Why surface finish matters
A stainless steel sheet may look shiny on the rack, yet the finish you choose shapes far more than appearance. It drives resistance to corrosion and heat, hygiene performance, fabrication time, downstream polishing costs and even the long-term maintenance budget.
Because stainless is a unique metal alloy, rich in chromium and nickel, its outer film self-repairs when oxygen is present. The smoother and cleaner the stainless steel surface, the faster the passive layer reforms. That’s why the stainless steel fabrication process always begins with one critical question:
“Which finish will deliver the performance, price and look my job needs?”
At Midway Metals, we carry a wide stainless steel sheet & coil range, but three finishes dominate Australian projects:
- 2B: the all-rounder; smooth, slightly reflective and cost-effective.
- Bright Annealed (BA): gloss straight off the line, no abrasive belts required.
- No. 4: a uniform brushed look that hides fingerprints and light scratches
2B — Australia’s stainless workhorse
How it’s produced
Cold-rolling closes the grain; the coil is annealed, pickled and cleaned to strip away mill scale; a gentle skin-pass through polished rolls then leaves the slightly reflective surface similar to a cloudy mirror.
Why sheet-metal fabricators specify it
- It’s the most common finish in the sheet metal fabrication industry; easy to source and budget.
- The smooth profile resists bacterial build-up, a must for chemical lines and food equipment.
- Tight thickness tolerance keeps laser cutting, folding and rounded-corner work tidy.
- Price point beats mechanically polished finishes when looks are secondary to hygiene.
When stainless steel sheets are purchased in 2B, they arrive clean, with no need for a secondary buff before weld prep.
Typical uses
Industrial tanks, brewery vessels, conveyor components and any job that needs a clean, hygienic surface without the cost of a full polish. For buyers in food processing, we recommend reading our companion guide on the benefits of food-grade stainless steel for a deeper dive into contamination control and passivating stainless steel.
Bright Annealed (BA) — gloss without secondary polishing
Process difference
After cold rolling, the coil is annealed in an oxygen-free furnace. No oxygen means no high-temperature scale, so the sheet exits shiny and no abrasive materials are needed. If you need a pristine surface delivered ready to install, request a custom stainless steel finish through our sheet and coil polishing service.
Key benefits
- Near-mirror reflectivity straight from the mill, the more reflective the surface, the brighter the space.
- Lower surface roughness (Ra) than 2B, boosting natural passivation for superior corrosion resistance.
- Protective PVC film shields the metal surface during transport and install.
Where BA excels
Architectural wall panels, elevator doors, splash-backs, solar-frame components and any visible surface where designers demand a high-gloss stainless solution. You’ll often see BA on a stainless steel fridge panel or mirrored column cladding in premium retail fit-outs.
No. 4 — the classic brushed finish
We start with a 2B finish, then run fine abrasive belts (120–180 grit) over the sheet to create consistent grit lines. A final light grit finishing pad blends the strokes, allowing sheet metal workers to avoid removing grit lines on site.
Why fabricators love it
- Satin sheen masks fingerprints and light scratches; the brushed finish is commonly chosen for high-traffic areas.
- Lower reflectivity than 2B or BA, minimising glare in commercial kitchens.
- Adds a subtle texture for improved grip on kick plates, bench fronts, and handrails.
Common installations
Benches, stainless steel sinks, shop-front trims, medical trolleys, ticket machines, brushed-finish fridge doors; anywhere a durable yet visually attractive finish is required.
How to Decide Between Different Stainless Steel Finishes: 2b, Ba and No. 4
Match the environment
- Pharmaceutical or Food processing applications? Opt for 2B or BA: fewer crevices, making sanitisation easier.
- Architectural statement? BA wins on gloss; No. 4 if you need a softer, brushed aesthetic. It’s also a common stainless steel finish for kitchen equipment, so if cohesiveness is a priority, this may be the best option.
Consider fabrication steps
- Heavy folding or laser-cut profiles: 2B’s uniform thickness delivers clean edges.
- TIG welding on display panels: brushed No. 4 lets you blend weld seams seamlessly.
Balance upfront cost with lifetime value- BA is pricier per sheet, yet it eliminates the need for costly mechanical polishing.
- No. 4’s brushed texture stands up to daily scuffs, reducing the need for ongoing touch-ups
Check hygiene rules
- Smooth, low-Ra surfaces are easier to passivate and less likely to contaminate stainless steel in food lines. 2B and BA meet most standards right out of the box.
Think about future upgrades
- Specify a finish that will still pair nicely with tomorrow’s polished stainless steel appliances or decorative features.
Need a hand? Our technical team routinely tests sample parts for Ra values, salt-spray performance and weld blendability, just ask.
FAQs About Our Stainless Steel Finishes
Is BA the same as a mirror finish?
Not quite. BA comes shiny from the furnace, whereas a true No. 8 mirror finish adds multiple buffing stages with fine abrasive compounds. BA is brighter than 2B but stops short of a showroom mirror.
Can I weld 2B and still keep the finish?
Yes. After TIG or MIG welding, a quick pickling and passivation or local buffing brings the heat-affected zone back in line with the surrounding metal.
Does No. 4 improve corrosion resistance?
The alloy’s chemistry stays identical; only the texture changes. However, grit lines can hold salt spray longer, so specify marine-grade 316 and routine rinse-downs for coastal installs.
How do I protect BA panels on site?
Leave the factory PVC film in place until final clean-down. Wipe with a soft cloth, never a rough paper towel, to avoid micro-scratches.
Finish shapes performance
- 2B covers the bulk of Australia’s stainless sheet-metal fabrication; clean, economical, ready for laser or press brake.
- Bright Annealed steps in when design teams demand a brilliant, more visually attractive finish straight off the coil.
- No. 4 offers a brushed, fingerprint-friendly face for benches, doors and appliances that need to look good under daily wear.
Whatever your project, Midway Metals mills, slits, polishes, and delivers stainless steel on time, every time. Browse our catalogue online, or call our specialists for advice on fabricating stainless steel parts, scratch repair or specifying the perfect stainless steel finish.