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Q&As since 1989


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Stainless steel counter top: seeking brushing methods and sealant product information

Local sheet metal firm in town created a stainless steel counter top for a customer of mine. They want it brushed with swirls, something the sheet metal place won't do. So I was going to give it a shot for them (starting with scraps). Any thoughts a) on equipment to use for this and b) is it possible to seal the counter top with anything if it's brushed? Is that necessary?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Melissa Gullotti
husband is a contractor - E. Dummerston, Vermont
2003

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To make the swirl pattern is more of an art than a standard finishing system. The pattern or end results depends more on the operator than the equipment.
Meaning you need to use a wire brush cup wheel system and either apply or mark out an overlapping pattern to follow.

The hardness of the wire and/or pressure will effect the depth of the surface features. That is the most common method; however, other materials can also achieve similar results.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2003

I would personally NOT use a wire brush or you will have issues with rust from the embedded wire particles (even if you use 410 SS) You can get a swirl pattern by using a sanding plate on an angle grinder [on eBay or Amazon] using stick on sandpaper from an auto paint supply. If you can find a dual action sander that you can disable the orbital motion on, it would be perfect. The grit size, pressure and possibly the RPM will affect the look. Your personal technique will also have a large bearing on the uniformity and the pattern repeat.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003

I am an artist & I am trying to refinish a mirror. It was purchased as stainless steel, but I want to give the appearance of brushed steel, how can I do this?

Kathy Fraser
artist - Boston, Massachusetts
2003