Stainless steel is one of the popularly utilised raw materials in metal fabrication as it provides an array of advantages. This metal is not only durable, but it is highly functional, which makes it suitable for a myriad of applications. Furthermore, the lasting longevity that stainless steel provides makes it excellent for whatever your needs are. However, to conclude the steel fabrication process, you need to decide what finish will best complement your project. To do this, you need to discern what finish will be compatible with the application demands while also enhancing the appearance of your finished project. The following are three appealing finishes that you could consider for your stainless steel fabrication.

Matte stainless steel finish

When some people hear the word matte, they imagine a dull appearance on the stainless steel item, but this is not a warranted descriptor for this finish. Matte finishes may not look shiny, but they do provide a distinctive appearance to the stainless steel. Matte finishes are created by putting the stainless steel is through a process known as cold milling, which entails the treatment of the surface with unique dyes followed by rolling of the steel to create a smooth surface. Once the surface has been sufficiently smoothened, the stainless steel is then dipped in acid to flatten its appearance. Matte finishes are one of the more cost-efficient alternatives you can choose making it economical if you are fabricating a significant amount of stainless steel. It is commonly utilised when metal is being fabricated for equipment manufacturing applications.

Brushed stainless steel finish   

A brushed finish is typically considered the middle ground between the flat characteristic of matte finishes and the high gloss nature of mirror finishes. This finish has a distinctive appearance as it is characterised by inconspicuous parallel lines that run throughout the surface of the metal. For a brushed finish, the stainless steel undergoes hot milling, which is followed by sanding to achieve the textured surface while still providing the metal with a degree of shine. Stainless steel products with a brushed finish are typically found in applications such as home appliances, exposed construction beams and so on.

Mirror stainless steel finish

As implied by its name, this is one of the glossiest finishes you could choose during stainless steel fabrication. The high sheen that it creates makes the stainless steel products highly reflective, which can also work as a decorative feature. Mirror finishes are formed through hot rolling, but the stainless steel is exposed to supplementary abrasives to ensure it is polished to a shine. Products with a mirror finish should be treated with special sealants so that they are not vulnerable to corrosion.