The choice of finish for a tap is an aspect that should not be overlooked: not only does it affect the aesthetic appearance of the tap, the kitchen and the bathroom in general, but it can also have consequences on durability and ease of cleaning.

There are many stainless steel finishes, but not all are suitable for bathrooms: brushed stainless steel and polished stainless steel are generally preferable.

Stainless steel finishes: what they are and what characteristics they have

Stainless steel differs from steel in its high chromium content and other materials that form a film on the surface of the material itself, thus ensuring high protection against oxidation and rust.

In taps, which are in constant contact with water, it is very important to use the right material to prevent rusting or the formation of unsightly patinas. The chromium in steel combines with the oxygen in the air to create a protective film that increases its resistance.

Moreover, stainless steels can be finished in different ways to satisfy a variety of aesthetic requirements while ensuring high performance.

Polished stainless steel finish

The polished finish of stainless steel is a smooth, shiny finish that is achieved by sanding and polishing the surface of the steel. This process involves removing surface imperfections from the steel using a series of mechanical abrasives with increasingly fine grains. This is followed by a final polish with a cotton brush to give the surface a smooth and shiny appearance.

The polished finish is the most common for bathroom and kitchen accessories, as it is the only one that can guarantee an excellent level of hygiene as well as being extremely easy to clean and maintain.

This aspect makes the polished finish suitable for outdoor products, as well as for beauty salons, swimming pools and other similar environments. In fact, bad weather not only does not damage the steel, but also leaves no marks, as impurities carried by wind and rain or water deposits slide off easily. For these reasons, it is also perfect for nautical environments.

Brushed stainless steel finish

The brushed finish of stainless steel is achieved through a process of minimal abrasion of the metal surface, which makes the objects extremely smooth to the touch.

Proper brushing of stainless steel also ensures a refined shine without excessive brightness.

This technique involves creating light surface lines that make the steel shiny and particularly elegant.

This type of finish is considered high-end and is chosen by many interior designers to give bathrooms a refined and elegant look. It can also be chosen for kitchens, especially for certain types of environments with designer furnishings.

These finishes should not be confused with the “brushed steel” and “satin steel” finishes of brass accessories: although these materials attempt to imitate stainless steel, they have specific characteristics that are very different from those of steel and tend to deteriorate very quickly. Even the aesthetic appearance, although initially it can be confused with real stainless steel, tends to deteriorate over time and it is no longer possible to restore it to its original condition.

How to choose the finish for your tap

Due to their functional characteristics and aesthetic appearance, the most recommended finishes for taps are undoubtedly polished and brushed.

Durable, corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant, these two stainless steel finishes allow the tap to maintain a perfect aesthetic appearance at all times and fit easily into both modern and classic environments.

Moreover, even in the event of tarnishing or slight aesthetic imperfections due to the passage of time, they can be restored, quickly returning to their former splendour. After all, stainless steel is known to be eternal, and if it is of excellent quality, as in Super Inox taps, there are no risks.

Often, therefore, the difference between a polished and brushed finish is a matter of aesthetic choice as well as functionality: the shine of a polished finish can be perfectly integrated into classic and elegant environments and can be appreciated by those who love this kind of refined aesthetic. The brushed finish, on the other hand, adds an extra touch of personality and is perfectly suited to elegant yet understated, designer environments.