Stainless is usually ordered by grade and finish together, and the finish is the half that gets forgotten. 2B is the standard cold rolled mill finish, BA is brighter and smoother for visible parts, 8K is a mirror polish, and HL is a brushed directional finish.
The choice has practical consequences. A mirror surface shows every scratch and costs more to protect in transit, while a brushed finish hides handling marks on large panels. Where material will be welded or formed, the finish near the weld has to be restored or the corrosion resistance drops.
State the finish, and state how the material will be protected and packed. Send us the grade, finish and size and we confirm the finish available and how it will be protected for the voyage.