This is the most widely used surface finish in use today, and forms the basis for most polished and brushed finishes. A general purpose, bright finish commonly produced.

Polished Finish
No. 4

A general purpose bright polished finish obtained with a 120-150 mesh abrasive, following initial grinding with coarser abrasives.

Polished Finish
No. 8
also referred to as "Mirror"

The most reflective finish commonly produced. It is obtained by polishing with successively finer abrasives, then buffing extensively with a very fine buffing compound to remove essentially all "grit" lines.

Naval Insignia in a Polished No 4 finish (on left) and Polished 8 finish (on right)

Glass bead blasting is commonly used on Stainless Steel surfaces for a superior cosmetic "clean" finish. The glass bead blast process blends all fabrication and mill surface coloration, weld burn, and grinding marks into one clean cosmetic color.

Stainless Steel prior to Bead Blasting

Stainless Steel after Bead Blasting process