Production Principle
The preparation of sandblasted colored stainless steel involves three core processes:
The first step: Base material pretreatment
Select high-quality cold-rolled stainless steel of SUS304 / SUS316L as the base material. After alkaline washing to remove oil and acid activation to activate the surface, the basic surface treatment (usually 2B matte or BA bright annealed surface) is completed. This ensures a clean surface without oil stains or oxide scales, providing a uniform starting surface for sandblasting.
The second step: Sandblasting to form matte finish
Using compressed air as the power source, the abrasive particles are accelerated to high speed (several to several hundred meters per second), and then evenly sprayed onto the stainless steel surface through the nozzle. The impact and cutting action of the abrasive particles cause plastic deformation and micro-cutting of the surface, forming countless uniform small pits and nodules, thereby achieving a uniform matte finish effect.
The third step: PVD vacuum coating for coloring
Place the sandblasted stainless steel plate in a high vacuum furnace chamber (with a vacuum degree of ≤ 5×10⁻³Pa). Using metals such as titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), and chromium (Cr) as targets, through arc evaporation or magnetic control sputtering, metal ions are rapidly deposited on the surface of the sandblasted matte finish, forming a 0.3~0.5μm thick metal ceramic composite film layer. The film layer adheres uniformly to the matte finish nodules, without filling the uneven textures, and perfectly integrates the color and matte texture.
TiN film layer → Titanium gold, champagne color series, hardness 2000~2500HV
TiCN film layer → Rose gold, bronze color series, hardness 2000~2500HV
CrN / CrAlN film layer → Black titanium, gun gray color series, hardness 1800~2200HV
ZrN film layer → Zirconium gold, warm brass color series, hardness 2000~2500HV
The PVD film layer is metallurgical grade molecules combined with the sandblasted surface, and is tested by the scratch method to reach grade 0 (100% no detachment), with color difference control: within the same batch, ΔE ≤ 0.5.
Optional fourth step: AF nano anti-fingerprint coating
On top of the PVD coating, an additional 6~20 nanometer fluorosiloxane nano coating can be superimposed. After high-temperature curing, it gives the surface superhydrophobic and hydrophobic properties (water droplet angle ≥ 105°), effectively preventing fingerprint oil stains. The matte surface naturally has anti-fingerprint advantages, and the addition of the nano coating provides better anti-fingerprint effect.
Core Advantages
1. Soft matte finish, advanced diffuse reflection aesthetics
The countless fine pits on the sandblasted surface cause uniform diffuse reflection of light, eliminating the glaring reflection of the mirror surface and presenting a warm and restrained matte texture. The color is infiltrated into the matte texture through PVD coating, with soft and layered colors, not flamboyant or pretentious, making it the preferred metallic texture for minimalist and light luxury styles.
2. Uniform surface, consistent texture
The uniform impact of high-pressure abrasives forms a consistent texture of fine pits, with no color difference, no stripes, and no local over-spray on the entire board. Whether it is a large-scale curtain wall or a small panel, it can maintain a uniform matte visual effect, suitable for engineering projects that require high consistency of the panel surface.
3. Adjustable thickness, versatile styles
By adjusting the grit number (60#~280#) and process parameters, various matte styles from as fine as velvet (Ra ≈ 0.8μm) to rough industrial style (Ra ≈ 2.5μm) can be achieved, meeting the diverse design needs from high-end luxury display cases to industrial-style spaces.
4. Naturally resistant to fingerprints, matte surface does not show marks
The diffuse reflection characteristic of the matte finish naturally weakens the visual contrast of fingerprints and stains, compared to the problem of "touching and leaving an imprint" on mirror panels, the sandblasted board has almost no visible traces during daily touch. After adding AF nano coating, the anti-fingerprint effect is even better, and daily cleaning only requires soft cloth wiping to keep it clean.
5. Strong anti-corrosion and salt spray resistance
After sandblasting, the surface is treated with passivation to repair the rich chromium oxide film, and the PVD dense film layer forms a physical isolation barrier. The neutral salt spray test lasts for more than 72~120 hours without red rust, and the 5% NaOH / 5% HCl acid-base test is qualified, suitable for humid and coastal corrosive environments.
6. Fireproof and flame retardant, safe and reliable
The stainless steel substrate itself is an non-combustible material, and the PVD coating layer is an inorganic metal ceramic system. The overall fire resistance grade reaches A level (GB 8624), without toxic smoke release at high temperatures, meeting strict fire protection regulations for public buildings, rail transit, etc.
