304 Stainless Steel Sheet 240 Grit Polished

304 stainless steel sheet in a 240 grit dull polish, a fine directional brushed finish, supplied with a VC1 laser-grade protective film. The 240 grit surface gives a clean satin look that hides fingerprints better than mirror and suits work surfaces, panels and fabrication. Stocked in 2500 x 1250mm sheets from 0.9mm up to 3.0mm thick.

Grade 304 (1.4301) is the standard general-purpose stainless, with good corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. The VC1 film is a laser-quality protective layer suited to fabrication and laser cutting. Sheets are supplied in the standard size shown and are not cut to size. Prices include VAT.

What This Sheet Is

240 grit dull polish 304 sheet is a flat satin-finished stainless sheet with a fine, uniform brushed grain. It is the everyday workhorse finish for stainless fabrication: worktops, splashbacks, panels, enclosures, machine guarding, shelving and general sheet metalwork. The satin grain hides handling marks and fingerprints far better than mirror, which makes it the practical choice for surfaces that get touched. The VC1 protective film shields the face during cutting, folding and laser work and peels off on completion.

Finish Explained

The 240 grit dull polish is a directional brushed finish, finer than a 180 grit and coarser than a fine satin, giving a clean uniform grain across the sheet. It is sometimes called a satin or brushed finish. The sheet carries a VC1 laser-grade protective film, which is suited to laser cutting and resists scorching at the cut edge better than standard films. Because the finish is directional, plan your layout so the grain runs the same way across adjoining panels in the finished job. Peel the film after fabrication and installation.

Specification and Standards

Material is grade 304 stainless steel (1.4301) to BS EN 10088, an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless with good corrosion resistance, weldability and formability. The finish is a 240 grit directional dull polish with a VC1 protective film. Thicknesses run 0.9mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm and 3.0mm in a 2500 x 1250mm sheet. Dimensional tolerances follow the relevant cold-rolled sheet standard. 304 suits interior and general exterior use; for marine, coastal or chloride-heavy environments, 316 is the correct grade.

Available Sizes and Pricing

All prices include VAT. This sheet is supplied in the standard 2500 x 1250mm size and is not cut to size.

Common Uses

240 grit 304 sheet is used for worktops and counters, splashbacks, wall cladding, equipment panels and enclosures, machine guarding, shelving, kick plates and general fabrication. The satin grain suits commercial kitchens, workshops, retail and industrial work where the surface is handled and a practical, fingerprint-tolerant finish is wanted. It welds and folds well and pairs with 304 angle, flat bar, channel and fixings for framed panels and enclosures. For food-contact surfaces 304 is widely specified; for marine or pool environments choose 316.

Bulk and Trade Orders

Trade pricing is available on volume orders. Sheets are supplied in the standard 2500 x 1250mm size shown above. Tell us the thicknesses and quantities you need and we will quote the full order, including mixed pallets of different thicknesses to consolidate delivery.

Delivery Information

240 grit stainless sheet is delivered on a pallet to mainland UK on a 3 to 5 working day lead time. Sheets are packed flat with edge protection and the VC1 protective film left on to guard the finish in transit. The pallet is delivered kerbside, so have help available to move large sheets. Check for transit damage before signing. Delivery is to mainland UK; for offshore, Highlands or other restricted postcodes, contact us before ordering to confirm availability and any extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 240 grit dull polish look like?
A 240 grit dull polish is a fine directional brushed finish, often called satin or brushed stainless. It has a uniform fine grain running in one direction across the sheet, giving a clean matt-satin appearance rather than the reflective look of mirror. It sits between a coarse 180 grit and a fine satin in texture. The big practical advantage over mirror is that the grain hides fingerprints, smears and light handling marks, which makes it the standard choice for worktops, panels and any surface that gets touched. Because the finish is directional, plan your panel layout so the grain runs the same way across adjacent pieces in the finished job for a consistent look.

What is the VC1 film and do I need to remove it?
VC1 is a laser-grade protective film bonded to the polished face at the mill. It protects the finish from scratches during handling, cutting and folding, and is specifically suited to laser cutting because it resists scorching and lifts cleanly at the cut edge. Yes, it should be removed: leave it on through all fabrication and installation, then peel it off once the work is finished and fitted. Do not leave the film on for long periods in direct sunlight or heat, as protective films can become harder to remove over time. Peel slowly to avoid leaving adhesive residue; if any remains, it can be cleaned off with a stainless-safe solvent and a soft cloth.

Will 304 stainless rust outdoors?
Grade 304 (1.4301) resists corrosion well in normal interior and outdoor atmospheres and will not rust like mild steel, but it is not fully immune. In clean, dry or lightly polluted air it keeps its finish with little maintenance. In marine, coastal or chloride-rich environments, such as near saltwater, swimming pools or heavily salted roads, 304 can develop surface staining or pitting over time; 316 stainless is the correct grade for those conditions. Tea staining, a light brown surface discolouration, can appear on outdoor 304 in exposed areas and is cosmetic rather than structural. Periodic cleaning to remove salt and dirt keeps outdoor 304 looking its best. For most general external panels away from the coast, 304 performs well.

How do I look after the brushed finish?
Clean the satin finish with warm soapy water or a proprietary stainless cleaner and a soft cloth, always wiping in the direction of the grain, not across it, so you do not leave cross marks. For tougher marks, a stainless-safe cream cleaner worked along the grain will lift them. Avoid abrasive pads, wire wool and chloride or bleach-based cleaners, which scratch the grain or attack the surface and can cause staining. Leave the VC1 protective film on through fabrication and fitting, handle the sheet by its edges, and work on a clean surface free of grit. The 240 grit finish is more forgiving of day-to-day marks than mirror, but consistent cleaning along the grain keeps it uniform.

How is the sheet delivered and packed?
The sheet is delivered on a pallet to mainland UK on a 3 to 5 working day lead time. Sheets are packed flat with edge protection and the VC1 protective film left in place to guard the finish in transit. Delivery is kerbside on a pallet, so please arrange help to move the sheets, as a 2500 x 1250mm sheet is large and awkward for one person, especially in the heavier 2.0mm and 3.0mm thicknesses. Inspect the sheets for any transit damage before you sign for the delivery. Delivery covers mainland UK; for offshore, the Scottish Highlands or other restricted postcodes, get in touch before ordering so we can confirm whether we can deliver and quote any extra cost or lead time.