2B
2B Stainless Steel Finish
2B is the standard smooth, low-reflectivity cold-rolled stainless finish produced by annealing, pickling and a light skin pass; it is the default for general fabrication.
Stainless Steel Finishes
Finish names are only a starting point. Use the guides below to define appearance, process route, viewing sample, grain direction and protective handling.
BA
Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Finish
BA is a smooth, bright cold-rolled finish created by annealing in a controlled atmosphere so the surface does not require conventional acid pickling afterward.
No.1
No.1 Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Finish
No.1 is the heat-treated and pickled hot-rolled finish used on stainless plate and heavier coil where function, corrosion resistance and fabrication matter more than appearance.
No.4
No.4 Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
No.4 is a directional satin finish produced with abrasive belts; it is widely used for food equipment, elevators, wall panels and architectural trim.
Hairline
Hairline Stainless Steel Finish
Hairline is a long, fine directional polish used for architectural and interior surfaces where a continuous linear grain and restrained reflectivity are required.
Mirror / 8K
Mirror and 8K Stainless Steel Finish
Mirror or 8K finish is produced by successive fine polishing and buffing to create a highly reflective decorative surface for premium architectural and fabricated work.
Bead Blasted
Bead-Blasted Stainless Steel Finish
Bead blasting creates a uniform, low-glare stainless surface by controlled impact of clean media and is used for architectural, equipment and restoration work.
2D
2D Stainless Steel Finish
2D is a smooth, non-reflective cold-rolled stainless finish supplied after annealing and pickling without the bright skin pass used for 2B.
No.3
No.3 Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
No.3 is a relatively coarse directional abrasive finish used as a final industrial surface or as an intermediate step before finer polishing.
Pickled & Passivated
Pickled and Passivated Stainless Steel
Pickling removes heat tint and scale after hot work or welding; passivation removes free iron and supports formation of the chromium-rich passive surface.
Electropolished
Electropolished Stainless Steel Finish
Electropolishing is a controlled electrochemical removal process used to smooth microscopic peaks, improve cleanability and create a bright stainless surface.
Embossed
Embossed Stainless Steel Sheet Finish
Embossed stainless sheet receives a raised or recessed repeating pattern through matched or patterned rolls for appearance, stiffness, grip or damage masking.
Etched
Etched Stainless Steel Finish
Etched stainless uses controlled chemical or electrochemical removal to create a pattern, texture or contrast on selected surface areas.