Finish is a separate decision from grade (covered in our grades guide) — it's purely about surface texture and appearance, and it changes both the look and the upkeep.
Mirror finish
Highly reflective, almost chrome-like. Looks striking in photos and under good lighting, but shows fingerprints, water spots and light scratches more readily than any other finish. Best suited to features that get admired more than touched — decorative panels, feature walls, elevator interiors.
Brushed / hairline finish
A soft, directional satin texture from a controlled abrasive process. Hides handling marks and minor scuffs far better than mirror, which is why it's our default recommendation for anything people touch daily — handrails, door handles, high-traffic railings.
Quick comparison
| Finish | Best for | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror | Feature panels, elevator interiors, decorative work | High — shows every mark |
| Brushed / hairline | Handrails, high-traffic railings, everyday fittings | Low — forgiving of daily use |
Can you mix them?
Yes, and it's common — a mirror-finish decorative panel next to a brushed-finish handrail in the same space is a normal design choice, not a mismatch. Tell us where each surface sits in your project (decorative vs. handled) and we'll recommend finish accordingly.