Stainless Steel Finish Options

Stainless steel comes in a variety of final finishes used in door and door frame applications. Reasons for specifying or selecting stainless steel finish are typically based upon aesthetic and decorative features. Budget may also be considered when selecting a finish. For most applications, the actual finish of stainless steel is the final finish of doors and frames, and no primer or paint is required. The ease to maintain, clean and repair the finish may also be a consideration in specifying the stainless steel finish.

Stainless steel finish does not affect the performance of the door/frame. Performance is influenced by gauge (steel thickness), alloy, and the methods of product fabrication in order to meet critera for fire labels, acoustic ratings, bullet resistance, severe windstorm, etc.

Typical finishes (achieved by varying degrees of polishing) used in door & frame fabrication are:

• #4 Brushed Satin (this is a match for 32D hardware finish) somewhat low reflectivity
• Long Grain Satin, also called Hairline, #6, or non-directional dull satin, looks very similar to #4 but is higher in price compared to #4,
• Non-Directional, also called Vibration or Angel Hair, is achieved by circular polishing which can be fine or course.
• 2B - mill finish (unpolished) is suitable for painting, or in concealed areas where stainless steel performance is required but aesthetics are not important.
• #8 Mirror is highly reflective, fine polishing lines are barely visible. #8 is a match to door hardware finish 32.
• Random Swirl - ranges from fine to course, control sample recommended

NOTE: Typical Finishes can be fully restored in Next Door Company plant wherever exposed seams are welded. Examples: seamless door edges and face trim mitered frame corners can be re-finished to match surrounding finish.

• Abrasive blasted
• Rolled (textured)
• Embossed
• Colored
• Etched

CUSTOM manufacturing means that our artisan factory will individually create each product based upon specific requirements of the order. We will submit shop drawings and samples for approval, and will not release materials for production without customer approval.

For more information on finishes, refer to Specialty Steel Industry of North America publication. Keep in mind that SSINA publication is not specific to doors and frames.

Refer also to NAAMM-HMMA 866-01 publication that is specific to doors and door frames.

• Doors
• Frames
• Alloys
• Finish Options
• Performance Ratings
• More Information