When you pick up a plastic remote control, a cosmetic compact, or a power tool, the first thing you feel is its surface texture. That “feel” is not random — it’s carefully chosen using industry standards like SPI, VDI 3400, or Mold-Tech (MT) finishes. The textures you see on almost every consumer product made with injection molding today.
- SPI-A2 (Glossy / Diamond Polish) – The Premium Look
What it is: Mirror-like, super smooth (Ra 0.025–0.05 µm)
Where you see it: High-end cosmetics (YSL, Dior compacts), phone camera rings, luxury car interior buttons
Why it’s popular: Looks expensive, hides fingerprints less than A1, and reflects light beautifully.
- SPI-B2 / B3 (Semi-Gloss) – The Everyday Favorite
What it is: Light bead-blast or stone polish (Ra 0.2–0.8 µm)
Where you see it: Laptop bodies (MacBook, Dell XPS), TV remote controls, kitchen appliance panels
Why it’s popular: Clean modern look, hides minor scratches and mold marks, feels smooth but not slippery.
- VDI 3400 #24 – #30 (Medium Matte / Light Etch) – The Soft-Touch King
What it is: Fine chemical etch texture (similar to Mold-Tech MT-11010 to MT-11020)
Where you see it: Smartphones (soft-touch sides), game controllers, electric toothbrushes, mouse shells
Why it’s popular: Feels warm and grippy, hides fingerprints extremely well, gives a premium “soft” sensation.
- VDI 3400 #34 – #39 or Mold-Tech MT-11030 / MT-11040 (Medium Grain)
What it is: Slightly deeper etched texture
Where you see it: Power tools (DeWalt, Bosch handles), vacuum cleaner bodies, outdoor electronics
Why it’s popular: Excellent grip even with sweaty or oily hands, hides wear and scratches for years.
- SPI-D3 or Mold-Tech MT-11050 / Grain & Leather Textures (Heavy Texture)
What it is: Deep sandblast or heavy geometric/leather patterns
Where you see it: Toolboxes, rugged phone cases, automotive interior trim with “leather look”
Why it’s popular: Super durable appearance, completely hides scratches and mold imperfections.
Most Requested Finishes
VDI 27–30 → Still the #1 choice for consumer electronics (soft matte feel)
SPI-B3 → Default for white or light-colored household products
MT-11020 + soft-touch coating → High-end beauty and personal care
VDI 34–36 → Growing fast for power tools and outdoor gadgets
Glossy A2 with partial VDI 30 accents → Luxury two-tone designs
Simple Rule of Thumb
Want luxury & shiny? → SPI-A2 or A3
Want clean & modern? → SPI-B2/B3
Want soft, fingerprint-proof, premium feel? → VDI 24–30 / MT-11010 to 11020
Want rugged & grippy? → VDI 33+ or heavy Mold-Tech grains
Choose the right texture early in your design phase — it affects not only how your product feels in the hand, but also mold cost, cycle time, and how well scratches and fingerprints are hidden over its lifetime.
Which texture is your favorite on the products you use every day? Let me know in the comments!