Stainless Steel Finishes

January 08, 2020
Posted in: Stainless Steel
Time to Read: 2m 49s
While there are a variety of stainless steel grades with their own advantages, there are also stainless steel finishes. Whether they are mill finishes or applied finishes, there are a variety of aesthetically pleasing and protective stainless steel finishes available for your next building or construction project.

Common Stainless Steel Grades and Shapes
For construction and other building projects, common stainless steel grades include:
303 Stainless Steel Metal Products
304 Stainless Steel Metal Products
316 Stainless Steel Metal Products
Stainless Steel Shapes
Available in various shapes, stainless steel products often used for construction applications and available in different finishes include the following:
Stainless Steel Bar
Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate
Stainless Steel Tube
Stainless Steel Pipe
Stainless Steel Angle
Stainless Steel Finishing Options
Your application requirements will largely determine the type of finishing options you need. Some applications will require finishing that provides enhanced corrosion resistance while other applications will require finishing that smooth surface finishes. Finishing options are numbered one through eight, with higher numbers being more reflective than lower numbers. Lower numbers have a more of a matte finish whereas higher numbers have a reflective, polished finish.
Stainless Steel Mill Finishes
Mill finishes offer a matte finish for stainless steel. It is ideal for applications that do not require bright finishes or where durability remains the most important factor.cold rolled stainless steel with BA finish
#1D Finish
Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled with a coarse surface
Suitable for structural projects and support projects
#2D Finish
Cold-rolled, annealed and pickled, with a dull matte appearance
Ideal for gutters and drainage applications
#2B Finish
Cold-rolled, annealed and pickled, with a bright/high polish appearance
Well-suited for solar panels and architectural applications
304 and 316 ss grades often come with a 2B finish
BA Finish
Cold-rolled, bright annealed with smooth reflective surface
Similar to #8 mirror finish
Ideal for fabrication projects
Stainless Steel Brushed Finishes
Brushed finishes offer a reflective option with parallel or patterned lines. Brushed finishes are often used for buildings and architectural applications.
#3 Finish
100-120 grit
Coarse grain finish
Suitable for high traffic areas/applications
#4 Finish
150-180 grit
Bright brushed finish
Works for architectural/aesthetic projects
Stainless Steel Polished Finishes
Hot rolled, then buffed, polished stainless steel finishes are highly reflective with a mirror-like shine.
#8 Mirror Finish
Reflective and polished
Ideal for ornamental applications and structures
Differences between Brushed Stainless Steel and Polished Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel finishes can vary due to different abrasive techniques and sanding belt differences used for brushed stainless steel products. #4 finish offers more reflective qualities and lines than the #3 finish.
Brushed stainless steel finishes have a dull lustered appearance whereas polished stainless steel has a bright, mirrored finish.
Polished stainless steel finishes are mirror-like with a highly-reflective appearance.
Which Stainless Steel Finish is the Best Type of Finish?
The best stainless steel finish will depend on your project requirements. Matte finishes are suitable for industrial uses that do not require smooth surface finishes. Highly reflective polished finishes are well-suited for aesthetic and ornamental uses.
Find the Right Stainless Steel Products with Quality Finishing Options
Let us help you find stainless steel products with quality finishes. Our inventory of stainless steel products is available for will-call pickup or next day local delivery. Order online or stop by one of our locations and get the best steel finish for your project today.