Stainless Steel Sheet Guide: Alloys & Finishes
Cut2Size Metals carries a variety of stainless steel sheets & finishes. This guide helps you match the right alloy (304, 316, 309, 430) and finish (2B, #4 Brushed, #8 Mirror, 2D) to your project—so you can compare at a glance and order cut to size with confidence.
Stainless steel sheet alloy guide
As always, if you don't see what you need or have questions, please give us a call at (812) 429-1634. We can special-order items and answer all your stainless steel questions.
| Alloy | Choose when… | Typical Uses | Corrosion/ Heat | Machinability | Weldability | Bending/ Forming | Magnetism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | General-purpose workhorse for indoor/outdoor and food-area use. Standard pick for most projects. Finishes: 2B Mill · #4 Brushed · #8 Mirror | Sinks, countertops, backsplashes, food equipment, architectural panels/railings, enclosures. | Good overall (standard pick) | Fair | Excellent | Good | No |
| 316 / 316L | Coastal/chloride exposure, frequent wash-downs, or mild chemicals. Dual-certified 316/316L for post-weld corrosion resistance. Finish: 2B Mill | Marine-adjacent hardware, pharmaceutical, food, or chemical processing, as well as hygienic areas. | Excellent (better than 304; superior pitting) | Fair | Excellent | Good | No |
| 309 | High-temperature/oxidation resistance is the priority; aesthetics secondary. Finish: 2D Mill | Furnace parts, oven linings, radiant tubes, heat exchangers, and industrial heat shields. | Excellent at high temp; slightly less than 304 in aqueous service | Fair | Excellent | Good | No |
| 430 | Need magnetic stainless or a value option for interior/low-exposure use where cosmetics aren’t primary. Finish: 2B Mill | Appliances, interior or architectural trim, equipment panels/liners, automotive trim. | Good in atmospheric/ mild environments | Good | Fair | Good | Yes |
Stainless steel sheet finishes
Stainless finishes change both the look and how a surface wears. Start with these quick visuals, then scan the chart. For a deeper dive, see Guide to Stainless Steel Finishes.
Mill finish = ships exactly as finished at the mill (unpolished/unbrushed); light surface scratches and a dull appearance are normal. Most of our customers use the 2B finish for their applications. For a cosmetic look, choose #4 Brushed or #8 Mirror.
#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
- 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
- Available online: 304 — need another alloy? Call (812) 429-1634 for a special request
2B Mill finish
- Bright, cold-rolled industrial surface; 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; 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
| Finish | Sheen / Reflectivity | Grain | Protective film | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 Brushed | Satin | Yes (150–180 grit grain in one direction) | Yes — brushed side only | Select grain on product page; if any dimension is greater than 48", grain runs with the long dimension |
| #4 Mirror | High (mirror) | None (polished out) | Yes — mirror face only | Mirror on one side only; most cosmetic |
| 2B Mill | Low sheen, bright gray | None (non-directional) | No | Mill finish: light scratches / dull look normal |
| 2D Mill | Matte, non-reflective | None | No | Rougher than 2B; mill-finish cosmetics: light scratches / dull look normal |
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.
Shop stainless steel sheets
Help Choosing & Ordering
Have questions before you order? These quick answers cover the choices most shoppers make—finish, grain direction, alloy selection, thickness, and ordering details.
Are #4 Brushed and #8 Mirror finished on one side or both?
Can I choose the grain direction on #4 Brushed?
Why does my 2B/2D look dull or have light surface marks?
Which finishes are available online for each alloy?
Can you source finishes or alloys not shown online?
How fast will my order ship?
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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