Powder coating steel vs Stainless steel comparison in surface finish & maintenance

#Powder coated steel vs stainless Steel surface and texture

Powder-coated steel offers a wide range of finish and texture options. Steel can be painted into almost any color powder. Powder-coated steel stairs can be matched to the environment’s color scheme or the company’s color scheme. Powder-coated stairs can be brightly colored to highlight and attract attention, providing additional safety features. Powder coated stairs can be finished with a variety of textures including flat, matte, glossy and textured. High-gloss powder coatings can replicate the mirror finish of aluminum and stainless steel. Textured powder coating finishes can be used for non-slip walking surfaces on non-slip stair treads. These types of stair treads can help improve safety and performance in industrial applications such as mezzanine stairs and loading dock stairs.

Stainless steel is naturally bright silver with a high gloss satin finish. The chrome in the stainless steel provides this high-gloss look. Depending on the amount of chromium used in the production process, stainless steel can come in other colors while maintaining its characteristic metallic sheen. Stainless steel finishes include matte, brushed and mirrored finishes. Matte finishes can look dull and are suitable for use in situations where aesthetics are less important, such as industrial food manufacturing stairs. Brushed stainless steel has a soft shine and a pattern of fine parallel lines, which gives it good visual appeal without being too reflective. The high finish of the mirror makes cleaning easier and also hides any surface damage.

Winner: Powder Coat

#Powder coated steel or stainless steel for maintenance?

These two powder coated steel stairs are relatively maintenance-free. Powder-coated metal stairs can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. Harsh chemicals and solvents should not be used as they can damage the surface. All it takes is a wet sponge or soft brush to remove stubborn dirt.

Stainless steel is called “stainless steel” for a reason. Stainless steel stairs require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with a sponge and mild detergent. This makes them the most popular choice for applications that require regular cleaning. They can handle routine wet cleaning that is common in food and chemical production.

While stainless steel is more prone to streaks, wiping in the direction of the grain will help avoid them. Steel wool, brushes, or abrasive cleaners should not be used on stainless steel as they can cause surface wear, making the surface dull and more prone to rust or corrosion

Winner: Stainless Steel