Correct equipment is important when handling stainless steel surfaces. It needs to maintain a constant velocity. The abrasive used requires that it maintain a certain roughness to effectively polish the steel. Drills or other hand-held grinding tools can be used for smaller jobs, while larger projects may require a grinder and polishing wheel. For truly large-scale stainless steel polishing, custom machinery may need to automate the process. The following are common surface treatments for polishing stainless steel
Mill or Matte Finish
It's an efficient way to do it, and it requires less time, effort and expense than other ways. It is often used in practical applications such as kitchen sinks or worktables. Achieve a matte finish. This steel is rolled by means of a special die or roll.
Brushed Finish
Brushed and polished stainless steel produces a decorative pattern composed of delicate parallel lines. Stainless steel does not have the typical reflective sheen and works well under bright house lights or lots of sunlight. Commonly used in kitchen appliances, it has the disadvantage of reducing the corrosion resistance of steel, and depending on the application, rust resistance may be desirable. Brush finish requires a high grade abrasive to even the lines.
Mirror Finish
This is a highly reflective finish. It achieves the look for which stainless steel is best known. It works great to hide welded metal and makes cleaning easier. Polishing stainless steel to attain a mirror finish requires a wheel or at least a 320-grit belt.
Gloss Finish
It will improve corrosion resistance, as it smooths crevices where rust can collect. Its chrome-like shine is perfect for automotive parts and requires the surface to be adequately prepared. Using a high-quality buffing compound and a grinder with a polishing wheel, it can also achieve a mirror-like shine after buffing.
