Etched stainless steel patterns

Wet etching works by masking the sheet with a resist that carries the artwork and exposing the open areas to an etchant. The etchant removes a shallow layer of metal wherever the resist is absent, and that area comes out matt and slightly recessed. Everything under the resist keeps its original polish, so the design reads as a contrast between two textures on one sheet rather than as an applied layer.

• Hairline ground: a directional brushed base with a matt etched figure. The pattern is quiet at a distance and clear at arm's length, and the brushed field hides fingerprints better than mirror.
• Mirror ground: a reflective base with the matt figure sitting on it. The contrast is strongest here, and so is the demand on flatness and handling, because polished areas show every mark.
• Coloured or textured ground: the group's compatibility matrix lists PVD, anti-fingerprint, vibration, bead-blast, plaid and matte among the processes etching combines with. Confirm the combination on a sample.

The group page shows its stock designs under HTC numbers on a hairline or mirror ground, states that more than fifty are held ready, and takes custom artwork once the production department has approved the drawing. The matrix marks stainless steel and copper as base materials and rates the finish for indoor, outdoor and seaside placement. Outdoors the grade does the corrosion work, not the etch, so anything within reach of salt air in Jeddah or Dammam goes on 316.

Clean with warm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. On a hairline ground wipe along the grain; on a mirror ground use a clean microfibre cloth in straight passes. The etched areas are matt and hold dirt a little more readily than the polished ground, so rinse well rather than scrub.

Do not use bleach, chloride-based cleaners, hydrochloric acid or abrasive pads; they mark the polished ground and can pit the grade. Where an anti-fingerprint or PVD layer sits on the sheet, keep to the same routine and avoid solvents. For coastal exteriors specify 316 and rinse airborne salt off at intervals.