16 Feb Various Finishes of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is widely used in architectural metal fabrication, popular for its durability and corrosion resistance. It can also be finished in a wide variety of ways to create different aesthetics for all types of projects. Here are a few finish options that you might consider for your next stainless steel project.
Mill Finish – 2B
This is called “mill finish” for a simple reason – this is the way the sheet looks straight from the mill. While stainless steel is generally thought of as a shiny metal, a 2B finish is more of a dull, matte finish. Also, because it is not typically handled in the mill as an architectural product, it frequently has blemishes or hairline scratches visible in the surface. It also is not a finish that can be re-created by typical finishing tools, so it is not recommended in areas where maintaining this finish is critical. Think of mill finish as more of an industrial finish, when you need the corrosion resistance of stainless steel without high concerns for the cosmetic appearance of the metal.
2) Orbital / Non-Directional Finish
This is called an “orbital” finish because it is most often accomplished with an orbital sander. When you need a uniform finish in an area that might need to be touched up over time due to traffic, an orbital finish is a good finish to consider. We recommend this finish for a lot of outdoor kitchen countertops, where things will inevitably be drug across the surface. Over time, as scratches appear, the finish can be re-touched with the help of an orbital sander.
3. Sandblasted / Beadblasted Finish
By putting the stainless steel in a sandblaster or bead blaster, a uniform finish can be achieved that is not as shiny as polished options. However, this finish is sometimes more difficult to touch up over time, especially if the finished product is in an area that is not conducive to sandblasting.
4. Brushed (#4) Finish
This finish provides a uniform, grained finish. It is very popular because it is available in prefinished sheet. When you think of brushed stainless steel, think of the fronts of most of the stainless steel appliances that you see in a kitchen.
If you ever have questions during your design phase about whether aluminum or steel would be the better fit for your project, please feel free to reach out to Astro, and we will be glad to offer input and advice!
5. Mirror Polished (#8) Finish
A mirror-polished finish is a very high-end finish. It is also available in prefinished sheet, but any fabrication to the sheet may require manual touch-up and/or repolishing of the finish afterward. This is generally considered to be on the more expensive side of stainless steel finishes.
If you ever have questions during your design phase about whether aluminum or steel would be the better fit for your project, please feel free to reach out to Astro, and we will be glad to offer input and advice!
6. Champagne
Many people do not know that stainless steel can be tinted to different colors. While the options are not limitless, one popular coloration that we see is champagne. This is generally a more expensive finish, as it sometimes must be applied by hand.
If you ever have questions during your design phase about whether aluminum or steel would be the better fit for your project, please feel free to reach out to Astro, and we will be glad to offer input and advice!
7. Aged / Blackened
Stainless steel can also be aged, or blackened, with chemicals to create a very unique look. This is a labor-intensive finish that is not easily touched up, but it is striking and creates a memorable appearance.
If you have an upcoming stainless steel project and would like to explore finish options, please contact Astro and we will help you find the right solution!