With stainless steel prices as they are, does anyone have any advice on what are some cheaper substitutes are for stainless steel sheeting with a #4 brushed finish? Other metals, polymers…? Thanks for your time.
Is the application purely decorative or somewhat structural?
:)ensen.
The stainless steel is somewhat structural. The material currently specified is 22 gauge stainless steel, but it only has to support the weight of a small book, so the structrual aspects are not extremely important. Would electro-plating a cheaper metal, or using a polymer with a metalic look or finish be cheaper options? Are there other materials or processes that I should consider? Thanks.
How much cheaper?
Aluminum looks pretty similar- the color’s a little lighter, and it scratches more easily if you don’t anodize it.
There are some plastic adhesive films that look sort of like stainless. I can’t remember the manufacturer, but if you google “faux stainless steel” you’ll some places selling it.
There are also metallic looking laminates (like Formica) available. Try http://www.chmetal.com
Great suggestions Scott. Much appreciated.