- 2B is the standard cold rolled industrial finish: smooth, matt and semi-reflective.
- BA (bright annealed) is shiny and near-mirror straight from the mill.
- No.4 (brushed) hides fingerprints — common for kitchens and lifts; HL (hairline) has long continuous lines for cladding.
- No.8 is a full mirror finish and is always supplied with protective PVC film.
When you order a stainless steel sheet you choose a grade, a thickness and a finish. The finish affects how the sheet looks, how easy it is to clean and what it costs. These are the finishes we supply most often.
No.1 — Hot rolled, annealed and pickled
A dull, slightly rough grey surface found on hot rolled sheets and plates (usually 3 mm and above). It is used where looks don't matter: tanks, structural parts and heavy fabrication.
2B — The industrial standard
Cold rolled, annealed, pickled and given a light pass on polished rolls. 2B is smooth and semi-reflective, with a matt grey look. It is the most common finish for process equipment, tanks and general fabrication, and the starting point for most polished finishes.
BA — Bright annealed
Annealed in a controlled atmosphere so the surface stays bright and almost mirror-like. BA is used for appliances, reflectors, trims and kitchenware where a shine is wanted without extra polishing.
No.4 — Brushed or satin
Polished with 150–180 grit abrasive to give short, uniform lines. No.4 hides fingerprints and scratches well, which is why it is used on commercial kitchen equipment, lifts and appliance fronts.
HL — Hairline
Long, continuous fine lines along the sheet length. Hairline looks more premium than No.4 and is popular for elevator cabins, architectural cladding and interior panels.
No.8 — Mirror
Polished in progressively finer stages to a true mirror. It is used for signage, decorative ceilings, columns and interiors. It shows fingerprints and scratches, so it is always supplied with protective PVC film.
PVD colour, embossed and etched sheets
Physical vapour deposition (PVD) adds a durable colour layer — gold, rose gold, black, bronze or champagne — on top of mirror or hairline sheets. Embossed, etched and chequered patterns add texture and grip.
| Finish | Look | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Dull, rough grey | Heavy fabrication, tanks |
| 2B | Smooth, matt | Process equipment, general use |
| BA | Bright, reflective | Appliances, trims |
| No.4 | Satin brushed | Kitchens, lifts |
| HL | Long fine lines | Cladding, interiors |
| No.8 | Mirror | Decorative, signage |
Need a particular finish? Browse our stainless steel sheets or ask for a quote.