Stainless steel 304 2B plate vs. No. 4 Finish

Stainless Steel 304 2B vs. No. 4 Finish :What's the Difference?

 

 

When selecting stainless steel for various applications, surface treatment plays a crucial role in both its aesthetics and functional properties. The most commonly used surface treatments for 304 stainless steel include 2B and No. 4.

This article will compare and analyze the main differences between the 2B and No. 4 surface treatments for 304 stainless steel, covering their manufacturing processes, surface properties, advantages, and typical applications. Understanding these differences will help you determine which surface treatment is best suited for your project, whether it's for construction applications, food processing equipment, or the chemical industry.

 

 

 

what is Stainless Steel 304  2B Finish plate?

A 304 2B finish stainless steel plate is a versatile, Austenitic (non-magnetic) stainless steel with a smooth, moderately reflective, dull gray, or "cloudy mirror" appearance. It is produced by cold-rolling, annealing, and pickling, followed by a light skin-pass roll to achieve its standard, durable finish. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and easy maintenance.

 

what is Stainless Steel 304  No. 4 Finish plate?

Stainless Steel 304 No. 4 Finish Plate is a versatile, corrosion-resistant, and non-magnetic stainless steel sheet with a brushed, satin appearance. Featuring polished, short parallel lines, it is the industry standard for kitchen appliances, food service equipment, and architectural applications due to its attractive, matte finish that hides fingerprints.

 

 

Feature	304 2B Finish (Mill Finish)	304 No. 4 Finish (Brushed / Satin)
Appearance	Smooth, dull grey, slightly reflective.	Directional "grain," satin-like, low luster.
Process	Cold-rolled, Annealed, Pickled + Skin Pass.	Polished with 150–320 grit abrasives.
Surface Roughness ( RaRa​ )	0.1−0.5 μm0.1−0.5 μm (Very Smooth)	0.4−1.5 μm0.4−1.5 μm (Textured)
Reflectivity	Semi-bright / Cloudy Mirror.	Non-reflective / Diffused.
Grit Level	N/A (Mechanical rolling).	150 - 320 Grit (Standard).
Fingerprint Resistance	Poor (Smudges are highly visible).	Excellent (Grain hides prints/scratches).
Corrosion Resistance	Higher (Smoother surface, fewer pits).	Slightly lower (Grooves can trap particles).
Cleanability	High (Easy to wipe down).	Moderate (Must wipe along the grain).
Typical Applications	Chemical tanks, plumbing, industrial parts.	Kitchen appliances, elevators, architecture.
Relative Cost	Baseline (Most Economical).	Premium (+10% to 15% processing fee).

 

What is the surface roughness of 2B stainless steel?

2B stainless steel finish typically has an R (roughness average)value between 0.1 and 0.5 micrometers (um) (4 to 20 microinches).It is a cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, and skin-passed finish thatproduces a smooth, matte gray appearance suitable for industrialapplications, including chemical and foodprocessing.

 

What is the difference between BA and 2B stainless steel?

The primary difference between BA (Bright Annealed) and 2B stainless steel is the surface finish and reflectivity: BA is mirror-like and highly reflective (70-90%), while 2B has a matte, low-gloss, and dull gray finish (40-60% reflectivity). BA is processed in a protective atmosphere for a shiny look, whereas 2B is chemically pickled for a smoother, standard industrial finish.

 

SUS304 stainless steel sheet supplier

GNEE 304 Stainless Steel Plate offers a comprehensive inventory of high-quality plates, designed to meet both national and international standards such as ASTM A240, JIS G4305, and EN 10088. Our 304 stainless steel plates are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including food processing, chemical processing, medical equipment, and architectural components.

Click to get 304 SS Plate MTC

 

Thickness Range: From 0.3mm to 100mm, with custom thicknesses available for specific project requirements.
Width: 1000mm, 1250mm, 1500mm as standard, with custom widths up to 2000mm.
Length: Standard lengths range from 2000mm to 6000mm, with custom lengths also available based on your project needs.
Surface Finishes: Available in 2B, No. 4, Mirror Finish, and Custom Finishes.

 

Delivery & Lead Time:

Stock Availability: We maintain a large stock of 304 stainless steel plates, ensuring quick fulfillment of orders for both small batches and bulk shipments.
Lead Time: Typically 5-10 business days depending on size and quantity; expedited options are available for urgent requirements.