What Are the Different Uses of Brushed Steel?

Various products and components are made from brushed steel because of its aesthetic appeal and strength. Brushed steel has been abraded, or scratched, using a fine sandpaper that creates a textured pattern — usually a series of lines running in the same direction. This material can be used for a wide variety of applications, from kitchen appliances to automobile or motorcycle body parts. It tends to be fairly easy to shape, and once it is shaped, it is durable and long lasting, so the applications are nearly endless.

Body panels on some vehicles can be made from brushed steel to create a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. This is common on motorcycles, particularly on the fenders, gas tank, and other body coverings. Sometimes other components may be made from brushed steel as well: air filters, exhaust systems, and even clutch covers can be brushed to give the vehicle a more pronounced aesthetic appeal. Body panels on cars and trucks are less likely to feature this type of steel, though some components, especially in engine compartments on show vehicles, will often feature steel that has been brushed for aesthetic appeal.

Kitchen and home appliances are often made from brushed steel for durability and visual appeal. Ceiling fans, light fixtures, refrigerators, blenders, mixing bowls, and other commonly used items around the home can be made from this material. If the brushed steel is stainless, it will be resistant to corrosion and water damage, making it even more suitable for use in kitchens or other areas where moisture build-up is common. Of course, if the steel gets scratched or gouged, repairing such damage is exceptionally difficult or even impossible, so care must be taken to avoid such damage. Direct impacts can even remove the protective coating that helps prevent rust and corrosion.

Less often, brushed steel is used to make furniture and other large furnishings. Countertops, for example, can be made using this material, as can stools, chairs, benches, bureaus, dressers, and even bed frames. The downside to this material in relation to furniture making, however, is the relatively high price. Most pieces of furniture made from steel, brushed or otherwise, can be quite expensive when compared to other comparable materials, so it is often considered a high end choice. It must be properly cared for as well; while it can be wiped down with a damp rag, some specialty cleaning products do exist to help prevent scratching and grime build-up.