Brushed Finishing Service

Precision-brushed finishes that elevate metal’s durability and aesthetics—crafted to match your exact specs, from stainless steel to aluminum. Whether for industrial parts or high-end decor, our tailored brushing services turn ordinary metal into standout pieces that meet strict quality standards.

Custom textures, consistent results
Quick quotes, on-time delivery
Expert guidance from start to finish

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What is Brushed Finishing for Metal Parts?

Brushed finishing is a controlled mechanical process—we use precision tools like sanding belts or abrasive wheels to create uniform parallel textures on metal, not random scratches. We tailor the abrasion intensity: finer grits for delicate aluminum, coarser tools for thick stainless steel, and align lines with usage (e.g., vertical lines for kitchen backsplashes to hide smudges). At its core, it solves a key client pain point: turning plain metal (that shows fingerprints, scratches, or flaws) into a surface that’s both functional and visually cohesive, with intentional lines masking imperfections that would stand out on smooth metal.

Technically, we focus on what you see and touch: the parallel textures control light—no harsh glare like polished metal, just a soft matte glow with subtle linear highlights (ideal for medical panels or luxury trim). For feel, we run hands over every part to ensure a smooth “sanded but not rough” texture—no sharp edges or grainy spots. We adjust sanding speed and pressure: aluminum gets finer abrasives for a softer feel, stainless steel sturdier grit for durability—because a well-made feel matters as much as the look.

However, brushing can only change the roughness and texture of metal surface. If you want to apply a coating to it or change its color/properties, what you need might be other surface treatment options.

Our Brushed Finish Process Types

Hairline Finish

For projects demanding understated luxury—think luxury hardware, smartphone/laptop casings, or high-end furniture trim—this finish delivers ultra-fine, straight lines (0.1–0.3mm wide) with a smooth matte appearance. To avoid visual “warping,” we control the sanding belt feed rate (80–100mm/min) to keep parallelism error under 0.5° per meter. The result? A subtle, premium look that doesn’t overpower surrounding designs.

No.4 Standard Finish

A staple in food-grade and hygienic equipment (stainless steel sinks, food transfer pipes, commercial kitchen countertops), this process uses 150-grit sanding belts to create uniform short textures (2–5mm long). Surface roughness stays consistent at Ra 29–40 microinches—key for easy cleaning and minimizing grime buildup. We also conduct batch sampling to ensure compliance with NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) food contact standards, so you’re never compromising on safety.

Random Finish

Where high traffic or wear is a concern—public building metal walls, industrial equipment control panels, mall automatic door frames—this texture outperforms directional finishes by 30% in abrasion resistance. Created via multi-angle cross-sanding, we adjust pressure based on material thickness (≤0.2MPa for thin materials, ≤0.5MPa for thick ones) to prevent “over-sanding” or uneven texture depth.

Custom Pattern Finish

Whether you need logo-embedded textures, gradient effects, or curved patterns for irregular metal parts, we turn designs into reality. Our process starts with 3D texture simulations (so you visualize the end result first), followed by 1–2 physical samples for approval. Once signed off, we batch produce—with the capability to achieve fine textures as precise as 0.05mm. Past projects include brand initials combined with hairline textures for high-end exhibition props.

Applicable Materials

Stainless Steel

The most reliable choice for durability, with alloys suited to different needs:

304 Stainless Steel: Versatile for kitchen sinks, decor panels, or retail fixtures. We use 150–220 grit belts for uniform texture and add post-brushing passivation to resist rust (critical for humid spaces like bathrooms).

316 Stainless Steel: For marine/medical/chemical projects (e.g., medical device parts). We add acid pickling to remove impurities, then 200–320 grit belts to hit FDA 3-A compliant Ra 18–31 microinches.

430 Stainless Steel: Cost-effective for appliance trim or signage. We adjust pressure to avoid surface tearing and add a clear coating to prevent tarnishing.

Aluminum & Alloys

Lightweight and malleable—ideal for aerospace, automotive, or consumer goods—with careful handling to avoid oxidation:

6061 Aluminum: Great for furniture legs, LED housings, or automotive parts. Our pre-treatment (cleaning + neutralizing) stops oxidation spots, and 120–400 grit belts deliver smooth Sa 0.443μm roughness at 120mm/min.

2024 Aluminum: High-strength for aerospace brackets or military gear. We use slower feed rates (80–100mm/min) and hard pads to avoid denting, plus optional Type II anodizing for extra protection.

