Steel Finishes for Sheet Metal

Explore the Versatility of Steel Sheet Finishes Our expertly crafted steel sheet finishes blend style and functionality, offering options from sleek modern designs to rustic industrial aesthetics for any bespoke project.

Steel Finishes

Welcome to our gallery of steel sheet finishes, showcasing a versatile selection crafted to meet the needs of architects, designers and makers. Each finish is produced in-house for use in bespoke furniture, wall panels and architectural features—pairing visual appeal with exceptional durability.

For a clean, contemporary aesthetic, we offer a refined range of stainless steel finishes, including 5WL, 6WL, Squares and brushed stainless in both 304 and 430 grades. Their crisp textures and controlled reflectivity make them ideal for worktops, table tops, splashbacks, signage and modern interior cladding.

For darker, moodier schemes, our blackened steel panels provide a dramatic architectural surface with rich tonal depth.

If your project calls for a more rustic or industrial character, our weathered and raw steel finishes deliver tactile, natural texture. Rusted Corten offers a warm, earthy patina developed through natural weathering, while HR4 Raw Steel retains its authentic mill scale—perfect for minimalist and industrial-inspired interiors.

For designs that demand premium impact, our mirror stainless steel finishes provide exceptional reflectivity. Choose a flawless super-mirror polish for maximum clarity, or select our distressed mirror finish for a softer, antique-inspired look that blends vintage charm with contemporary styling.

Whether your scheme requires clean modernity, industrial texture or luxurious reflectivity, our steel sheet finishes offer the craftsmanship and versatility needed to bring your ideas to life.

Explore our patina processes and trade finishing options on our Patina Sheet Metal page.
Contact us to discuss your project or request samples of our steel finishes.

A Guide for Designers on Steel Finishes

Our designer’s guide introduces the most popular steel and stainless steel finishes used in interior, architectural and commercial design. Each finish brings its own texture, reflectivity and character—giving designers a versatile palette for contemporary, industrial or luxury schemes.

No.01 Natural Corten Steel (Unweathered)

Natural Corten steel offers a raw, unweathered surface straight from the mill. With its soft silver-grey tones and subtle mottling, it provides a clean starting point for both interior and exterior projects where designers prefer to develop a patina naturally over time.

Applications: Interior panels, architectural metalwork, cladding, outdoor features awaiting natural weathering.


No.02 Blackened Steel

Blackened steel showcases a deep, smoky patina that adds depth and visual weight. Its tonal variation creates a refined industrial aesthetic without appearing harsh or overly rustic.

Applications: Wall cladding, feature walls, lift reveals, bespoke furniture, bar fronts and interior panels.


No.03 Burnished Blackened Corten Steel

This finish combines a dark patina with a circular, hand-burnished texture. The subtle swirls enrich the natural grain of the metal, delivering a premium, aged appearance ideal for high-end interiors.

Applications: Decorative feature panels, furniture, reception counters, statement wall sections.


No.04 Rusted Corten Steel (Weathered)

Corten steel develops a rich, earthy patina through controlled rusting. Its colour transitions—from orange to deep brown—make it a favourite for industrial, sculptural and architectural projects.

Applications: Signage, external cladding, landscaping, industrial interiors and art installations.


No.05 Raw Steel (HR4 Mill Finish)

Raw steel retains its natural mill scale, offering a cool grey industrial appearance. Its subtle imperfections make it a versatile choice for contemporary and minimalist schemes.

Applications: Tabletops, splashbacks, interior wall panels, decorative trims and industrial-style joinery.


No.06 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel (Super Mirror)

Super mirror stainless steel provides a flawless, highly reflective finish with no grain or directionality. Chemically polished, it offers superior clarity and easy alignment—ideal when a glass-like reflection is required with the durability of steel.

Applications: Splashbacks, vanity mirrors, lift interiors, retail displays, cladding and safety mirrors.


No.07 Distressed Mirror Stainless Steel

Distressed mirror stainless steel blends reflectivity with vintage character. The soft clouding and subtle imperfections create an antique aesthetic while retaining the strength and hygiene of stainless steel.

Applications: Vintage-inspired panels, artistic features, furniture fronts and boutique interiors.


No.08 Squares Stainless Steel

Squares stainless steel features a bold cube-pattern emboss, creating geometric reflections and a strong contemporary look. Its structured texture adds movement and depth to otherwise flat surfaces.

Applications: Furniture accents, wall cladding, countertops and decorative architectural panels.


