Structural steel finishing is a pivotal step in the fabrication process, transforming raw steel into functional and visually appealing components. Among the various finishing techniques, brushed finishes stand out for their unique qualities.
The primary reasons for employing brushed finishes are to enhance corrosion resistance, durability, and visual appeal.
Selecting the right finish involves considering factors like process intricacies, environmental conditions, and costs. Expert guidance, such as that provided by Feature Walters, ensures optimal results for specific applications.
Now, let’s explore the diverse types of brushed finishes available!
What is a Brushed Finish?
A steel brushing finish is a type of metal finishing that is achieved by using a special brush to abrade the surface of the metal.
A brushed finish offers a unique aesthetic to steel surfaces, characterized by subtle texture and lines.
This technique often results in a distinctive pattern that catches the light beautifully.
Brush finishes are highly versatile, ranging from a sleek sheen to a more rugged matte appearance, depending on the desired effect.
Brushed Finishes in Action ↓
At Feature Walters, we use mockups to demonstrate design direction and test methods of finishing for our clients. This mockup demonstrated to our client the difference between choosing a directional versus a non-directional finish on their staircase.
On the left side of the mockup is a directional finish, which leaves grain in a uniform direction. The grain all follows the same direction because this process involves using a belt sander or hand-tools such as a burnisher. The right side is a non-directional finish, which leaves a uniform grain in random directions due to the use of an orbital sander.
What Types of Brushed Finishes are There?
Blasted
- Blasted finishing is achieved by shooting media such as crushed glass, aluminum oxide, or garnet, giving materials a dull and uniform finish.
- It is a cost-effective way to finish stainless and carbon steel, with short lead times during production.
- Once installed, it can be easily touched up if outdoors.
Non-Directional
- Non-directional finishing is achieved using an orbital sander and various grit sandpapers.
- It brightens stainless steel and leaves a uniform grain in random directions.
- This finish has a moderate cost premium compared to blasted finishing and moderate lead times.
- Post-installation touch-ups are possible.
Directional
- Directional finishing is achieved by using a belt sander or hand-tools such as a burnisher.
- It brightens up stainless and provides grain in a uniform direction.
- This finish has a high-cost premium compared to non-directional finishing.
- Post-installation touch-ups are difficult and come at a premium.
Mirror
- Mirror finishing is achieved by using an orbital sander, polishers, and buffers with various grit levels.
- It completely brightens surfaces to a mirror finish with minimal defects.
- It is one of the costliest forms of brush finishing and has the longest lead times during fabrication.
- Once installed, it is not easily repaired or touched up.
Brush Finishes in Action ↓
This staircase for the New York headquarters of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria featured mirror polished stainless steel hand rails.
The clean aesthetic of a mirror finish allowed us to fulfill renowned Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP vision of a monolithic modern stainless steel stair with no visible welds or fasteners.
The Possibilities for Beautiful Brushed Finishes are Endless!
Feature Walters completed the fabrication of stainless-steel guardrails with a mirror finish for installation on the new Cherry North Bridge, part of the Port Land Project in Toronto.
As we wrap up our exploration of brushed finishes it is clear to see that this technique offers a balance of both elegance and durability.
At Feature Walters, we excel in mastering various finishing methods and unique metal work. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures that every steel structure not only meets structural requirements but also becomes a timeless visual masterpiece. Let us collaborate with you to transform your architectural visions into reality!
The Feature Walters Design Guide
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Our Feature Walters team has created this guide as a resource to help educate and inspire you with the many styles, materials and finishes available for architects seeking leading-edge architectural options for feature staircases.
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