5052 Aluminum: Flexible for beverage cans or decorative sheets. Lighter pressure and 220–320 grit belts create a texture that won’t crack when bent.

Copper & Brass

Warm-toned for decor, electronics, or instruments—we solve their biggest issue: oxidation.

Pure Copper: For electrical terminals or vintage lamps. 180–240 grit belts create a rich texture, and we apply anti-tarnish coating within 2 hours to keep it orange (not black) for 6+ months.

Brass: Harder than copper, perfect for doorknobs or art. 150–220 grit belts make crisp textures; we can also add tinted coating for an aged patina.

Titanium (Premium)

For ultra-high-end needs (medical implants, luxury watches). Brushing titanium requires specialized diamond tools and cooled surfaces to avoid damage. We meet medical/aerospace standards and handle batches of 50+ (due to tooling costs).

Spec Sheets for Metals

Why Choose KingStar’s Brushed Finish Service

Technical Expertise

Over 10 years in metal brushing means we handle 0.1mm ultra-thin aluminum (for electronics) without warping, and 10mm thick stainless steel (industrial frames) with even texture. We’ve also fixed tough issues—like refining 316 stainless steel brushing for a marine client, cutting their corrosion by 60%. No guesswork, just proven results across materials.

Equipment Capabilities

We mix speed and precision: 3 automatic lines handle 500+ standard parts daily (e.g., No.4 sinks, hairline trim) with 98% consistency. For small batches or irregular parts (curved copper art, medical components), our manual workstations let us control texture by hand—ideal for projects machines can’t nail.

Quality Assurance

Every batch gets a detailed Ra report: we test 3% of parts, log exact Ra values (matching your needs, like 18-31μin for hairlines), and include test dates/inspector signatures. Full transparency—no hidden corners.

Customization Ability

We don’t stick to standard textures. Last year, we made a “hairline + matte” hybrid for aerospace aluminum (reducing cockpit glare): 2D sketches → 1 sample → grit tweaks (240/400) until perfect. Logos, vintage brass, special directions—we turn your idea into a product.

KingStar Detailed Brushed Surface Finishing Process Flow

1. Surface Pre-Treatment: Laying the Foundation

Degreasing Cleaning

Machining residues (cutting oil): Eco-friendly alkaline degreaser (5%-8% concentration, 50-60℃, 5-8min soaking)
Light oils (fingerprints): Neutral cleaner (room-temperature wiping)
Post-cleaning must-do: Rinse 3x with pure water → Hot air drying (60℃, 15min) to prevent secondary oxidation (critical for aluminum/copper).

Defect Repair

First, inspect surfaces under strong light (target: weld marks, scratches, dents). Then fix with material-matched methods:

Weld marks: 120-grit pneumatic sander (8,000 rpm—avoid over-sanding to prevent deformation)
Shallow scratches (≤0.1mm): Manual repair with 240-grit fine sandpaper
Deep dents (>0.1mm): Fill with material-matched metal putty → Cure → Sand to level

Note: This step stops “flaw amplification” during brushing—ensures final textures stay smooth.

2. Brushing Operation: Customized for Every Workpiece

(No “one-size-fits-all”—adjust based on material hardness, workpiece size, and texture needs.)

① Sandpaper Selection: Progressive Grit for Precision

We use a 3-step grit progression to balance efficiency and finish quality. Below is our material-grit matching guide:

Material	Starting Grit	Key Reasoning	End Grit (for Finish)
Stainless Steel	80-grit	High hardness—cuts through rust/oxide	220-400-grit
Aluminum	120-grit	Soft texture—avoids deep scratches	220-400-grit
Copper	150-grit	Balances efficiency + anti-oxidation	180-240-grit

*Example for 304 Stainless Steel Panels: 80-grit (remove rust) → 180-grit (base texture) → 320-grit (smooth touch) → 95%+ texture uniformity.

② Tool Application: Size-Driven Choices

Small workpieces (≤100mm) (e.g., phone frames, hardware):
Manual sanding blocks (wooden handles + sandpaper holders) → Control pressure (5-8N) for precise texture direction (vital for custom patterns).

Large workpieces (>100mm) (e.g., curtain walls, car panels):
Electric belt sanders (with texture guides) → Speed: 80-120mm/min (too fast = skewed textures; too slow = inefficiency).

Irregular parts (curved/complex shapes):
Handheld pneumatic sanders (flexible sanding belts) → Fits curves to avoid “un-sanded dead corners.”

