Stainless steel plate surface treatment

There are various ways to treat the surface of stainless steel plates. Choosing the right method according to the application requirements can improve their aesthetics, corrosion resistance or functionality. The following are common surface treatment technologies and their characteristics:

1. Mechanical treatment
Polishing (mirror/brushed)

Mirror polishing: A high-reflectivity surface is obtained by mechanical or electrolytic polishing, which is used for decoration and medical equipment.

Wire drawing (frosting): Use a sanding belt or nylon wheel to create a uniform texture, anti-fingerprint and wear-resistant, commonly used in home appliances and elevators.

Sandblasting: Use high-speed particle impact to form a matte rough surface, enhance coating adhesion or hide scratches.

2. Chemical treatment
Pickling and passivation

Pickling: Remove the oxide scale (such as after welding) and restore the uniform silver-white color.

Passivation: Nitric acid or citric acid treatment to form a passivation film to improve corrosion resistance (such as chemical equipment).

Electrolytic coloring: A colored oxide layer (such as gold and blue) is produced by anodizing, which is used for architectural decoration.

3. Coating treatment
PVD coating (physical vapor deposition)

Titanium plating, black chrome, etc., to enhance wear resistance and color (high-end hardware, watches).

Spraying

Fluorocarbon spraying: strong weather resistance, used for outdoor building curtain walls.

Epoxy coating: anti-chemical corrosion, suitable for the food industry.

4. Special treatment
Anti-fingerprint treatment (AF coating)

Coating an oleophobic layer on the basis of brushed or mirrored surfaces to reduce fingerprint residue (electronic products, kitchenware).

Laser engraving: Precisely etch patterns or text for brand logos or industrial signs.

5. Combined process
Compound treatment (such as brushing first and then PVD coating) combines multiple advantages to meet high-end needs.

Selection basis
Corrosion resistance: passivation > pickling > ordinary polishing.

Aesthetics: mirror/PVD coating > brushing > sandblasting.

Cost: PVD/spraying > mechanical treatment > pickling passivation.

Application scenario examples
Architectural decoration: mirror/titanium plating (beautiful), fluorocarbon spraying (weather resistant).

Kitchen equipment: brushed + anti-fingerprint (easy to clean), passivation (rust-proof).

Medical equipment: electrolytic polishing (sterile smooth surface).