3 Ways to Go About Steel Finishing

Steel finishing is one of the top ways to improve the appearance of a material or a room. Offering a classic look, a steel finish lends surfaces tarnish, chemical, and water resistance, as well as protection from rust and solderability. There’s a long list of reasons to opt for a steel finishing, just as there are a number of ways to go about it. Let’s talk about the top three steel finishing options and their applications.

Matte Finish

Matte finishes—otherwise known as No. 2B mill finish—aren’t highly processed and, therefore, have a muted appearance. Usually applied to surfaces that aren’t designed for aesthetic porpoises, the 2B mill finish is also cheaper than other finishes. It is created by cold rolling stainless steel, which creates a smooth and pit-free surface. During the production, the steel is de-scaled in an acid solution and passed on polished rolls for a final, finished look. Common applications of a matte finish are:

• Industrial (chemical plant, pharmaceutical, paper mill etc.) equipment
• Dry cleaning
• Refrigerators
• Sewage equipment

The 2B mill finish is difficult to use in deep drawing applications, but otherwise, serves a wide range of use cases.

Mirror Finish

As the name suggests, mirror finishes—also known as No. 8 finish—are applied on surfaces that need a highly reflective look. A thorough polishing process is used to create a mirror finish, which leads to a smooth, consistent and uniform surface that hides any damage or marks created by welding. Mirror finishes are extremely easy to clean. They’re created through a special rolling procedure, as well as mechanical treatment of abrasive. By buffing and removal of scratches, a final reflective surface is achieved. Mirror finishing is commonly used in:

• Mirrors
• Reflectors
• Wall panels
• Ornaments

Brushed Finish

Often referred to as the No. 4 finish, brushed finishes vary in final appearance depending on the manufacturer, supplier, and quality of the batch. This is because of the use of abrasive belts that lead to variation. Due to the uncertainty of the final look, it's always best to request a sample before placing an order for a full batch. Commonly used for decorative purposes, No. 4 finishing is available in distinctive looks and fine patterns. Some of the most common materials boasting brushed finish are:

• Watches, jewelry and phones
• Home appliances like stove and toasters
• Architecture and buildings
• Cars and automotive materials

The Gateway Arch in Missouri, United States is the world’s tallest arch and is built with brushed stainless steel finishing. If you’re based in New York and looking for custom steel doors, cabinets or finishing options, at Ikonni, we have 34 variations of steel finishing option available. Find the perfect and visit us today on 6 W 20 Street. Don’t have time for a visit? Get in touch with us online or place an order with just one call at 917-900-7048.