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Options for finishing a stainless steel diamond plate stair
Q. Folks:
We have a unique situation. My architectural firm designed a large stair for a new fire house that consists of stainless steel diamond plate tread, open bar grate risers and bright red steel channel stringers. Seems the fire company is not happy with the "dull" look of the stainless treads. They had in their mind the look of mirror finished aluminum that is used on the fire trucks. In an effort to appease them, the stair fabricator has tried manual polishing but not to their satisfaction. What options do we have now? Can we do any of the following brain storm ideas: paint; clear coat; acid wash; sand blast or plate? It is possible to remove the treads selectively but not en mass as the stair would become unstable. Any ideas at all would be appreciated - we would love to have a showcase stair when it's all said and done.
AIA - Salisbury, Maryland, USA
2007
A. Without casting aspersions on the unknown polisher, I am surprised that the stainless (especially the protruding diamonds) could not be polished to a high shine. Although it would not be cheap, it is possible to nickel-chrome plate these pieces to a high glint.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
A. Electropolishing will make them bright and shiny, and at less cost than either manual polishing or nickel-chrome plating. Remove them in whatever size lots you can and have it done.
Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2007
A. Hi there,
Electropolishing will work,and give a brilliant finish.
The process is similar to anodizing, where metal is removed, instead of being applied.
- Durban, South Africa
2007
A. Ernie,
I agree with Jeffrey and Ken, electropolishing is a splendid finish for SS treads and floor plates - rather popular in chique architectural realisations now.
Another advantage is the maintenance-free surface, easy to clean , hygienic and remains shining forever.
Kind regards,
- Brugge, Belgium
2007
Q. Hello gentlemen,
I have been searching for discussion on this topic (polishing SS diamond plate) and see several responses here. I have SS diamond plate flooring in the engine room of my boat. I had it electropolished and although it looks better I would like to get that bright shiny finish you see on aluminum diamond plate all the time. I would be curious how our fireman friend fared with his stainless step issue and it sounds like I am in the same boat (no pun intended).
My question is, can SS diamond plate be mechanically polished?
Thanks,
Matt
- Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA
May 28, 2010
Q. I am also interested in finding out if anyone has been successful in polishing 304L tread plate. Electropolishing is great but will not give the deep luster finish the same as a #8 finish found on flat sheets. We have ideas on how to get it done and will find out soon.
James Musgrove- Davie, Florida
December 8, 2012
A. What you say, Jim, is nonsense. Done correctly, electropolishing on T304 is comparable in brilliance and reflectivity (shine, if you will) to nickel-chrome plating.
The key words are "done correctly". Sloppy EP is no better than sloppy Ni-Cr plating.
Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
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