# When to choose stainless steel

## What is stainless steel?

Stainless steel is a durable, rust-resistant alloy of iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel or molybdenum, with various grades offering different rust resistance. It differs significantly from mild steel in both performance and cost.

## When is stainless steel generally used?

Stainless steel is used for its strength and corrosion resistance in areas like kitchenware, medical tools, automotive and aerospace parts, food processing, chemical industries, marine fittings, and construction. It’s also favoured for low-maintenance, visually appealing items in commercial and high-end household products.

## Key difference to mild steel

### Coatings

Stainless steel is typically used in its raw form due to its rust resistance, eliminating the need for paint that could scratch or chip, making it highly durable and long-lasting.

Mild steel usually requires a protective coating like paint, oil, or plating to prevent rust. If the coating gets chipped, the exposed steel will rust.

### Cost

Stainless steel is inherently more expensive due to higher raw material costs and manufacturing complexity. Generally, a stainless steel product can cost 3 to 5 times more than its mild steel equivalent.

### Visuals

Stainless steel is usually slightly lighter and brighter than mild steel, though variations in batches can cause overlap, with some stainless steels appearing darker than mild steel.

<figure><img src="/files/0mS58C2U1afbQ6WZYgPl" alt=""><figcaption><p>Left to right - Black, Zinc, Stainless (not brushed), Clear/Raw (look the same), White</p></figcaption></figure>

Stainless steel is often seen in a brushed finish. This helps to brigten the steel even further. It is important to note that brushing is an extra step applied for decorative purpose only.

{% hint style="info" %}
Unless specified, our stainless steel products are not brushed.
{% endhint %}

## When should I choose stainless steel vs coated mild steel

We only suggest choosing stainless steel when:

* Cost is not a concern.
* You require commercial grade corrosion resistance.
* You are building something that will be living on a beach or on a boat.

If you main aim is to achieve a silver finish, then zinc is a much more cost effective option. For something a little more industrial looking then we would suggest clear coat.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://support.thehairpinlegcompany.co.uk/colours-and-finishes/choosing-the-perfect-finish/when-to-choose-stainless-steel.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.