Brushed and Polished Stainless Finishes: Production Steps

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A brushed or polished stainless finish is produced in stages: exact measurement, a written drawing and specification, cutting and forming, surface finishing in a set grain or mirror direction, then protection and installation. Each stage is approved with the designer before the next one starts, so the surface matches the intended look.

Start with measurement and the design brief

Every stainless piece begins on site. We measure the openings, wall conditions, floor levels and any adjacent materials, because a finish that looks right on a drawing can change once it sits next to tile, wood or glass. Designers should bring the intended lighting, the direction of the surrounding lines and any reference samples.

Overall and opening dimensions, checked on site
Adjacent materials and their edges
Intended grain or mirror direction

Prepare the written specification and drawing

After measuring we prepare a drawing and a written specification that name the stainless grade, the sheet or profile thickness, the finish type and the grain direction. Clear wording here prevents disagreements later. Nothing goes into production until the designer has approved the drawing and the specification in writing.

Where a brushed finish is chosen, the specification should state whether the grain runs horizontally, vertically or diagonally, since this changes how the piece reads from across a room.

Cutting and forming the stainless

Once approved, the stainless is cut, bent and welded in the factory to the drawn dimensions. Joints are kept as tidy as possible because welds are the first place a finish reveals imperfections. Pieces are assembled loosely first so we can check fit before any surface work starts.

Forming is done before finishing wherever possible, since heavy handling after a polished face is produced can leave marks that are costly to remove.

Producing the brushed or polished surface

A brushed finish is made by abrading the surface in one consistent direction with graded abrasives, giving a soft satin grain. A polished finish is built up through progressively finer abrasives until the surface reflects light clearly. Both need careful control so that the look is even across each panel and matches the approved sample.

Brushed: consistent directional grain, satin appearance
Polished: stepped abrasives to a reflective face
Checked against the reference sample under factory light

Protection, cleaning and delivery

Finished stainless is cleaned to remove residue from cutting and polishing, then protected with a film or paper cover to prevent scratches during transport and installation. We recommend that the finished pieces stay covered until handover, and that the designer confirms the protection method with the site team.

Pieces are packed so they arrive without rubbing against each other, and labelled to match the drawing numbers for quick installation.

Installation and final inspection

On site, pieces are fixed according to the approved drawing, with attention to level, alignment and the direction of the grain across joins. Fixings are chosen to suit the wall material and the load. After installation we inspect the surface together with the designer, so that any touch-up or adjustment is agreed and carried out before the work is signed off.

Exact structural values, such as fixing loads or railing heights, are confirmed with the engineer for each project.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between brushed and polished stainless?

Brushed stainless has a soft, directional satin grain that hides fingerprints and marks well. Polished stainless is smooth and reflective, giving a sharper, more formal look that shows reflections clearly.

Can the grain direction be chosen?

Yes. The grain direction is set in the specification and drawing before production. It can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, and should be chosen with the surrounding lines in mind.

Do I need to approve a sample before production?

It is strongly recommended. Reviewing a sample under the actual lighting of the space helps confirm that the finish matches what you expect.

Will the stainless be protected during installation?

Yes. Finished pieces are cleaned and covered for transport and installation, and the protection method is agreed with the site team.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing a finish from a screen or a small sample without checking it in the actual lighting is a common error. Leaving grain direction and joint placement undecided until installation can also cause visible inconsistencies.

Our recommendation

Approve the drawing, grain direction and a physical sample in writing before production starts, and keep the surface covered until the final inspection. This simple sequence prevents most finish disputes.

Summary

Brushed and polished stainless finishes follow a clear sequence of measuring, drawing, forming, finishing, protecting and installing, with designer approval at each key step.

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