Other finishing methods are available for extruded aluminium sections, including mechanical processes such as brushing and grinding.

For most purposes and applications, the appearance of aluminium as it comes from the extrusion press is perfectly acceptable. This is known as mill finish, which can range from a dull matt to a bright polish. However, special methods of finishing are available if requested and, although such finishes cannot be produced on site, in some cases the work can be sub-contracted out.

Grinding can be used to treat very scratched or uneven surfaces. The abrasive emery wheels that are used on the section are special treated to prevent loading of the abrasive surface with aluminium particles. Silicon carbide is normally used as the abrasive media. Dry grinding is preferred to lubrication, so care must be taken to avoid overheating on the surface of the metal.

The process of linishing produces a matt grey finish, and serves to remove the surface roughness of an unfinished product. Aluminium can be linished on a series of abrasive belts with decreasing grit size. An attractive satin sheen can be produced using a very fine brush.

Polishing smoothes the surface, removes die lines, scratches and any other blemishes created during the extrusion process. The quality of the surface and its gloss can be produced according to the wishes of the customers. Usually the polished surface is anodised, but if the customer wants to have a bright-finished surface, the anodising is done after the polishing.

Chemical brightening gives a smooth reflective surface, which is usually then anodised to retain the appearance.