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Matte finish on 316 stainless steel

I am in the process of fabricating and installing a large fountain (about 3 ft. X 35 ft. long) with 16 planter boxes that sit in it. It is all made of 1/4 316 stainless. The architect wants it to have a matte finish, not shiny. She is suggesting perhaps a bead blast. I think that may work for the planters as they will fit in a blasting cabinet, but may be prove difficult for the fountain itself because of where it is located and it is surrounded with glass, siding, and concrete. Anyone have suggestions for other things to try? Perhaps some kind of chemical etching solution? What would a soda blast do? HELP!

Kevin Shawn
- McMinnville, Oregon, USA
2006

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It sounds like you are locked into working this in place. I think there are too many problems with chemicals and dwell time; therefore, you bead blast is probably the way to go. You definitely will have to mask and/or protect the surround area and if necessary reduce the blast pressure.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2006

There are blasting equipments that incorporate a vacuum hose and hairbrush cover around the gun, very much like a home cleaner. This device captures most of the glass dust that rebounds from the blasted surface and may be suitable for your problem.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006