Both Satin and Mirror are types of stainless steel finish. The finish is completely separate from the grades of the steel. At SHS we offer Grade 316 for both indoor and outdoor use. Our Stainless Steel can be polished and brushed to a Satin or Mirror finish, depending on your requirements.
Stainless Steel does exactly what it says on the tin, it stains less! However, this doesn’t mean a little maintenance won’t be needed. No matter what stainless steel finish you choose, we recommend you clean all areas of your balustrade every few months.
This polishing process creates a great texture and overall appearance of the steel. The Satin Finish provides a matte finish that is perfect for architectural applications where appearance is a priority. The Satin Finish is a more affordable option for your balustrade than the Mirror Finish, however this finish would not be suitable for certain applications, such as in coastal or high humidity areas. To achieve the Satin stainless steel finish, the steel is put through a 400 grit belt and then softened with a Scotchbrite cloth belt.
The Mirror Finish has been processed more than the Satin Finish to create a highly reflective surface. It goes through a number of grit belts of varying strengths before being buffed with soft cloth mops. We would recommend a Mirror Finish for any applications that are within 10 miles of the coast, in high-saltwater areas or places where there is high humidity; this is due to the fact that the smoother surface of the Mirror Finish will have a higher resistance to the salt particles in the air and will prevent corrosion for longer.
For more information Satin Finish vs. Other Stainless Steel Finishes, please get in touch with us!