The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

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Finishes to Stainless Steel

2001

I am working on a residential project close to the harbor that requires a high corrosion resistant finish to stainless steel. Many of the external component parts are visible and cannot be BA or No 8 Finish due to reflectivity.

A No 4 finish, electropolished was considered appropriate, however any abrasive belt finish will create surface corrosion. I am considering glass bead blasting, with a possible electropolishing after.

Is this finish a better corrosion resistant surface finish, or do we need the electropolishing at all?

Wayne Krygsman
- Sydney, NSW, Australia

Electropolishing is the finish you need.

Dan Weaver
- Toccoa, Georgia
2001

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Of the surface finishes you described, except electro polishing, you will end up with relatively rough surface finishes. Mass finishing systems will give you a finer less porous surface finish; however, not sure of the size of your parts. Most hardware items can be processed in this way down to as low as 8 or 10 RMS without a highly reflective finish.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2001