No.09 6WL Stainless Steel

6WL stainless steel offers a deep, rounded wave-like pattern with excellent light diffusion. Durable and visually striking, it’s widely chosen for areas requiring both decorative appeal and resilience.

Applications: Lift interiors, high-traffic wall panels, bar fronts and commercial interiors.


No.10 5WL Stainless Steel

5WL features a raised dimple texture that adds depth and enhances durability. Its balanced reflectivity and tactile feel make it a favourite for both functional and decorative applications.

Applications: Splashbacks, feature ceilings, textured wall sections and furniture panels.


No.11 Textured Stainless Steel – Premium Finishes

Our collection of textured and embossed stainless steels—including Linen, Canvas, Checks, 12LG, 10WG, Cambridge, 7GM, 6WL, 5WL and 2WL—offers designers a wide range of surface structures. From fine satin weaves to deep sculptural patterns, each finish delivers its own interplay of light, texture and practicality.

Applications: Hospitality interiors, lifts, bar fronts, high-wear wall panels and furniture detailing.


No.12 Brushed 430 Grade Stainless Steel

Brushed 430 provides a clean, linear satin grain with excellent formability and cost efficiency. Ideal for dry, indoor environments where a refined stainless look is desired without the premium cost of 304.

Applications: Interior cladding, appliance panels, kick plates and furniture trims.


No.13 Brushed 304 Grade Stainless Steel

Brushed 304 stainless steel offers a brighter satin finish with superior corrosion resistance. Often specified when designers want a premium brushed appearance that performs well in areas exposed to moisture and wear.

Applications: Splashbacks, counters, architectural panels, commercial interiors and signage.


No.14 Engine-Turned Stainless Steel (Burnished Circles)

Engine-turned stainless steel features overlapping circular brush marks that diffuse light beautifully while disguising wear. A classic decorative finish with strong functional benefits.

Applications: Catering units, commercial kitchens, worktops, industrial-style interiors and bespoke furniture.


For Inspiration

Looking for ideas on how to use these finishes in real projects? Explore our Flickr galleries for live examples of our work in steel and other metals:

Imagine rusty Corten steel front doors or kitchen cupboard doors as bold design features, or blackened steel panels framing a lift lobby or reception desk.

For more detail, take a look at our case studies, including Blackened Steel Lift Reveals at Landmark Pinnacle and The Use of Rusted Corten Steel in Commercial Interior Design Projects, showcasing how these finishes are used on live projects.


Steel Finishes — FAQs

What types of steel finishes do you offer?

 

What types of steel finishes do you offer?

Our range includes decorative and architectural steel sheet finishes such as blackened steel, burnished blackened Corten, rusted Corten, natural Corten, raw HR4 steel, brushed 304 and 430 stainless, mirror and distressed mirror stainless, engine-turned (burnished circles) and a range of textured stainless steels including Linen, Canvas, Checks, 12LG, 10WG, Cambridge, 7GM, 6WL, 5WL and 2WL.

We also supply core sheet materials in mild steel, including hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanised and Zintec-coated steel for fabrication and construction work.

Can steel finishes be used outdoors?

Yes, several of our steel finishes are suitable for exterior use. Galvanised steel offers a zinc coating for corrosion resistance, while Corten steel is designed to form a stable rust patina that protects the underlying metal. For stainless steel, 304 and 316 grades are commonly specified for external cladding, trims and signage. Decorative finishes such as blackened or burnished steels are typically recommended for interior or sheltered locations unless specially sealed.

What’s the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?

Hot rolled steel has a darker, more textured surface with visible mill scale, making it ideal for industrial-style interiors and patinated finishes. Cold rolled steel is smoother, flatter and more uniform, and is often chosen where a finer surface is required—for example for etching, printing plates, or when a consistent painted or powder-coated finish is needed.

Do you provide cutting for steel finishes?

Yes. We offer guillotine cutting for straight sizes and laser cutting for custom shapes across many of our steel finishes. Panels can be supplied cut-to-size for cladding, furniture or signage, helping reduce fabrication time on site.

What are the most popular steel sheet finishes?

Some of the most popular steel sheet finishes we supply include blackened steel, rusted Corten, raw HR4 steel, brushed stainless (304 and 430 grades), super mirror stainless, distressed mirror and textured stainless steels such as 6WL, 5WL and engine-turned. Designers often mix these finishes—pairing brushed and mirror, or combining blackened steel with rusted Corten—to create contrast and depth within bespoke furniture, interiors and architectural metalwork.

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