Available Colors & Finishes
Color selection:
Gold series: Titanium gold, 24K gold, champagne gold, zirconium gold, coffee gold, Japanese gold
Bronze series: Rose gold, antique bronze, red copper, bronze, red antique bronze, green antique bronze
Black series: Black titanium (black gold), matte black, gun gray, dark black, coffee color
Blue series: Gemstone blue, emerald green, peacock blue
Purple series: Purple gold, purple red, violet
Custom color: Customization by sample is supported. Precise matching according to the customer's color chart is available.
Size specifications:
Standard sizes: 1000×2000mm, 1219×2438mm, 1219×3048mm, 1500×3000mm
Width range: 600 ~ 1500mm (maximum可达 2000mm)
Length range： 1000 ~ 6000mm
Thickness range:
Regular thickness: 0.3mm ~ 3.0mm
Medium-thick plate: 3.0mm ~ 6.0mm (for special requirements)
Tolerance: ±0.03mm (for precision cold rolling) / ±0.05mm (for ordinary rolling)
Optional composite processes:
Sandblasting can be combined with the following processes to achieve more diverse decorative effects:
Sandblasting + Etching: Matte surface + local contrast between concave and convex patterns
Sandblasting + Pulling: Local matte finish + local silk texture, with light and dark contrast
Sandblasting + Mirror Finish: Local matte finish + local high reflection, with strong contrast
Sandblasting + Relief: Foggy three-dimensional relief effect
Local Sandblasting (Masking Process): Pattern division, strong design sense
Additional processing options:
AF Nano Anti-Fingerprint Coating
Nano Anti-Scratch Hardening Coating
Antibacterial Coating (Silver Ion, Antibacterial Rate ≥ 99%)
Single-sided / Double-sided Treatment
PE Protective Film (Prevents Scratches during Transportation and Processing)
Application Scenarios
Elevators and Public Transportation
The inner walls of elevator carriages, elevator door casings, elevator ceilings, button panels, handrail side panels. Metro platform walls, high-speed train car interiors, airport terminal decorations. Sandblasted matte finish effectively reduces reflective glare in public spaces, is resistant to fingerprints and easy to clean, and is one of the most mainstream surface finishes for elevator decoration.
High-end Hotels and Commercial Spaces
Hotel lobby background walls, front desk countertops, corridor midlines, banquet hall columns. Mall atrium decorations, brand store display cabinets, jewelry and watch counters. The matte texture is soft and elegant, does not cause glare under lighting, and enhances the high-end atmosphere.
Building Facades and Exterior Walls
Facade decorative panels, exterior wall panels, column coverings, storefront signs, canopy decorations. Sandblasted surfaces diffuse reflected light and reduce light pollution. PVD coating layers have strong weather resistance and do not fade for over 10 years outdoors.
Interior Decoration
Wall and ceiling surfaces, partitions, door and window casings, baseboards, decorative lines, background walls. Matte tones are versatile for various decoration styles and can perfectly fit from minimalist to light luxury.
Home Spaces
High-end custom cabinet door panels, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, TV background walls, wine cabinets. Waterproof, moisture-proof, resistant to oil stains, and anti-fingerprint. Both aesthetic and practical.
Appliances and Consumer Electronics
Refrigerator panels, washing machine shells, air conditioner panels, range hood panels, microwave oven shells, mobile phone shells. Matte surfaces eliminate appliance reflections, have a high texture, are resistant to fingerprints and easy to clean.
Medical and Food Equipment
Hospital corridor wall cladding, operating room clean panels, medical equipment shells, food processing equipment shells. Sandblasted surfaces can use glass bead abrasives, have a smooth surface and do not harbor bacteria, meeting food-grade hygiene standards.
Industrial Equipment and Precision Machinery
Semiconductor equipment shells, automated equipment panels, precision instrument shells. Sandblasting can eliminate CNC machining tool marks, improve surface consistency, and enhance the adhesion of subsequent coatings.
Signs and Wayfinding Systems
Public space wayfinding signs, brand logos, nameplates, signs. Matte surfaces do not reflect light, have clear text and graphics, and are durable outdoors.
Art Installations and Customization
Art metal sculptures, wall installations of art, custom decorative paintings. Sandblasting can be used for local masking to achieve pattern zoning effects, with strong design and artistic appeal.