2B, BA, No.1, HL and 8K: How to Choose a Stainless Finish
2B is the standard cold-rolled finish for general sheet work; BA is brighter and smoother for visible appliance panels; No.1 is hot-rolled and used where thickness and cost matter more than appearance; HL is a brushed decorative finish; 8K is a mirror finish and the most expensive. Finish affects corrosion resistance and processing cost, not just appearance.
| Finish | Process | Appearance | Typical use | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot rolled, annealed, pickled | Grey, matte | Heavy plate, industrial | Low |
| 2B | Cold rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | Smooth, semi-bright | General sheet, tanks, kitchen equipment | Standard |
| BA | Cold rolled + bright annealed | Bright, reflective | Appliances, visible panels | +10–20% |
| HL | Brushed / hairline | Linear satin | Elevators, architecture | + |
| 8K | Polished to mirror | Mirror | Decorative, high-end interiors | Highest |
Why finish is not only cosmetic
surface roughness and inclusions initiate pitting; a smoother finish improves cleanability and corrosion performance in food and medical applications.
Matching finish to application
visible panels (BA/HL), kitchen equipment (2B/BA), architecture (HL/8K), industrial tanks (2B/No.1).
How to specify
finish name, standard reference, protective film (PVC) requirement, and whether the finish applies to one or both sides.
FAQ
- Is BA more corrosion resistant than 2B?
- BA is smoother and brighter, which helps cleanability, but grade and surface condition matter more than the finish name; specify the standard and the application environment.
- Can 8K mirror finish be used outdoors?
- Mirror finishes show scratches and fingerprints outdoors and are usually chosen for interior or protected architectural use; HL brushed finishes are more forgiving.
- Does finish affect price?
- Yes. Additional polishing and bright annealing add processing cost; 8K is normally the most expensive.
More guides
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