing those details can cause confusion and delays.

Cosmetic Expectations Not Defined

Many returns are subjective and related to cosmetic issues. A customer might expect a part to be "shinier," but without referencing a standard, the shop has no objective way of knowing what the customer is envisioning in their head.

Lack of Communication

Most issues tie back to communication in some way—whether it’s missing information, unclear expectations, or assumptions on either side.



That’s why contract review exists: to catch these things before processing starts. But the clearer the job is upfront, the smoother everything runs.

Avoiding delays usually comes down to being specific. Clear callouts, correct specs, and defined expectations make it easier to process parts correctly the first time and keep jobs moving without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Frequently Asked Questions