How can I choose high-quality colored decorative stainless steel sheets?

1. Identifying Materials

In this era of widespread homogeneity, the most commonly used materials for colored stainless steel sheets on the market are 201, 304, and 316, produced through various coloring processes. Among these materials, 316 offers the best corrosion resistance, while 201 offers the worst, resulting in significant price differences. Unscrupulous companies often substitute inferior industrial-grade 201 stainless steel for food-grade 304 and 316 stainless steel. This results in color loss, rust, and even cracking when installing stainless steel sheets in many architectural and decoration projects. Therefore, it's important to carefully distinguish whether the stainless steel is 201 or 304.

2. Surface Coloring Process

The surface coloring process used to color stainless steel can affect its price. Colored decorative stainless steel sheets involve chemical or electrochemical treatment of stainless steel sheets or products to create a conversion coating. This creates a variety of vibrant colors, such as blue, golden, rose red, and green, while also enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of the stainless steel. To determine whether the surface coloring process is up to standard, the electroplating time is crucial. Theoretically, the longer the electroplating time, the less likely the colored stainless steel plate will fade. Of course, the final color quality and whether it meets your desired requirements also matter. This is where the third factor comes in!

3. Observing the Metal Surface

Since colored stainless steel sheets are primarily used for architectural decoration, aesthetic appeal is crucial. When inspecting the product, owners should carefully inspect and observe the surface for color variations, nail holes, scratches, pinholes, peeling, and other issues.

4. Film Quality

After processing, a protective film is usually applied to the surface of the colored stainless steel sheet to maintain a smooth finish and protect it from scratches. Poor-quality protective film can become powdery over time, making it difficult to remove, or it may retain a large amount of adhesive after removal, which can be unsightly. When inspecting the product, it is recommended to remove a large area of the film to verify its quality. After installation, the film should be removed as soon as possible, especially for outdoor applications.