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Stainless Steel Sheet Guide: Alloys & Finishes

Cut2Size Metals carries a variety of stainless steel sheets & finishes. Here's a quick guide to help you find the right sheet for your job.

As always, if you don't see what you need or have questions, give us a call at (812) 429-1634 and we can special order items and answer all your stainless steel questions. Some of our stainless steel sheets come in multiple finishes, but most of our customers use the 2B finish for their applications.

304 stainless steel sheet with 2B finish by Cut2Size Metals, featuring a bright, smooth surface.

304 2B Finish

The 304 alloy is the most common alloy of stainless steel used for sheet metal fabrication. It has good formability and weldability and offers good corrosion resistance to both chemical and atmospheric conditions.

The 2B finish is a bright, cold rolled industrial finish with no grain pattern. Learn more about the 2B finish >

#4 Polish finish on 304 stainless steel sheet, crafted by Cut2Size Metals with a uniform 150-180 grit grain.

304 #4 Polish

The 304 alloy is the most common alloy of stainless steel used for sheet metal fabrication. It has good formability and weldability and offers good corrosion resistance to both chemical and atmospheric conditions.

The #4 Polish finish has a 150-180 grit grain in one direction. Learn more about the #4 Polish finish > 

#8 Mirror finish on 304 stainless steel sheet, providing a highly reflective, polished look with no grain.

304 #8 Mirror Finish

The 304 alloy is the most common alloy of stainless steel used for sheet metal fabrication. It has good formability and weldability and offers good corrosion resistance to both chemical and atmospheric conditions.

The #8 Mirror finish is a polished, highly reflective finish with the grain marks polished out. Learn more about the #8 Mirror finish >

309 stainless steel sheet with a 2D finish by Cut2Size Metals, offering a dull, industrial surface.

309 2D Finish

The 309 alloy provides excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance plus good strength at room and elevated temperatures. Typical uses include furnace parts, heating elements, aircraft and jet engine parts, heat exchangers, kiln liners, boiler baffles, refinery and chemical processing equipment, and auto exhaust parts.

The 2D finish is a dull, cold rolled industrial finish with no grain pattern.

2B finish on 316 stainless steel sheet, known for its high strength and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.

316 2B Finish

The 316 alloy has better corrosion resistance as well as higher strength at elevated temperatures than 304. Used for pumps, valves, textile and chemical equipment, pulp & paper and marine applications.

The 2B finish is a bright, cold rolled industrial finish with no grain pattern. Learn more about the 2B finish >

2B finish on 430 stainless steel sheet, magnetic and durable, ideal for equipment and construction applications.

430 2B Finish

The 430 alloy combines good corrosion resistance and heat and oxidation resistance up to 1500°F with good mechanical properties. Unlike the other grades we carry, type 430 is magnetic. Applications include oil refinery equipment, roofing and siding, and restaurant equipment.

The 2B finish is a bright, cold rolled industrial finish with no grain pattern. Learn more about the 2B finish >

Welder in protective gear working on a metal hopper, creating bright sparks from the welding torch.

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Need Assistance With Your Project? Cut2Size Metals is powered by Evansville Sheet Metal Works (ESMW), a leader in custom metal fabrication.


Whether you are looking for cutting for large or small production runs, Cut2Size Metals has you covered. We are open to individuals and businesses across the US. We hold our products and our employees to the highest standards because we know that you do too.

ESMW metalworker welding a custom cone-shaped piece on a workbench, wearing a helmet and gloves.

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Custom Fabrication has been the soul of our business for almost 80 years. When you need your material laser-cut, formed, welded, or fabricated into a complete project, our craftsmanship and quality are second to none. Our expert team is ready to assist you in finding the right materials and alloys, and to guide you through the fabrication process. Are you ready to make something awesome together?