Stainless Steel Finishes Guide
Choosing the right stainless finish affects how your project looks, wears, and cleans. This guide breaks down #4 Brushed, #8 Mirror, 2B, and 2D—covering reflectivity, grain, fingerprint behavior, protective film, cleaning tips, and common uses. You’ll also find grain-direction guidance and simple side-by-side comparisons, so you can spec with confidence and order pieces cut to your exact size with quick turnaround.
Stainless sheet finishes, explained: #4 brushed, #8 mirror, 2B & 2D
Finish affects look, cleanability, and wear. This guide compares the four most common stainless sheet finishes—what they look like, how they handle fingerprints, when to use them, and how to choose grain direction—so you can spec with confidence and order cut to size.
- Top to bottom: #8 Polish, #4 Finish, 2B Mill Finish
Stainless steel sheet finishes
#4 Brushed finish
- Satin sheen with visible grain direction (150–180 grit)
- Select grain direction (horizontal/vertical) on the product page when you enter your custom-cut specs
- If either dimension exceeds 48", grain must run with the long dimension
- Brushed on one side only; ships with protective film on the brushed face
- Common uses: appliances, restaurant equipment, architectural trim, backsplashes
- Available online: 304 — need another alloy? Call (812) 429-1634 for a special request
#8 Mirror finish
- Highly reflective mirror surface; grain marks polished out
- Mirror on one side only; ships with protective film on the mirror face
- Most cosmetic option; shows fingerprints/scratches more readily
- Common uses: decorative panels, signage.
- Available online: 304 — need another alloy? Call (812) 429-1634 for a special request
2B Mill finish
- Bright, cold-rolled industrial surface - bright, but not polished; non-directional (no grain)
- Mill finish: light surface scratches & a duller look are normal
- No protective film
- Available online: 304, 316, and 430 — need another alloy? Call (812) 429-1634 for a special request
2D Mill finish
- Dull, matte cold-rolled industrial surface - no polished (no grain); rougher than 2B
- Mill finish: light surface scratches & a dull appearance are normal
- No protective film
- Available online: 309 — need another alloy? Call (812) 429-1634 for a special request
Quick stainless steel sheet finish comparison
Choosing a stainless finish affects appearance, maintenance, and how your project wears over time. Use this quick comparison to pick the right surface—then jump to the finish sections for handling tips and shop links.
| #4 Polish Finish | #8 Mirror Finish | 2B Mill Finish | 2D Mill Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloys Available | 304 | 304 | 304, 316, 430 | 309 |
| Sheen / Reflectivity | Satin | High (mirror) | Low sheen, bright gray, cold-rolled industrial mill finish | Matte, non-reflective mill finish |
| Grain | Yes — Visible directional grain (~150–180 grit) | None (polished out) | None | None |
| Fingerprints | Moderate (clean with the grain) | High (shows readily; handle with film) | Low–moderate | Low |
| Protective film | Yes — brushed side only | Yes — mirror face only | Not available | Not available |
| Key notes | Select horizontal/vertical grain on the product page when entering custom-cut specs. Important — align across adjoining parts.If any dimension is greater than 48", grain runs with the long dimension. Align grain across adjoining parts. | Mirror on one side only; most cosmetic; handle carefully to reduce fingerprints and micro-scratches. | Mill finish: light surface scratches & a generally dull look are normal. This is the standard industrial finish you'll find on stainless steel sheet. | Rougher than 2BMill finish: light surface scratches & a generally dull look are normal.Good for functional/hidden parts. |
Not seeing what you need?
We can help. If you don't see the alloy, finish, or thickness you're looking for- or if your project needs tighter tolerances or specific grain orientation- reach out.
Stainless steel finishes: FAQs
Not sure which finish to choose—or how to care for it? Use this FAQ to compare sheen, grain, fingerprints, and protective film, plus simple cleaning tips.
What’s the difference between 2D and 2B?
Which finish hides wear and fingerprints best?
Can I specify grain direction on #4?
What’s the easiest finish to keep clean day to day?
How do you clean stainless steel sheet?
Is there protective film?
Cut2Size Metals provides general properties and typical uses for the products we carry, however, the suitability of a material for any application or the manner of its use is the sole responsibility of the customer. If you have specific requirements for your application, we strongly suggest contacting us before purchasing. For specific questions or further assistance, feel free to call us at (812) 429-1634. We're here to help!
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