Introduction to Stainless Steel Surface Finishes
Stainless steel plates come in various surface finishes that impact not only their aesthetic appeal but also their functional suitability for different industries. Among the most commonly demanded finishes in India and worldwide are 2B, No.4, and Mirror (No.8) — each offering distinct benefits for hygiene, reflectivity, formability, or corrosion resistance. Hindustan Steel Corporation supplies all three variants in SS 304, SS 316, and premium alloys like SS 904L.
What is 2B Finish, No.4 Finish, and Mirror Finish?
- 2B Finish: A cold-rolled finish with a smooth, dull matte surface. Ideal for industrial, chemical, and food processing applications.
- No.4 Finish: Brushed finish with fine polishing grit lines. Common in kitchen equipment, architecture, and pharmaceutical machines.
- Mirror (No.8) Finish: Highly reflective and glossy surface achieved by buffing. Used in high-end architecture, elevators, and luxury interiors.
Applications by Finish Type
- 2B Finish: Pressure vessels, tanks, chemical process equipment
- No.4 Finish: Food processing, pharma cleanrooms, kitchen appliances
- Mirror Finish: Decorative panels, signage, escalators, cosmetic-grade enclosures
Mechanical Properties & Impact of Finishes
While surface finish doesn’t alter core mechanical properties, finer finishes like Mirror can slightly reduce formability due to excessive polishing. All finishes can be applied to plates with tensile strength between 500–750 MPa depending on grade.
Chemical Composition Relevance
Surface finish selection often depends on the grade:
- SS 304 and SS 316 are most commonly supplied in 2B and No.4
- Mirror polish is preferred in corrosion-resistant SS 316L or SS 904L for decorative plus durable performance
Available Standards for Polished Stainless Steel Plates
We supply plates as per:
- ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
- EN 10088 (Europe)
- JIS G4305 (Japan)
All surface finishes comply with industry-accepted Ra values (roughness average): - 2B: ~0.3µm
- No.4: ~0.4–0.6µm
- Mirror: <0.1µm
Thickness & Size Availability by Finish
- 2B: 0.5 mm to 50 mm
- No.4: 0.8 mm to 20 mm
- Mirror: 0.8 mm to 6 mm
Standard widths: 1000mm / 1250mm / 1500mm
Length: 2500mm / 3000mm or custom cut-to-size
Buffing, Grinding & Surface Treatment Tips
- Use alumina or silicon carbide belts for No.4 finish
- Final buffing with rouge compounds for Mirror finish
- Clean 2B plates with mild alkaline cleaners to avoid oxidation
Fabrication & Cleaning Guidelines
- 2B: Best for welding and bending
- No.4: Directional grain — avoid deep scratches during cutting
- Mirror: Handle with protective film and gloves to prevent fingerprinting
Why Buy Polished Plates from Hindustan Steel Corporation?
We offer finish consistency, scratch-free delivery, and export-grade polishing processes. All finishes come with traceability, packaging, and surface test certification. Our in-house grinding units allow large batch processing with precise Ra control.
Export Grade Surface Finished Plates
We export No.4 and Mirror Finish stainless plates to:
- UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
- Vietnam, Malaysia
- South Africa, Kenya
With fumigation-free, PVC film laminated, waterproof-wrapped bundles.
How to Select the Right Finish for Your Project
- For chemical/industrial use → Go for 2B
- For food/pharma interiors → Choose No.4
- For decorative/luxury applications → Opt for Mirror
Ask us for Ra values, finish samples, or technical sheet comparison.
Certifications & Compliance
Our polished SS plates meet:
- ISO 9001:2015
- ASTM/EN finish tolerances
- IBR (for applicable grades)
Each plate is accompanied by: - Surface roughness report
- Mill TC / Third-party inspection on request
FAQs for Surface Finishes: 2B, No.4, Mirror – Explained
What is No.4 finish in SS plates?
A brushed satin finish with linear polishing, ideal for hygiene and aesthetics.
What is Mirror finish or No.8 finish?
It’s the highest reflective finish achieved through buffing, used in decor and interiors.
Which SS finish is best for food processing?
No.4 finish is most suitable due to its easy-to-clean surface and hygiene compatibility.
Can stainless steel be mirror polished?
Yes, grades like SS 304, SS 316L, and SS 904L are ideal for mirror polish (No.8).
Is there a difference in cost by finish type?
Yes. Mirror finish is costliest due to extensive polishing. 2B is most economical.
Can I get 2B, No.4, and Mirror finish in SS 316?
Absolutely. We supply all finishes in 304, 316, 316L, and premium 904L plates.
Request a Polished SS Plate Price or Sample
Need a quote or sample? Call our export sales team or fill the RFQ form. We supply both stock and custom-polished plates in 304/316/904L grades.