What type of stainless steel to choose for my stainless steel parts?
All the stainless steels we recommend on our website are food-grade and non-magnetic (they do not magnetise) as they do not contain components that accelerate oxidation in their composition.
Uses of satin stainless steel
Due to its aesthetic aspects, satin stainless steel is the most used stainless steel in interiors, as a decorative coating, for example for renovating and decorating kitchen walls, the bottom of doors, as worktops, etc.
Satin stainless steel is 304/304L stainless steel with a nickel and chromium alloy compatible with the food world and it is the same type of stainless steel as the cutlery you use every day. Therefore, you can install a stainless steel hob in your kitchen without any problems.
Furthermore, because it is stainless steel, it is resistant to corrosion due to humidity (it will not rust) and can therefore be used both indoors and outdoors. However, you should avoid using satin stainless steel in environments that are constantly corrosive, chlorinated or salt-laden, such as in swimming pools in contact with water and on boats that are constantly exposed to nitrates. In the latter case you should choose marine stainless steel, also known as 316L stainless steel, plate whose chemical composition is more resistant to corrosion.
The satin side is obtained in the factory thanks to a polished finish with 180 to 220 abrasive grains, which gives it a very good decorative aesthetic.
The polished side is protected by a white plastic film with blue lines, which you must remove once you have glued your piece to avoid damaging the polish during the operation.
The other side of the plate is not polished and its appearance is factory rough, so it may have marks and scratches. Do not worry as this is the side that will be glued to the wall and will not be visible. Once glued, remove the plastic wrap and you will find a beautiful satin finish, a modern and elegant face that will give your kitchen a more modern look.
This way, you can decorate your kitchen with satin-finished stainless steel panels. You can also use it for door protection, skirting boards, push plates and pictograms, in short, everything that is going to be inside and whose function is to be a decorative cladding.
Uses of natural stainless steel
Natural Stainless Steel is a raw stainless steel from the Tisco steel factory in 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm and 3mm thicknesses without any surface treatment, i.e. without polishing.
It is a cold rolled 304/304L stainless steel with the same food characteristics as satin stainless steel, where the only difference is that it is not polished.
Natural stainless steel is generally used for do-it-yourself work rather than for its aesthetic appearance.
Natural stainless steel, without a polished finish, may show marks, scratches or impacts because it is the original stainless steel from the factory.
Its visual appearance is smooth to the touch, lustreless and slightly reflective of light.
Natural stainless steel is mainly used in the food sector, for example as worktops in restaurant kitchens, school canteens, agri-food factories, cheese dairies, butchers, delicatessens, laboratories, pharmacies, etc.
It is also widely used in garages and workshops where the aesthetic aspect is not paramount, but where the stainless and food properties of its chemical composition are present.
Marine stainless steel sheet
Marine stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel, like the previous stainless steel but in the quality of 316L stainless steel, which contains molybdenum in its composition, which gives the steel extra resistance to corrosion, especially against chlorine in swimming pools and salinity in seawater. It is also a food grade stainless steel and is non-magnetic, i.e. it does not magnetise ferrous metals.
This type of stainless steel is mainly used in the chemical industry, but can also be used by private individuals, indoors and outdoors, in corrosive or marine environments.
Some uses: on the terrace of a seaside flat, on a boat, in a pool skimmer, in a corrosive engine room, just to name a few. 316L stainless steel sheet is in high demand in saline and chlorinated environments because of its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Marine stainless steel comes from the factory rough, so it may show some marks, scratches and shocks, as it does not have a satin stage, as marine stainless steel is not used for its aesthetic qualities, but for its resistance qualities.
In short, marine stainless steel sheet has the same appearance as natural and virgin stainless steel. It is ideal for boats, garages in marine areas, harbours, workshops, swimming pools, technical premises, in short places in corrosive environments or in contact with corrosive products.
The natural marine stainless steel we are talking about is 316L stainless steel, cold rolled, in thicknesses of 1-1.5-2 and 3 mm, with a matt and smooth appearance.
The raw marine stainless steel we are talking about is 316L hot rolled in 4-5-6-8-10 and 12 mm thicknesses with a granular appearance.
Non-slip stainless steel
Non-slip stainless steel is a steel with a teal and rough appearance. It is a stainless steel that does not require any treatment. Anti-slip sheets have a coating that prevents slipping and covers the entire surface. In fact, it is these tears that give them their anti-slip properties. This type of stainless steel is ideal as a floor covering to ensure grip and prevent slipping. Many interior decorators like the ‘industrial’ look of these stainless steel teardrop-shaped sheets.