③ Lubrication Control: Protect Materials & Tools

Use chlorine-free, sulfur-free metal lubricants (eco-friendly + non-corrosive):

Manual operations: Spray evenly on sandpaper (reapply every 5min)
Electric tools: Automatic oil injection for continuous lubrication
Core benefits:
- Lowers friction temperature (prevents aluminum/copper oxidation)
- Extends sandpaper life by 30%
- Eliminates burrs for smoother textures

3. Post-Treatment: Lock Durability & Ensure Quality

Debris Cleaning

Match methods to part precision:

Precision parts (medical/electronic components): Ultrasonic cleaning (40kHz, 10min) → Removes tiny debris from texture gaps
Large/thick parts (industrial panels): High-pressure spraying (0.8MPa, pure water + neutral cleaner) → Rotating nozzles = no dead corners
Final check: Hot air drying (50℃, 20min) → White light interferometer (debris ≤5mg/㎡)

Protection Treatment

Choose based on corrosion resistance needs:

Protection Level	Process	Key Specs	Ideal For
Basic	Transparent passivator/anti-tarnish	3-5μm thick, 24h room-temp cure	Indoor decor, hardware
Enhanced (Aluminum)	Type II Anodizing	5-10μm oxide layer, 48h salt spray (ASTM B117)	Automotive/aerospace parts
Enhanced (Stainless Steel)	Passivation	Cr₂O₃ film, 72h salt spray resistance	Medical/ marine equipment

Quality Inspection

We use a “100% first-part check + 10% batch sampling” system:

Ra Value Test: Surface roughness tester (3 points per part, error ≤±2μin)

No.4 Stainless Steel: Ra 29-40μin
Hairline Aluminum: Ra 18-31μin

Texture Uniformity Check:

Visual: Compare to in-house standard samples (covers all finish types)
Tactile: Slide finger along texture (no protrusions/burrs)

Non-compliance Action: Immediate rework + root-cause logging (e.g., adjust belt sander speed for skewed textures)

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Brushed Finish Core Parameter Comparison Table

Texture Type	Brush/Tool Type	Speed/Feed Rate	Ra Value Range	Applicable Materials	Typical Applications	Key Notes
Hairline Finish	240-400 Grit Sanding Belt	Electric Belt Sander: 80-120 mm/min Manual Sand Block: 5-8 N pressure	18-31 μin (0.45-0.79 μm)	Aluminum (6061/2024) Stainless Steel (304/316) Brass	High-end decor (luxury hardware, smartphone frames) Automotive trim (car door handles) Luxury furniture metal strips	Use light pressure for aluminum (avoid deep scratches); apply lubricant every 5 mins to prevent oxidation
No.4 Standard Finish	120-180 Grit Sanding Belt	Electric Belt Sander: 100-150 mm/min Pneumatic Sander: 8,000-10,000 rpm	29-40 μin (0.74-1.02 μm)	Stainless Steel (304/316/430) Food-grade aluminum	Food equipment (stainless steel sinks, food pipes) Medical device panels (FDA 3-A compliant) Commercial kitchen countertops	For 316 stainless steel: Pre-treat with acid pickling first; ensure Ra value meets batch test requirements
Random Finish	80-120 Grit Sanding Belt + Cross-Grinding Head	Pneumatic Angle Grinder: 12,000-15,000 rpm Automatic Random Sander: 150-200 mm/min	40-63 μin (1.02-1.60 μm)	Stainless Steel (304/316) Thick Aluminum (≥3mm)	High-wear surfaces (public building metal walls, mall automatic doors) Industrial equipment control panels Outdoor decorative panels	Adjust pressure for thin materials (≤0.2 MPa) to avoid deformation; use nitrogen protection for copper
Custom Pattern Finish	180-320 Grit Sanding Belt + Pattern Guide (Customizable)	CNC Brushing Machine: 60-100 mm/min Manual Sand Block: 3-5 N pressure (for small parts)	22-45 μin (0.56-1.14 μm) (Customizable)	Aluminum (5052/6061) Stainless Steel (304) Copper	Branded exhibition props (logo-embedded textures) Custom hardware (curved furniture trim) Musical instrument parts (brass valves)	First produce 1-2 samples for pattern & Ra value approval; use diamond-impregnated belts for titanium
Heavy-Duty Brushed	60-80 Grit Wire Brush + 100 Grit Sanding Belt	Pneumatic Wire Brush: 10,000-12,000 rpm Electric Sander: 50-80 mm/min	63-125 μin (1.60-3.18 μm)	Stainless Steel (316/430) Carbon Steel	Industrial machinery frames Marine equipment (anti-corrosion parts) Construction steel structures	Not suitable for aluminum/copper (easily scratches); post-process with passivation to enhance rust resistance
Matte Brushed	400-600 Grit Nylon Brush + Polishing Pad	Electric Polisher: 1,500-2,000 rpm Manual: 4-6 N pressure	12-20 μin (0.30-0.51 μm)	CopperBrass Aluminum (6061)	Vintage decorative art (brass lanterns) Electrical terminals (copper) Luxury lighting fixtures	Avoid high speed (prevents nylon brush melting); apply anti-tarnish coating within 2 hrs for copper

