
POLISHED FINISHES
#3
"Brushed" / "100-120 Grit"
(60 Ra.)
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The #3 finish features a coarser grain and higher Ra compared to finer standard finishes, producing a brushed appearance with a distinct parallel grain. This finish is sometimes referred to as a “50 grit” or “80 grit” finish.
Frequently chosen for industrial and structural applications, the #3 finish is well-suited for components where functional performance and wear resistance are prioritized over cosmetic appearance.
#4
"Satin" / "180 Grit"
(32 Ra.)

Highly common finish for a wide range of applications, suitable for architectural or processing vessels. Features refined “tighter-grain” appearance universally acceptable for process equipment systems and tanking wet surfaces.
Meets 3A “Dairy” and “Sanitary” application requirements.
#6
"Fine Satin" / "220-240 Grit"
(20 Ra.)
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The #6 finish provides a smooth, polished appearance with an ultra-fine grain and controlled surface roughness.
Often selected for applications where reduced surface friction and improved cleanability are important, this finish is commonly used when a more refined surface than a standard #4 is desired without moving to a mirror-level polish.
#7
"Semi-Mirror" / "320-400 Grit"
(9 Ra)
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Very fine, highly reflective appearance with light satin grain. Fine polishing lines can be observed from several feet away.
Applications often include anti-friction engineered purposes, design aesthetics, and when the material will be further refined through buffing.
#7+
"Ultra-fine Semi-Mirror" / "600 Grit" (3 Ra.)
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An ultra-fine semi-mirror finish provides a highly reflective surface with an extremely fine directional grain and a controlled 3 Ra surface roughness.
Commonly used for architectural features, decorative elements, and high-visibility components, this finish is selected when a refined, mirror-like appearance is desired without the full reflectivity of a mirror finish.
#8 Mirror
Directional Finish

A #8 mirror finish is one of the most refined and reflective finishes available for stainless steel. It is characterized by an extremely smooth, highly reflective surface with minimal visible grain, achieved through multiple stages of sanding, buffing, and polishing.
Commonly specified for architectural features, decorative panels, and other high-visibility applications, the #8 mirror finish is selected when visual impact, surface uniformity, and a polished appearance are critical to the project.
Non-Directional
Course or Fine Grain
This unique finish offers a uniform, smooth texture that beautifully diffuses light, minimizing the appearance of fingerprints and smudges to maintain its pristine condition with minimal upkeep. Ideal for architectural elements, appliances, and decorative features, our non-directional finish stainless steel combines durability with unparalleled aesthetic appeal.
Is your project Ra. (roughness avg.) critical?
No problem!
We can achieve ANY Ra. and guarantee not to exceed.

Let's all get on the same page...
Terminology for types of stainless polishing can come in many forms — We want to help clear the confusion. We've cataloged the descriptions of our finish types and included the various terms these polishes are sometimes referred in:
"NUMBER"
#3
#4
#6
#7
#7+
#8
"GRIT"
100 - 120
180
220 - 240
320 - 400
600
N/A (Buff)
NICKNAMES
"Brushed"
"Satin"
"Fine Satin"
"Extra-fine" / "Pre-Buff"
"Near Mirror"
"Mirror"
MAX Ra.
60 Ra.
32 Ra.
20 Ra.
9 Ra.
3 Ra.
>1 Ra.
Stainless Steel Services can polish to ANY Ra. and will NEVER exceed the maximum Roughness Average allowed.
Surface roughness expressed in the RMA or Micrometer scale, are convertible to Ra inches.
**SSS strongly recommends that all surface roughness be identified and ordered using the Ra inch scale.
Pit & Crevice-Free finishes are available in any Ra, for both “Dairy” and “BPE-Featureless” requirements.

QUALITY. VALUE. TRUST. INTEGRITY
Since day one, Stainless Steel Services has developed – and continues to develop – breakthrough techniques and new standards of excellence, to satisfy the changing needs of its customer: large or small, common or complex.
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