Summary for brushed steel finish Discussion
Brushed steel for sculptures can be created in several ways, and the exact look depends on the tool and abrasive you choose. In this thread, Clare Maker asks how to make a steel sculpture look brushed and how to protect it from rust. Jason Aube replies that “brushing” can be done with sanding discs, Scotch-Brite pads and wheels, sandpaper, flap wheels, Cratex wheels, and even bead blasting, noting that each method produces a different finish and that it helps to experiment or show a sample of the desired look. For protection, he recommends a clear UV-resistant urethane, warning that regular urethanes or epoxies may yellow over time if they are not UV stable. He also suggests that, if feasible, stainless steel may be worth considering because it is not too different to weld, though it requires different filler material.
Q. Hi.
I recently graduated college for sculpture. I want to create a sculpture in steel and finish it with a brushed steel look. I only know how to weld steel, not stainless. I am scared it will rust quickly. How do you brush steel? How can I keep it protected?
Thanks.
Clare Maker
sculptor – San Francisco, California, USA
2004
A. Try doing a search on this website to see previous threads on this subject. For a short answer….you can “brush” by many methods, sanding discs, scotchbrite pads, scotchbrite wheels, sandpaper, flap wheels, cratex wheels, etc. I’ve even seen bead blast referred to as brushed. Each method will get you different results..experiment or post a picture of the exact finish your looking for so we can narrow down the method. As for protecting it with a clear finish, the best thing I’ve heard of is clear UV resistant urethane. You can use regular urethanes or epoxide etc., but if they don’t have additives to make them UV stable they will yellow with age. Again there has been a few threads on this subject, they might be helpful if its financially feasible use stainless, from what I’ve heard stainless isn’t too much different to weld, you just have to use different filler material.
Jason Aube
– Flint, Michigan