As a rule, 304 suits indoor and sheltered work, while 316 is the safer choice outdoors and the standard choice near the coast, near pools or anywhere with salt or chlorides. Both grades look the same; the difference is corrosion resistance, as 316 contains molybdenum that 304 does not. Tell us where the piece will be installed and how exposed it is, and we will recommend a grade.
Those brown marks are usually tea staining, a surface discolouration rather than structural rust, and they are more common on 304 in exposed or coastal settings. The marks do not eat into the metal, and routine cleaning keeps them at bay, but on minimalist designs where every mark shows, specifying 316 and a suitable finish reduces the risk. We can advise on grade and finish for the setting.
No. 4 is a brushed satin finish with a fine directional grain, the usual choice for handrails, panels and most architectural work because it hides marks and wears well. No. 8 is a reflective mirror finish used for feature elements where a bright surface is wanted, though it shows fingerprints and scratches more readily. Bead-blasted and other finishes are also available, so tell us the look you are after.
In most cases yes, provided we know the grade, the finish family (for example brushed No. 4) and, where it matters, the grain direction. Matching is easier when a sample or the finish schedule is supplied. Send a sample or the specification and we will confirm what we can match.
Yes. Working from drawings and specifications is the usual route, and we can also work from sketches, a concept or a sample where a full drawing is not yet available. The more detail you provide on dimensions, finish and the intended setting, the more accurately we can advise and quote.
On visible work, welds are dressed and blended back into the surface so the joint is discreet, and the finish is then worked across the whole piece for consistency. On exterior pieces, post-weld passivation also helps protect the weld area. Tell us which faces are visible so the welds and finish can be planned accordingly.
Stainless steel is low-maintenance but not maintenance-free; a periodic wash with mild soap and water, and a thorough clean after installation, keeps the surface bright. In coastal or polluted settings, more frequent cleaning helps prevent tea staining. We can suggest a grade and finish that suit the cleaning the piece will realistically receive.
Yes. For finish-critical or repeated work, a sample or first piece can be agreed and approved before the full run is made, which removes surprises on finish and fit. Let us know if a sample is needed and we will build it into the plan.
TH Steel is a fabrication partner: the work is fabricated, finished and prepared for installation to your drawings, and we are glad to discuss site dimensions and fixing details so installation goes smoothly. Tell us your site and installation requirements and we will advise on how best to prepare the metalwork.
If your project needs stainless steel or precision metal fabrication where the finish and the fit both matter, speak to TH Steel.
Our team will advise on a practical fabrication approach and what is needed for a quotation.
Our Services
Plot 90, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park 4,
11900 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 - 646 8622 (Hunting Line)
+604 - 644 6622 (Overseas)
Fax: +604 - 645 1196
+604 - 643 6688 (Overseas)
Email: sales@th-steel.com
tnh@th-steel.com
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