*Drafted from our past experience, but the parameters may need to be revised according to the specific details of your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a satin finish and a brushed finish?webadmin2025-09-01T07:09:49+00:00

What’s the difference between a satin finish and a brushed finish?

The key lies in texture direction and light reflection — they’re often confused, but serve different needs:

Brushed finish: Has clear, directional lines created by sanding with grit belts. It reflects light along the texture lines (subtle linear highlights) and hides minor scratches well. We use this for parts where texture “personality” matters (e.g., stainless steel sinks, brass hardware).

Satin finish: A smooth, uniform matte look with no visible directional lines. It’s made by finer sanding (400+ grit) plus a light polishing step — it scatters light evenly (no highlights) for a “softer” appearance. Satin works better for parts where you want matte without texture (e.g., luxury watch cases, medical device surfaces that need frequent wiping).

If you’re unsure which fits your project, we can send side-by-side samples of both finishes on your chosen material (e.g., satin vs. brushed aluminum) to help you decide.

Can you apply a brushed finish to plastic parts?webadmin2025-09-01T07:08:42+00:00

Can you apply a brushed finish to plastic parts?

We can — but it depends on the plastic type (hardness and heat resistance matter most). We regularly handle rigid plastics like ABS, PC (polycarbonate), and acrylic (common in home appliances’ shells, consumer electronics, or decorative trim). Soft plastics (e.g., PP, PE) are too flexible — the texture will wear off quickly or warp during processing. For plastic brushing, we use specialized fine-grit abrasive tools (instead of metal sanders) and lower speeds (to avoid melting the plastic). We recently did a batch of ABS plastic control panels for a medical device client — the brushed texture held up through their durability testing (10,000+ touch cycles). If you have a plastic part, send us a sample first — we’ll test the material and share a small finished piece for your approval.

How do I maintain a brushed metal surface after receiving it?webadmin2025-09-01T07:04:45+00:00

How do I maintain a brushed metal surface after receiving it?

Maintenance is simple, but it varies by material:

Stainless steel: Wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap (avoid harsh cleaners like bleach) to remove fingerprints or grime.

Aluminum: Use a non-abrasive cleaner (e.g., window cleaner) — avoid scrub brushes that can scratch the texture.

Copper/brass: We include a small bottle of anti-tarnish spray with copper orders — reapply every 6 months to keep the finish bright. For daily care, just dust with a dry cloth.

Will a brushed finish hold up outdoors or in high-wear areas?webadmin2025-09-01T07:02:54+00:00

Will a brushed finish hold up outdoors or in high-wear areas?

It depends on the material and post-treatment — and we tailor both to your use case. For outdoor projects (like building facades), we recommend 316 stainless steel with a passivation post-treatment (adds a corrosion-resistant layer) or aluminum with Type II anodizing. These setups have lasted 5+ years on our clients’ outdoor installations. For high-wear areas (e.g., restaurant kitchen counters), No.4 standard brushed stainless steel works best — its short, uniform texture hides minor scratches better than smoother finishes.

Can you handle very thin or thick metal parts for brushing?webadmin2025-09-01T07:02:24+00:00

Can you handle very thin or thick metal parts for brushing?

Yes — our 10+ years of experience let us work with parts from 0.1mm to 10mm thick. For ultra-thin materials (like 0.1mm aluminum shims for electronics), we use light-pressure manual sanding blocks to avoid warping. For thick parts (e.g., 10mm stainless steel industrial frames), we rely on our heavy-duty electric sanders with adjustable grits to ensure even texture. We’ve even processed 0.5mm copper sheets for decorative art without damaging the material.

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