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Mirror
Highly reflective surface that creates the brightest and most reflective PVD appearance.
Decorative stainless steel with metallic PVD colors combined with mirror, hairline, brushed, vibration and matte surface finishes.
For project color approval, confirm the PVD color together with the selected base surface finish.
PVD stainless steel is decorative stainless steel with a thin metallic coating applied by Physical Vapor Deposition in a controlled vacuum environment.
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. The stainless steel surface is prepared first as mirror, hairline, brushed, bead blasted or another decorative finish, and the PVD coating is then applied to add metallic color.
This means PVD color and surface finish are two separate choices. For example, Gold Mirror and Gold Hairline may use a similar gold color family, but they look very different because the underlying surface controls the reflection and texture.
Common PVD colors include gold, champagne gold, rose gold, bronze, black and other customized tones. For project orders, the grade, thickness, sheet size, base finish and PVD color should be specified together.
For a detailed explanation of the coating technology, process and applications, read our What Is PVD Stainless Steel? Complete Guide .
The following are commonly requested decorative color families. Customized color matching can also be discussed according to physical samples and project requirements.
Classic metallic gold for mirror, brushed and textured finishes.
Softer and more neutral than traditional bright gold.
Warm pink-gold tone commonly used in elevators and interiors.
Warm darker metallic tone for architectural feature surfaces.
Dark metallic finish for modern commercial and luxury interiors.
Warm copper appearance for decorative metal applications.
Decorative metallic blue for selected architectural designs.
Custom color matching can be evaluated using a physical reference sample and production trial.
The surface is prepared before PVD coating. Each base finish changes how the final color interacts with light.
Highly reflective surface that creates the brightest and most reflective PVD appearance.
Fine continuous linear grain with a controlled directional reflection.
Softer directional metallic appearance with lower reflectivity than mirror surfaces.
Matte textured surface that produces a soft, low-glare metallic color appearance.
See how different combinations become distinct decorative stainless steel products.
Bright mirror reflection combined with a gold PVD coating.
Bead Blasted + Champagne Gold Champagne Gold Bead BlastedMatte bead blasted texture combined with a soft champagne gold tone.
Textured Finish + Black PVD Black PVD Stainless SteelDark PVD color applied over a textured stainless steel surface.
Select the stainless steel substrate, sheet dimensions, base finish and PVD color according to your architectural or fabrication requirements.
201 / 304 / 316L / 430
Select the grade according to application, environment and
corrosion-resistance requirements.
Available according to project requirements. Thickness should be selected together with panel size, fabrication and support conditions.
Common sizes include 1000 × 2000, 1219 × 2438 and 1500 × 3000 mm. Custom cutting is available.
Mirror / Hairline / Brushed / Satin / Bead Blasted / Etched and other decorative stainless steel finishes.
Gold / Champagne Gold / Rose Gold / Bronze / Copper / Black / Blue and customized colors.
PVC protective film or laser film can be selected according to the surface finish and subsequent fabrication process.
Laser cutting, bending, welding and edge finishing can be arranged according to project drawings.
Anti-fingerprint treatment and other finishing options can be evaluated according to the selected surface and application.
You do not need to prepare a complicated specification document. If possible, provide the basic information below so we can review the material, sample and quotation requirements more accurately.
Have project drawings instead? You can send the drawings, material schedule or reference images and we can help review the required stainless steel specification.
PVD stainless steel is mainly selected for architectural and interior projects that require a decorative metallic color combined with the appearance and fabrication flexibility of stainless steel.
PVD stainless steel is widely used for elevator cab walls, doors, entrance surrounds, COP and LOP panels, trims and other decorative elevator components. Mirror, hairline and etched surfaces can be combined with colors such as rose gold, champagne gold, bronze and black.
Cab walls · Elevator doors · Entrance frames · COP / LOP panels · Decorative trims
Hotels and hospitality projects use PVD stainless steel for reception backgrounds, lobby details, columns, decorative frames, bar areas and feature surfaces where a controlled metallic color is required.
Reception areas · Lobby walls · Columns · Metal frames · Bar fronts · Decorative details
Luxury retail stores, showrooms and commercial interiors use PVD stainless steel for display surrounds, shelving, counters, trims and feature panels. Different combinations of PVD color and base finish allow designers to coordinate the metal surface with lighting, glass, stone and other interior materials.
Display shelving · Shopfront details · Counters · Feature panels · Decorative trims
PVD-coated sheets can be fabricated into wall panels, ceiling elements, column covers and other architectural metal components. Panel dimensions, joint layout, substrate, fixing method and fabrication should be considered together with the selected stainless steel thickness and finish.
Wall panels · Ceilings · Column cladding · Entrance features · Architectural metalwork
Application alone does not determine the best PVD surface. Mirror finishes create stronger reflections, hairline and brushed finishes provide a directional metallic appearance, while bead blasted finishes produce a softer matte effect. The final selection should consider lighting, viewing distance, touch frequency, fabrication and the surrounding materials.
