A metal enclosure has a surface region which is coated with cladding material using a laser cladding process. The metal enclosure can form at least a portion of an electronic device housing. All or part of one or more surfaces of the enclosure can be coated with cladding material. The coating of cladding material can be varied at selective regions of the enclosure to provide different structural properties at these regions. The coating of cladding material can be varied at selective regions to provide contrast in cosmetic appearance.