Choosing the best finish for your point of sale display comes down to one simple question:

What invites the customer to interact with your product?

After all, a purchase involves much more than merely seeing your product —it has to create an emotional connection with the consumer. This is the key to customer loyalty. A finish that complements your product will separate it from your competitors.

To gain perspective on how the right finish can draw attention to your product, let’s take a brief, imaginary tour of a major retailer like Wal-Mart. McIntyre Displays can create POP displays for anything from power tools to sunscreen, and “big box” stores feature a similar variety of merchandise. Because so many products are competing with each other for the customer’s attention, it’s even more important for the finish of the display to spark an emotional connection with the consumer.

Since 1977, McIntyre Displays has created custom-designed displays with an uncompromised dedication to customer service. We want to help you get noticed, and a part of that is helping you determine the best finishes for your display.

We utilize the latest technology and attention to detail to create the finest products with excellent craftsmanship. If you can dream it, we can create it. Contact us to see how we can bring your vision to life.

Now, follow us as we approach the store and open the door…

Custom retail displays, point of purchase structures, and fixtures benefit from finishes that balance visual appeal, durability, and color accuracy. Two of the most common choices you’ll encounter in custom retail displays are powder coating and other durable surface treatments.

1. Attention

Soft fabrics such as sweaters on a display present neatly when the finish doesn’t distract from the product itself; in contrast, an abrasive texture on a finish can shift focus away from the merchandise.

Powder coating enhances attention by offering vibrant, uniform color options that align with brand palettes or seasonal themes, helping products stand out on crowded floors.

2. Initial impression

The initial impression of a display is shaped by both the texture and color of its finish. A smooth, high-quality finish communicates professionalism and reinforces perceived value, while finishes like matte or gloss control reflectivity to influence how colors appear under retail lighting.

Powder coating produces a consistent, durable surface in nearly any specified color, giving displays a polished appearance that holds over time.

3. Interaction and engagement

Displays that invite interaction use finishes that feel pleasing to touch while maintaining structural integrity. For example, a satin or matte finish can feel softer and more refined, while gloss finishes reflect light and draw the eye.

Powder coating withstands heavy handling and resists scratches, chips, and fading, making it ideal for displays in high-traffic areas where frequent physical engagement is expected. 

There are several facets involved in selecting what’s right for your wire display rack or other display. We’ve boiled them down to simple questions that will point you in the right direction.

What Message Is Your Product Promising?

Your display finish should align with the product’s positioning. A rugged product line may benefit from textured or metallic finishes that reinforce durability, while lifestyle or consumer goods often pair well with clean, modern finishes that support a polished presentation.

Finish selection can reinforce the product’s intended use without relying on overt messaging. Neutral tones, metallics, and brand-matched colors can all support this alignment when applied consistently across the display.

Powder coating offers flexibility here, as it allows for a wide range of colors and textures while maintaining durability and finish integrity.

Where Will Your POP Display Be Located?

The environment where a display is placed plays a major role in finish selection. Displays located near windows or under bright lighting may require finishes that manage glare effectively, while darker retail spaces may benefit from lighter or reflective finishes to maintain visibility.

Store layout, surrounding fixtures, and nearby product categories should also be considered. Finishes that contrast slightly with neighboring displays help define boundaries without clashing visually.

Powder coated finishes perform well in varied environments because they maintain color consistency under different lighting conditions and resist fading over time.

Does the Finish Encourage Your Customers to Engage With Your Product?

A finish should support interaction rather than discourage it. Displays that look worn or show damage quickly can reduce confidence in the product being presented.

Matte and satin finishes often encourage closer inspection by reducing glare, while gloss finishes can highlight key areas of a display and draw attention from a distance. Choosing the right balance helps ensure the display remains approachable while still standing out.

Powder coating allows manufacturers to fine-tune this balance by selecting specific sheen levels that match the intended customer experience.

What Type of Finish Should You Use for Your POP Display?

There are several finish options commonly used in custom retail displays, each offering different advantages:

• Gloss Finishes
  Gloss finishes enhance color vibrancy and reflect light, making them effective for displays that need to attract attention quickly.
  
• Matte Finishes
  Matte finishes provide a soft, non-reflective surface that works well for upscale or minimalist displays.
  
• Textured Finishes
  Textured finishes, including wrinkle or sand-style powder coats, add visual interest and help mask wear over time, making them suitable for high-touch areas.

   

   

When selecting a finish, it’s important to consider durability, maintenance requirements, and how the finish complements the products being displayed.

What Color Choices Work Best?

Color selection works hand-in-hand with finish choice. Rather than focusing on emotional responses, practical considerations such as contrast, readability, and brand consistency should guide decisions.

Neutral base colors like white, gray, and black provide flexibility and allow product packaging to stand out. Brand-specific colors can reinforce recognition when used strategically, while accent colors can highlight key products or sections of a display.

Powder coating makes it easier to achieve accurate color matching, ensuring displays align with brand standards across multiple retail locations. Selecting the right color and finish combination helps maintain clarity, consistency, and visual appeal throughout the life of the display.

Take Your Displays to the Next Level and Get Noticed! McIntyre Displays Can Help

Generic displays mean you look like everyone else. Customization is key to getting noticed and netting sales. We specialize in designing and finishing custom retail displays that not only capture your brand essence, but are built to last. 

Whether you need powder-coated metal, sleek gloss finishes, or textured surfaces, our team can create a solution that fits your brand’s look and your store’s layout. 

Getting started is easy. You can contact our experts With years of experience, we know how to combine functionality with aesthetics for maximum impact.