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Battle of Finishes: No.4 vs. Satin in Stainless Steel
There are many surface treatments of stainless steel, such as bead blast, polish, No.4, satin, mirror, etc. Do you know the differences between them? Topson Group will introduce the pros and cons of various finishes and their differences in a series of articles. This article brings you No.4 and Satin finishes, showcasing the process, texture, glossy, and more. Which one fits your need?
Why do people choose surface treatment
Polishing, brushing, and bead blasting are the first steps in plate processing. Their original purpose is to remove impurities from the stainless steel surface to improve the plate's adhesion during plating. During use, people found that these plates are more corrosion-resistant than conventional stainless steel plates. With the increase in buildings, designers widely use them to enhance the highlights of building structures. Therefore, mirror, No.4, and satin finish can also be used directly as decorative plates. Next section will expand on satin finish and No.4 finish in more detail.
What is No.4 stainless steel
No.4 finish is a unique surface treatment process characterized by a fine, uniform short-line grain distribution similar to a "snowflake" or "star" distribution, which is delicate and three-dimensional. No.4 finish can be applied to a variety of stainless steel materials, common grades include 201, 304/304L, 316/316L, 430, and 2205 duplex stainless steel.
- Texture effect: The direction of the No.4 finish is weak, there is no obvious trace of drawing, and the vision is more soft and natural. Its roughness typically ranges between 0.3–0.8 μm Ra (depending on processing).
- Gloss: Matte to semi-matte effect, reflected light dispersion, reduce glare, suitable for low-key luxury decoration needs.
- Touch: The surface is slippy, comfortable to touch, and non-slip performance.
- Stain resistance: The fine texture hides subtle scratches and fingerprints, making daily maintenance relatively simple.
What is satin stainless steel
Stainless steel satin finish sits between a mirror finish and a matte finish—clean and refined, but not overly shiny. If you place the object on top, you can see its reflection which is blurry.
Key Characteristics of a Satin Finish:
- Soft sheen (not reflective)
- A subtle, short, linear texture
- Hides fingerprints and minor scratches
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Modern and professional appearance
No.4 finish VS. Satin finish
Compared with satin finish, No.4 finish is less directional, no obvious traces of brushed, and visually softer and more natural.
| Feature | No.4 Finish | Satin Finish |
| Appearance | Matte with visible brush marks | Smooth, soft sheen, subtle glow |
| Texture | Rougher, created by abrasive brushing | Smoother, achieved with fine abrasives |
| Finish Type | Brushed finish | Polished but less shiny than mirror finish |
| Common Use | Kitchen appliances, architectural features | High-end residential/commercial design |
| Durability | Good resistance to corrosion; shows fingerprints easily | More resistant to fingerprints, elegant look |
| Feel | Textured and somewhat rough | Smooth and sleek |
| Reflection | Low reflection, matte | Moderate reflection, soft glow |
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