Satin Finishes

We offer the satin finish options listed below across all metal types. To speak with the Polished Metals team about your project, or if you have any questions regarding satin finishing or finish options, request a quote.

What Is a Satin Finish?

In metal polishing, a satin finish is any that results in a surface featuring a more grain-like, brushed, or grooved appearance. While satin finishes still reflect light and produce a gleaming effect, they do not achieve the same high shine as mirror finishes. Satin finishes may be desirable for a variety of reasons, including lower maintenance requirements. In addition, the duller, more matte appearance may be better suited for areas with a large amount of light to reduce glare.

Long Grain (Hairline)

A Long Grain finish, also commonly referred to as a “Hairline” finish is considered a #6 Satin that receives additional polishing in order to give the appearance that the grain runs continuously for the entire length of the product. This particular finish is often applied to a variety of metal types for use in elevators and escalators.

Non-Directional Satin

A Non-Directional Satin finish is considered a random orbital finish achieved by sanding with coated abrasive pads, with no specific direction of the grain. This particular finish is often applied to a variety of metal types for use in elevators and escalators.

#6 Satin Finish

How Is the #6 Satin Finish Produced?

The #6 satin finish is similar to #4, but with an even finer and smoother appearance. After initial polishing, the final finish is achieved by polishing with a 240-320 grit abrasive belt. This results in the finer texture while still maintaining a satin appearance.

#6 Finish Use Cases

The #6 finish is most often applied to 304 Stainless Steel for use across a wide range of industries. As a practical, low-maintenance satin finish, it is favored for functional use cases in industries including:

Elevators and Escalators for trim, railings, walls, and more.
Food and Beverage Industry for appliances, food prep countertops, food and liquid storage, and other areas where metal may come in contact with food and drink.
Industrial Metals for a wide variety of use cases subject to high safety and cleanliness standards, such as the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing, brewing, and more.

In addition to stainless steel, the #6 satin finish may be applied to a range of other metals including commercial bronze, brass, architectural bronze, and more.

Cross-Grain Satin

A cross-grain satin finish is achieved by sanding with coated abrasive pads, in a cross-hatch pattern. This particular finish is often applied to stainless steel for use in architectural projects.

#4 Satin Finish

How Is the #4 Satin Finish Produced?

The #4 satin finish is similar to #3, except more refined looking and featuring a smoother appearance. After initial polishing, the final finish is achieved by polishing with a 120-180 grit abrasive belt.

#4 Finish Use Cases

As the industry standard for satin finishes, the #4 finish sees wide use across a number of industries, and particularly industries that favor stainless steel for various use cases. Examples of industries and products that may use this finish include:

Elevators and Escalators for trim, railings, walls, and more.
Food and Beverage Industry for appliances, food prep countertops, food and liquid storage, and other areas where metal may come in contact with food and drink.
Industrial Metals for a wide variety of use cases subject to high safety and cleanliness standards, such as the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing, brewing, and more.

The 4 satin finish is available on a wide variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and red metals such as brass.

#3 Satin Finish

What Is a #3 Satin Finish?

A #3 satin finish is achieved by polishing the metal type on a wide belt machine using coated abrasive belts. Traditionally, this results in a coarser appearance as the final polishing is done with a 100-120 grit abrasive belt. The #3 finish is most often applied to stainless steel, and especially 304 stainless steel for use across a wide range of industries.

#3 Finish Use Cases

An industry staple for satin finishes, the #3 finish is used across many industries throughout the world. Stainless steel in 3 finish is especially common, and this versatile metal may be seen in projects throughout the following industries:

Elevators and Escalators for trim, railings, walls, and more.
Food and Beverage Industry for areas of metal that may come in contact with food and drink, such as food prep countertops; as well as appliances and food and beverage storage.
Industrial Metals for a wide variety of use cases subject to high safety and cleanliness standards, such as the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing, brewing, and more.

While it is most commonly applied to stainless steel varieties, the 3 finish may also be used with aluminum, Muntz metal/naval brass, bronze, and brass.

#2B/Mill Finish

What Is 2B Mill Finish?

A #2B finish, also commonly referred to as a “mill finish,” describes the unpolished cold rolled material as it is obtained from the producing mill. It may sometimes exhibit a slight luster from the rolling process, but no reflectivity. This particular finish is most often used where stainless steel is specified but the finish (appearance) is unimportant. It is a low-maintenance finish that will last for many years with little required maintenance.

Available Products

Our mill finishing capabilities extend to many of our most popular product offerings. We commonly fulfill orders for 2B mill finish on sheet metal, plates, and various types of bars, including flat bars and round.

2B mill finish is most popular for stainless steel, most often in cases where stainless steel is required for the project but the ultimate appearance is less important. This finish may also be used on other popular metals such as aluminum, brass, Muntz, and commercial bronze.