STAINLESS STEEL ALLOY 304
The metal of choice for most architectural and any decorative surfaces. Ideal for fabrication. It is highly resistant to corrosion and no protective top coating is required.
STAINLESS STEEL ALLOY 316
Is used when particularly strong resistance to corrosion becomes a factor: chemical environments or similar exposures. It does not require any protective coatings.
BRASS
This yellow metal is a copper alloy and is available in many different alloys, having different trade names. Alloy 464 is called Naval Brass, Alloy 260 is called Cartridge Brass and Alloy 280 is called Muntz. All three are very close in color. Any brass will need to be clear lacquer coated to prevent and retard tarnishing. It is not recommended to specify brass for outdoor applications.
COMMERCIAL BRONZE
Because of its trade name “Commercial Bronze,” this alloy is commonly referred to as Bronze (real Bronze does not exist in sheet form). Its reddish color is highly attractive and can be matched with hardware in real bronze. Again, this alloy needs to be clear lacquer coated and all other recommendations for Brass will apply.