Brushed metal

For the Mac OS X graphical user interface, see Brushed Metal (interface).

File:Brushed Aluminium.jpg

A piece of brushed aluminium

Brushed or dull polished metal is metal with a unidirectional satin finish. It is produced by polishing the metal with a 120–180 grit belt or wheel then softening with an 80–120 grit greaseless compound or a medium non-woven abrasive belt or pad.

Commonly brushed metals include stainless steel, aluminium and nickel. Brushed finishes are popular in both small appliances and whiteware, and feature in architecture and automotive design. The Gateway Arch and DeLorean DMC-12 are both clad in brushed stainless steel. The intensity of the brushed finish is specified as a surface roughness and is typically 0.5–1.5 micrometres R_a.

Advantages

Brushing gives metal a distinctive look, as it retains some but not all of its metallic lustre and is given a pattern of very fine lines parallel to the brushing direction. For this reason, it is commonly used for decorative items like jewelry and watches.

Disadvantages

A brushed finish is susceptible to damage. Brushed finishes also typically have a detrimental effect on corrosion resistance. In particular the brushed texture limits the ability of fluid to bead on the material surface. In the case of stainless steel the grooves of the finish can accumulate chloride ions which break down the chromium oxide passivation layer, enabling rusting to occur.

Examples

A collection of brushed stainless steel Breville small appliances.  A DeLorean DMC-12 featuring non-structural brushed stainless steel panels. A DeLorean DMC-12 featuring non-structural brushed stainless steel panels.  The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  Detail of brushed metal on a faucet. Detail of brushed metal on a faucet.