The bottom line is that all SCUBA tanks will have cosmetic imperfections from the factory supply chain and recently their cosmetic quality has noticeably declined. The recreational dive industry has long been accustomed to a "consumer grade" finish on SCUBA cylinders. However, recent changes in the marketplace means new SCUBA cylinders may often present with what could be charitably described as an "industrial grade" internal and/or external surface appearance that is similar to what is typical of bulk supply cylinders. The surfaces can have streaks of discoloration, spotting, scratches, abrasions, oxidation, and other irregularities as a byproduct of manufacturing, testing, handling and shipping.

Currently, all the cylinder manufacturers are adamant in maintaining the position that their SCUBA cylinders are O2 clean and fit for purpose as delivered from the factory. This puts the distributors and retailers of SCUBA cylinders between a "between a rock and a hard place" when consumers or untrained "inspectors" object to the appearance. If the distributor or retailer does any modifications (such as further cleaning, polishing, tumbling, or grinding) to the brand new cylinder warranted as O2 clean and fit for purpose from the manufacturer, then legal responsibility for the condition of the cylinder shifts to the aftermarket service provider. A cylinder with aftermarket treatments also technically can no longer be represented as new and O2 clean from the factory. Most retailers choose to follow the experts in this circumstance - the manufacturer plus the independent testing agency plus the certified cylinder visual inspector that all warrant a brand new and unused cylinder is fit for purpose.

With just minimal care, all tanks regardless of their cosmetics will deliver many years of service. We occasionally encounter consumers who seem prioritize the cosmetic appearance of their tanks over more significant considerations. Our practice regarding new cylinders the customer deems cosmetically unacceptable is we will accept returns (according to our Returns & Refunds policy) but will not make exchanges given the likelihood a replacement will be no better cosmetically than the original. Since the shipping on cylinders is not free, our advice to those consumers is they should reconsider their priorities. Otherwise, if cosmetics is important to ownership, they might prefer renting tanks rather than owning or purchasing locally where they may personally inspect before purchase.