A satin finish, also called #4 finish, is a brushed finish which can often differ in appearance from batch to batch due to manufacturing variations. The satin appearance is characterised by a pattern of very fine parallel lines, producing a decorative appearance which is not too reflective.
The #4 brushed finish is used on stainless steel applications where appearance is important, but reflectiveness is unwanted. For example, kitchen benchtops, hand rails, architecture or automotives.
As a satin finish is created by creating fine scratches in the stainless steel, this does make it slightly less corrosion resistant than a mirror finish as the groves are susceptible to rust.
#3 is also a brushed finish, but has a much more grainy look, with thicker parallel scratch marks, as seen in the image to the right
For more information Satin Finish vs. Other Stainless Steel Finishes, please get in touch with us!