Stainless steel 304 2B vs. No. 4 Finish

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

When selecting 304 stainless steel sheets, choosing the right surface finish is critical for both aesthetics and functionality. The two most common finishes-2B and No. 4-serve different purposes in industrial, architectural, and food-grade applications.

Stainless Steel 304  2B Finish (Cold Rolled, Matte)

Smooth, uniform, and dull gray appearance

Produced by cold rolling, annealing, pickling, and skin-pass rolling

Low reflectivity, easy to clean

Ideal for food processing equipment, kitchen backsplashes, interior panels, and non-decorative uses

More affordable than No. 4

Stainless Steel 304  No. 4 Finish (Brushed, Satin)

Directional grain pattern from mechanical polishing

Attractive satin-like appearance with moderate reflectivity

Common in appliances, elevator panels, commercial kitchens, and architectural features

Slightly rougher texture than 2B

Offers better scratch hiding performance in visible applications

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Key Differences:

Feature	2B Finish	No. 4 Finish
Appearance	Smooth matte	Brushed/satin with grain
Reflectivity	Low	Moderate
Surface Texture	Smooth	Slightly rough (polished lines)
Typical Applications	Industrial, food-grade interior	Decorative, visible surfaces
Cost	Lower	Slightly higher

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose 2B finish if you're focused on hygiene, cost-effectiveness, and non-visible applications.

Choose No. 4 finish for visual appeal, public-facing designs, and scratch resistance.