Brushed steel is a surface finish with intentional scratches causing anisotropic reflection. Anisotropic materials exhibit unequal physical properties along different axes. Most metals are isotropic, but can be made anisotropic by rubbing with an abrasive material. Patinas can be added for an aged look. Acrylic urethane can be applied as a topcoat to protect the surface and fill in etched grooves. Consumer products can be given brushed metal finishes for decorative appeal.
Brushed steel or brushed metal refers to a surface finish that has an intentionally scratched appearance. Small unidirectional scratches traverse the metal surface causing the reflection of the metal to stretch or blur in the same direction, an effect known as anisotropic reflection. The metallic sheen is diminished, but not completely lost. Anisotropic materials exhibit unequal physical properties along different axes.
For example, wood is a naturally anisotropic material. Wood grain is the manifestation of the direction, texture or pattern of the fibers present in the wood and contributes to its distinct appearance. The strength and hardness of wood depends on the orientation in which it is measured. Wood is strongest with grain.
The opposite of anisotropic materials are isotropic materials. Their physical properties behave the same in all directions. Most metals, such as steel and aluminum, are isotropic materials. When rubbed with an abrasive material, the metal takes on anisotropic properties. The brushed steel look can be achieved by polishing the metal with fine grit sandpaper, sanding discs, Scotch-Brite® pads, Scotch-Brite® wheels, flap wheels, Cratex® wheels or synthetic steel wool, only for name a few. Each method produces a different look and should be experimented with before committing to one.
Patinas can be added to give the metal an aged look, simulating antiquity. Patinas are given by exposing the metal to chloride or sulfur compounds.
After being polished, the metal must be cleaned of polishing residues with mineral spirits. White spirit, a petroleum distillate, is a fast-acting, odorless solvent that removes oily residue and prepares metal for oil-based finishes. It is not recommended to leave fingerprints at this stage.
To complement the look of the brushed steel, acrylic urethane can be applied as a topcoat. This clear coat fills in the etched grooves left by polishing. It leaves the surface smooth and also protects it from further random abrasion, which could distort or dull the desired anisotropic reflection effect. Clear lacquer, wax or satin are also acceptable coating materials.
Many consumer products are made from stainless steel, aluminum or nickel. These are also the metals commonly used for brushing. Therefore, table lamps, kitchen cookware and high-end electronics can be given brushed metal finishes to add a touch of class and enhance their decorative appeal. The brushed steel finish of consumer items is usually highlighted in catalogs as a strong point and is heralded as an expression of a bold and contemporary style. Of course, beauty ultimately lies in the eye of the beholder.
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