Common stainless steel sheet finishes include mirror, brushed, satin, embossed, etched, and more.
Introduction
Decorative stainless steel sheets offer a variety of finishes that provide both visual appeal and protection depending on the product and project. In some cases, these products are designed to resist fingerprints, scratches, and other sources of damage while delivering a sleek, stylish look. In other cases, decorative finishes provide a more textured surfacing that adds sparkle and shine to any interior or exterior surface. From mirror-like to orange peel, understanding the different types of decorative stainless steel sheet finishes available can help you make the right selection to best suit your design needs.
Different Surface Finishes
Mirror Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
Mirror polished stainless steel sheets are the perfect finishing touch for your projects. It provides a sleek, glossy and seamless finish that is visually stunning and incredibly durable. You can find the material in various sizes and forms, making it a versatile and highly sought-after product. This type of finish is composed of a sheet which has been buffed and polished to a mirror-like smoothness. It is often used for decorative applications, such as elevator doors or for stainless-steel appliances and other surfaces. Due to its reflective nature, mirror finish stainless steel sheets must be handled with care to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges.
Brushed Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
Brushed finish stainless steel sheets offer a softer, more muted appearance when compared to mirror finish stainless steel sheets. These sheets are buffed and brushed in a single direction with a variety of abrasive grains, including both aluminum oxide and zirconia alumina, to create a dull, matte-like luster. For projects that require something more subtle than a mirror finish, a brushed finish stainless steel sheet is often the best solution.
Satin Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
A satin finish is one of the more popular types of decorative stainless steel sheet finishes. As the name implies, this type of finish offers a soft, elegant luster to any stainless-steel surface. Satin finish stainless steel sheets are created using a buffing process similar to that used for mirror finishes. However, the grains used for the buffing and polishing process differ; for this type of finish, fine-grit belts and polishing pads that contain less abrasive particles are used to create the distinctive satin sheen.
Hairline Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
Hairline finish stainless steel sheets are characterized by a distinct, linear pattern that resembles a brush stroke. Formed by polishing with finely-grit grinding belts, hairline finish stainless steel sheets are often used in application where the material’s texture must be visible. This type of finish is popular in the design of luxury spaces, such as upscale lobbies and reception areas.
Embossed Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
Embossed stainless steel sheets offer a unique, textured finish that is often used for aesthetic purposes. Structured with a press, this type of finish creates a patterned surface by using physical pressure to impart a decorative design to the sheet’s surface. Embossed finish stainless steel sheets can be crafted to reflect a variety of patterns, ranging from waves and diamonds to chevrons and circles.
Etched Stainless Steel Sheets
Etched stainless steel sheet is created by etching the surface of the metal with acids or other chemicals. This finish can create a variety of designs and patterns, from subtle, to intricate and eye-catching. Its durability makes it a great option for ventilation grilles, signage, elevator wall panels and other external applications.
In Conclusion
Decorative stainless steel sheets are available in a variety of finish types that each offer a unique look and level of protection. Understanding the different stainless steel sheet finishes, along with their respective traits, can help you make an informed decision on which finish is best suited for your project.