Find the right finish for your architectural metals. At Nationwide Architectural Metals, we offer metal polishing services to meet your project’s aesthetic and longevity demands. You can count on us to deliver superior architectural metal finishing that you can be proud of.
Our Metal Selection
- We provide polishing and finishing services for a wide variety of metals. Explore our metal selection, which varies in shape to adapt to your project requirements. Our metals include:
- Stainless steel
- Muntz or naval brass
- Commercial bronze
- Architectural bronze
- Brass
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Steel
Mirror Metal Finish
- #7 mirror finish: This smooth buffed finish comes with an extremely reflective surface and some grit lines. It uses a 280-320 belt to polish the metal and a cut and color compound to buff the surface.
- #8 directional mirror finish: This highly reflective surface results from various polishing stages. The directional buffing using a rouge compound creates a mirror-like finish with slight buffing lines and minimal haze. Directional mirror finish is the most popular in architectural and design projects that emphasize the metal’s outward appearance post-fabrication.
- #8 super mirror finish: Choose a finish with no grit lines or haze. The super mirror finish is also referred to as a non-directional mirror finish. Despite the superior finish, it is not a commonly used option since it is difficult to clean, fix and work on.
Satin Metal Finish
- #2B or mill finish: When appearance is not a factor, go for the unpolished look of the 2B finish, featuring the appearance of the cold-rolled material right after milling. The finish comes with some luster but is not reflective and retains imperfections from manufacturing.
- Bright annealed finish: An annealed finish is the result of heat-treating mill finish material in a furnace, allowing it to cool slowly. It has a more reflective appearance with some cloudiness and imperfection, making this finish a more affordable option.
- #3 satin finish: This finish uses a wide belt machine, often measuring between 60 and 80 grit and 50 RA to create a coarse appearance.
- #4 satin finish: While similar to #3, #4 uses a higher grit of 120-180 and 32 RA for a smoother finish. Because of its smooth appearance, #4 is often considered the industry-standard finish for most stainless steel products.
- #4 long-grain finish: This finish follows the same initial process as #4 but creates a continuous grain pattern, hence the hairline finish.
- #4 cross-grain finish: It follows the standard process of #4 but with a directional change leading to a horizontal grain pattern.
- #4 non-directional satin finish: Similar to the initial process as #4, the end process differs as it follows a non-directional style to create random orbital grit.
- #6 satin finish: This finish is smoother in appearance than #4 and is widely popular for 304 stainless steel. After the initial polishing, it uses a 240-320 grit abrasive belt and a 20 RA max to achieve its final finish.
- #6 long-grain finish: Also known as the hairline finish, it begins with the same initial procedure as #6 but features a continuous grain pattern.
- #6 cross-grain finish: This finish uses the same initial process as the #6 standard but differs in that the grain pattern runs horizontally.
- #6 non-directional satin finish: This is another variant of the #6 finish with a random orbital finish.
Custom Metal Polishing
We understand the unique demands of your architectural projects. Our customization capabilities allow us to tailor metal polishing based on your requirements. If you can’t find the type of metal finish you need on our list, we will collaborate closely with you to create the exact finish you need.
Your Premier Partner for Architectural Finishing and Polishing Services
Nationwide Architectural Metals works with you to deliver the best product for your architectural needs. We are your one-stop shop with decades of polishing experience, meeting your custom metal fabrication demands. Our team of skilled professionals uses cutting-edge technology and powerful machines for the highest level of precision and efficiency.
Find the Perfect Finish for Your Metal Projects
Partner with us for a wide range of metal finishes that match your industry specifications. We can help you choose the best metal polishing for your architectural needs, whether for small batches or production runs. Contact us today for the perfect metal finish.
Contact Us Today!
Nationwide Architectural Metals
231 9th ST LN SE
HICKORY, NC 28602
Phone: 800.851.5053
Email: metal@namusa.com
Hours: M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm (EST)
© Copyright 2025 Nationwide Architectural Metals, Inc.