Which Stainless Steel Finish is Right for You?

There are many different types of stainless steel out there, and they provide a variety of different appearances, looks, and functionality depending on what you need for your project. If you are considering building with steel from Wasatch Steel, one consideration that you should also take into account is what kind of finish you will have on your steel. There are a lot of different choices when it comes to finish and it can impact the surface appearance as well as the steel’s ability to hold up in your environment, so here is a quick guide.

#0 (Zero) Finish
The number zero finish is an unrefined finish for steel and is only used in cases where the steel will be protected so it’s not subject to high levels of erosion, and where the final appearance is not as important.

#1 Finish
Cold-rolled metal is usually finished with a number 1 finish, and can be used as a “final” product if you are planning to have it for an industrial purpose. This leaves the steel looking dull and somewhat unpolished, much different from the stainless steel products that many consumers prefer. The mos common is 1D, a mill finish.

#2 Finishes
Number two finishes are extensively used for a wide variety of different applications. Finishes like 2D are mostly used for industrial applications, but 2B and 2BA are brighter and offer a better surface though still not completely blemish-free. They are still mill finishes, meaning they are standardized but not necessarily consumer-ready.

Other #2 finishes that require a little bit more processing are the mechanically polished and brushed finishes, including:
2G: uniform and one-directional surface with low reflectivity
2J: polished by belts or brushes and used for internal architecture
2K: smooth and reflective surface that is good for architecture, particularly building exteriors
2P: highly reflective and smooth, like a mirror, achieved with buffing and special polishing compounds.

Textured finishes that include designs are:
2M: texturing or design on just one side of the steel
2W: rolled or pressed patterns on both sides of the steel

#3 Finish
When you want a beautiful and complete look you will often use number three finishes, which are ground with abrasives so they have a completely uniform texture and look throughout.

#4 Finish
For products that will hold up under significant wear and tear, a #4 finish is preferred. It doesn’t provide you with the bright, polished “mirror” look of some other steel, but it does include great corrosion resistance. For that reason it’s beneficial for kitchen appliances.

#6, #7, and #8 Finishes
These three higher-level finishes can give you either a satin look (#6), a mirror-like surface from buffing tools (#7) or a completely blemish-free mirror surface (#8) for products that must have the highest level of cosmetic appeal.

Painted Finish
One other option is to get a color finish with paint or other coatings. Products at Wasatch Steel are great for painting because steel can hold color well over a long period of time. If you’re looking for something you can paint, talk to the experts at Wasatch Steel today.

Using Steel Finishes to Enhance a Project

We use steel in many different applications for our everyday lives, but sometimes there are things that we want to have the strength and properties of steel, without the industrial or clinical look of traditional steel items. In those cases, it’s great to be able to get steel finishes at the steel supermarket at Wasatch Steel that complete the look and allow you to match your project with the perfect décor. 

Steel vs Wood  

One of the steel finishes growing in popularity in the industry is wood grain finish, making steel doors and fences look more like wood. Many people choose to use steel doors today instead of traditional wood doors for several reasons:

• Steel doors and fences offer a high level of strength and security. If you are installing doors or fencing for your home, or even for a business, storage unit, garage, or other facility, having the added security can be beneficial. Steel is one of the strongest metals available today, and it offers better protection than fiberglass or wood because it won’t crack or warp over time. Steel is also a relatively light metal, so it offers great protection and security without being too heavy.
•  Steel doors and fences are also a cost-effective alternative to wood or other metals. Steel is usually more affordable than wood doors, and many come with an inner frame of wood to enhance the strength of the door.
• These doors are very easy to replace—whether you are planning to install a new door and need the entire frame apparatus, or you are just taking an old door off its hinges and hanging a new door. 
• With a wood grain finish, steel doors and fences can be made to look exactly like wood, with a realistic vinyl or baked-on polyester finish. The stile and rail patterns used on steel are designed to mirror the look of a majestic wood door. They include protective base coatings that ensure a smooth, beautiful finish.

Other Steel Finishes

In addition to making your steel look like wood, Wasatch Steel can help you with a variety of steel finishes that will match your metal to whatever color and look you need. These finishes include:

• Shiny finishes such as copper plate, copper plate with rainbow torch or dark pewter 
• Solid color finishes such as midnight black, or other colors like antique red and gun metal blue 
• Metal rust colors such as copper and gold 
• Dark and light pewters 
• Metal coatings such as copper, bronze, brass, gold, steel, or aluminum

Patinas

One of the most famous places you can observe a patina is on the Statue of Liberty. On the outside of metals such as copper and bronze, the interaction with water, air, carbon dioxide, and other chemicals causes the formation of a tarnish called a patina, which protects the metal from damage related to weather, corrosion, or exposure. At Wasatch Steel, the steel supermarket, we have patinas that include the traditional green color, brown tarnish, verde green, and aqua blue.

Choosing a steel finish can be a great way to enhance the look of your steel, and the protective coatings often last longer than paint and provide better everyday protection from scratches, dings, and damage to the coating.