Stainless Steel Finishes
Facilitas stainless steel cabinets are built to be durable and highly functional.
However, functionality and longevity are not our only priorities: aesthetic quality is equally important in the production of our furnishings.
One key aspect of appearance is the surface finish.
What Is a Finish?
A finish refers to a surface treatment achieved using specific techniques and machinery designed to create a precise visual and textural effect.
Beyond appearance, surface finishing also plays a crucial functional role: it helps develop the chromium oxide layer that is essential for enhancing the material’s corrosion resistance.
The machines used for finishing are mechanical systems equipped with brushes or special belts that rotate across the surface. Depending on the treatment, these processes create distinct surface patterns and textures that determine the material’s visual characteristics.
Types of Stainless Steel Finishes
Stainless steel surface finishes are generally grouped into two main categories:
- Abrasive finishes
- Rolling finishes
Abrasive finishes are achieved using abrasives with different grain sizes. The more matte or brushed the finish, the lower the reflectivity; conversely, smoother or polished finishes provide higher reflectivity.
EN 10088 Part 2 is the European standard regulating all mechanical and rolled finishes.
This system uses numbers and letters to classify finishes (e.g., “1” for hot-rolled, “2” for cold-rolled) and combinations like 2J to describe more specific surface treatments.
As mentioned earlier, there is a strong link between surface finish and the hygienic performance of stainless steel.
Let’s explore the types of finishes we use on Facilitas cabinets.
BA Finish (Bright Annealed)
The BA finish is known for its high reflectivity. It is obtained through a heat treatment in a controlled atmosphere, followed by cold rolling using polished rollers.
The resulting surface is very smooth and glossy, with low surface roughness and minimal contamination risk compared to other steel mill finishes. It also offers superior cleanability.
2J Finish
This finish is produced by mechanically treating a 2B surface with abrasive belts of 80–100 grit. The result is a coarse satin effect, ideal for applications where a matte but industrial look is required.
Fine Satin Finish (Scotch-Brite)
The fine satin finish, also commonly (though incorrectly) referred to as Scotch-Brite, is characterised by short, parallel lines that run uniformly and in a single direction. It is achieved through mechanical processing using increasingly fine abrasives, resulting in a refined and consistent surface appearance.
This finish typically falls within the 120 to 320 grit range. The higher the grit, the finer and shinier the lines become, resulting in a surface with greater reflectivity and a more elegant appearance.
Explore our full range of stainless-steel cabinets, crafted with precisely applied surface finishes to ensure high hygiene standards, aesthetically refined results and uncompromised durability. Click here to view all models and fill out the form below to get in touch with us.
