By Frank Ross
As an online supplier of stainless steel, Quick Ship Metals knows that selecting the right grade or finish is important, but the task isn’t that difficult once you understand some basic variables. The first thing you need to understand is that stainless steel gets its name because it stains less. It is not stain proof. However, for most applications in the home this is merely a technicality of terms, but I don’t want to mislead you.
Because of the fact that stainless steel is an alloy whose properties are consistent through and through, the stain resistance is not limited to the surface. Even if the material is damaged, stainless steel has intrinsic self-healing capabilities that ensure the surface does not discolor or corrode. This unique property is called passivity, and is the reason stainless steel doesn’t need to be coated or have any other form of surface protection to maintain its bright and shiny appearance.
Stainless steel sheet metal in its many forms, alloys and grades is an excellent choice for applications where you need a durable surface that resists rusting, staining and the corrosive effects of from many, if not most chemicals. The following information will help you determine which grade and surface treatment will provide the optimal combination of performance characteristics for your particular needs.
Grades
Suppliers offer several different grades of stainless steel sheeting. Most grades are designed to perform best in the environment where the metal will be used during its lifetime. Without going into an involved discussion of metallurgy, the key issue for stain resistance is the amount of carbon and chromium used in the alloy. In the finished alloy, chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide, which prevents surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure. Stainless steel contains a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium and varying amounts of nickel and/or manganese depending on the hardness, flexibility and stain resistance desired.
The most common type of stainless is Austenitic. In fact, around 70% of all stainless steel made is Austenitic. This type is commonly referred to as the 300 series. This series is the most corrosion resistant, ductile (ability to change shape without fracture), and weld-able of all the stainless steel alloys. Types 304 and 316 are mainly used for heavy-duty work, including the chemical industry, food processing equipment, counter tops and backsplash applications. The main difference between these two popular types is that the 316-grade contains molybdenum to increase resistance to various forms of deterioration. 316 is also known as marine-grade stainless steel because it excels in this harsh environment.
Stainless steel comes in a wide variety of surface finishes. Some are intended for simplicity of service, while others are strictly decorative.
Brushed Stainless Sheet
Quick Ship’s brushed, 304 stainless steel sheet metal contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It has a durable, corrosion resistant, brushed finish that can be used in many popular applications. Some common applications for 304 include chemical processing equipment, items for food, dairy, and beverage industries, for heat exchangers, and for the milder chemicals.
Decorative Stainless Sheet Metals
The Random Swirl pattern is another popular treatment, similar to brushed, but more random in nature. It is used in very exquisite kitchens for a backsplash behind the sink and stove. It does not show marking and is easy to keep clean.
Bright Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom application an appearance that turns heads, for all the right reasons. It offers great strength in applications expected to have moderate impact. This pattern is very effective in applications where you want to break up a vertical or horizontal focus.
Bright Checkerboard stainless steel is a very popular architectural stainless steel. It is especially popular for applications such as commercial wall coverings or any area that experiences high traffic volumes such as corridors or public facilities.
Bright Ocean stainless steel is typically used in decorative applications, including bar tops, storefronts, and light fixtures; however, there are many more possible applications. The subtle, irregular pattern compliments many design elements and is perfect for an area where some texture is desirable.
Bright Hammered stainless steel is another pattern with tremendous potential for any project where you’re looking for a distinctive décor. Consider this steel for bar tops, cabinet surrounds or an accent treatment on an exterior wall.
Satin Quilt stainless steel can give any kitchen or bathroom architectural appeal, as the satin design is preferred in applications to break vertical or horizontal focus. The pattern offers great strength and impact resistance, while maintaining an attractive industrial finish.
Connecticut Style Hammered stainless sheet is one of the more popular styles of hammered stainless sheeting. This hammered stainless sheet is commonly used in decorative applications, including light fixtures, sinks, and several other ways.
Bright Tree Bark is an ideal surface treatment if you’re looking for a very distinctive stainless steel to provide architectural texture. Tree Bark can give any kitchen or bathroom a strong visual presence. It also offers great strength in applications that will have high impact or heavy use. This pattern is often used to break the vertical or horizontal focuses while maintaining an industrial grade finish that is impervious to wear.
430 Magnetic Stainless Steel – Yes, this is the same stainless steel sheet that your appliances are made of. It not only has the corrosion resistance factor, but it is also “Magnetic”. Hang it as a kitchen backsplash or a note board in the laundry room and then hang magnetic note holders all over it. The possibilities with this product are endless.
Mirror Finish
If you need a mirror for an area that is subject to abuse, consider the advantage of a mirror finish on #8 Mirror Finish Stainless Steel that will not break and scatter shards of glass. What it will do is provide an excellent mirror for many years to come.
Stainless Steel Trim Molding
No job will look first class without being properly trimmed or finished on the edges. The use of stainless steel trim molding makes a huge difference in both the look and ease of use by eliminating unsightly edges. Quick Ship Metals offers trim molding pieces in several bends such as inside corner molding, outside stainless steel corner molding, and divide molding. In addition to adding an impressive professional look, these trim moldings make your job of installing the stainless steel sheet much easier.
Quick Ship can also hem stainless steel. Hemming is a term used for a bend that accommodates the edge of tile, or provides a smooth finish for hanging stainless on drywall or other smooth surfaces. The tile hem creates a clean break and a smooth edge for an attractive, professional-looking transition from wall tile to your oven’s backsplash.
Cutting Stainless Steel
You’ll find the thinner sheets of stainless steel fairly easy to cut and bend. A standard jigsaw or circular saw with a metal blade will cut 24 or 22 gauge stainless. More challenging cuts can be made using a RotoZip saw, but when you start getting into the thicker sheets the best option is to have it custom cut when you place your order.
Bending
Bending 24 gauge stainless steel sheeting can be done with a 2×4 that has a well-defined edge, but for 20 gauge and thicker sheets you’ll have to use a handbrake to be sure of getting a good looking edge. And again, you can order any custom bend, edge or hem and then all you’ll have to do is install the metal.
Thickness
As a major sheet metals supplier, Quick Ship offers an easy way to understand thickness and flexibility by relating to objects that you have in your pocket or purse. The thickness of metal sheeting is listed in decimals. Metal sheeting with the thickness of .010, compared to our American system of fractions, would measure to less than 1/64 inch.
Now, let’s go one step further and give you a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, copper sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards.
Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card, which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028. This compares closely to .0216 copper foil, which is slightly stiffer. Some other measurements that are convenient comparisons to everyday items are listed below.
- Penny .050
- Dime .062
- Nickel .070
- Quarter .067
- Half Dollar .085
When appropriate, some stainless steel sheet metal supplied by Quick Ship Metals is shipped with a protective, peel off PVC film on one surface, in order to prevent scratches during shipping. This PVC film helps ensure a scratch-free stainless steel sheet on arrival, and should be left in place until the installation is complete.
If you are in need of a custom size or have any questions about the stainless steel sheet metal sold online at Quick Ship Metals, please call us at 1-888-334-2177 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm EST). Custom sizes of our stainless steel sheet metal can typically be shipped the next business day.
Once your stainless project is complete, please refer to my post on the care and cleaning of stainless. Proper care will ensure a lifetime of beauty and continued compliments on your work!
