Brushed stainless steel has a matt finish with a visible grain, whereas polished stainless steel is shinier and smoother. Both can be used for balustrades, but they create different looks and need slightly different care. A brushed finish offers a subtle, modern appearance, tends to show fingerprints and minor scratches less, and is best cleaned along the grain.
A polished finish gives a more premium appearance and is easy to wipe clean, although scratches may be more visible. It is important to distinguish the surface finish from the grade of steel: near the sea, the grade – for example, AISI 316 – matters more for corrosion resistance than whether the surface is brushed or polished.