PVD coating is applied after the required stainless steel surface finish has been completed. Mirror, hairline, brushed, bead blasted or other decorative surfaces are prepared first, then the finished sheets enter the PVD coating process to receive the required metallic color.
The detailed process settings depend on the required PVD color and coating specification. For product selection, the most important point is that the stainless steel surface finish is completed before the PVD color is applied.
The required mirror, hairline, brushed, bead blasted or other decorative stainless steel finish is completed first.
The prepared stainless steel surface is cleaned before coating to reduce oil, dust and other contamination that could affect the final appearance.
The sheets are loaded into the vacuum coating system, where a thin decorative coating is deposited onto the prepared stainless steel surface to create the required metallic color.
After coating, the sheet is checked for color consistency, surface appearance and visible defects against the required or approved reference.
Once the decorative surface passes inspection, protective film is applied to help protect the finish during handling, fabrication, transportation and installation.
Real PVD coating production process for decorative stainless steel sheets.
PVD adds metallic color but does not replace the original stainless steel texture. A Gold Mirror surface remains highly reflective, a Gold Hairline surface retains its fine directional grain, and a Champagne Gold Bead Blasted surface keeps its matte texture. This is why the base finish and PVD color should always be specified together.
Our complete PVD stainless steel guide explains how Physical Vapor Deposition works, how colors are produced, and what buyers should consider when selecting PVD-coated stainless steel.
Metallic PVD colors can appear different depending on the surface finish, lighting environment and production reference. For project orders, color should be approved on the actual selected finish rather than by color name alone.
Mirror, hairline, brushed and bead blasted surfaces reflect light differently. The same general PVD color can therefore look brighter, softer or more matte depending on the underlying finish.
Warm hotel lighting, daylight and cool showroom lighting can change how metallic colors are perceived. Viewing angle can also affect the apparent tone and reflection.
For customized colors or larger projects, an approved physical sample provides a more reliable production reference than a photograph, screen image or color name alone.
For projects where color and appearance are important, approve the complete material combination rather than approving only a color name.
For architectural PVD stainless steel, material specification, finish consistency, sample approval, processing and surface protection all affect the final project result.
The stainless steel substrate, dimensions and required surface specification are confirmed before decorative processing. Mirror, hairline, brushed, textured and other finishes can then be coordinated with the required PVD color and further fabrication.
Finished decorative sheets are protected before shipment to reduce the risk of scratches and surface damage during handling and transportation. Packing can include protective film, waterproof wrapping and wooden cases according to the order and shipping requirements.
Grade, thickness, sheet size and required finish are confirmed according to the order specification before decorative processing.
PVD color is evaluated together with the selected surface finish. Standard or customized samples can be prepared before larger production.
Decorative sheets are checked for visible defects, surface appearance and color consistency before suitable protective film is applied.
Laser cutting, bending, welding and edge finishing can be coordinated according to project drawings and finished-panel requirements.
Standard & customized
Subject to specification
Depending on sample approval
According to specification
Practical answers to common questions about PVD color customization, durability, stainless steel grades, exterior use, fabrication, pricing and project supply.
Customized PVD color can be evaluated using a physical reference sample or agreed color direction.
Because metallic appearance is affected by the base finish, lighting and viewing conditions, we recommend approving an actual production sample before mass production when color matching is important.
PVD coating can improve surface hardness and wear resistance, but decorative PVD stainless steel is not completely scratch-proof.
Scratch visibility also depends on the base finish. Mirror surfaces generally show handling marks more clearly than hairline, brushed or matte finishes.
See our detailed guide: Does PVD Stainless Steel Scratch Easily?
PVD coating does not make the stainless steel substrate completely corrosion-proof. Performance still depends on stainless steel grade, environment, fabrication, contamination and maintenance.
Grade 304 is commonly used for interior architectural projects, while 316 or 316L may be considered for coastal, humid or more chloride-exposed environments.
Read more: Does PVD Stainless Steel Rust?
Exterior suitability should be evaluated according to the complete material system and project environment, not only the PVD color.
Important factors include stainless steel grade, coating system, weather and chloride exposure, fabrication, installation and maintenance conditions.
Grade 316 or 316L may improve substrate corrosion resistance in more demanding environments, but the complete decorative system should still be confirmed for the specific application.
Color control starts with confirming the complete finish reference: stainless steel substrate, base surface and PVD color.
For customized colors or larger architectural projects, an approved physical sample provides a better production and inspection reference than a digital image or color name alone.
Yes. Project processing can include laser cutting, bending, welding and edge finishing according to drawings and finished-panel requirements.
Fabrication requirements should be confirmed before processing so the appropriate surface protection and material specification can be reviewed together.
Project quantities can be discussed according to the required grade, finish, color and fabrication rather than one fixed configuration.
As a general reference:
Actual timing depends on specification, sample approval and production schedule.
PVD stainless steel sheet pricing mainly depends on the complete material specification rather than the PVD color alone.
Main cost factors include:
Send the required specification and quantity for an accurate project quotation.
If available, send the stainless steel grade, thickness, sheet size, surface finish, PVD color, quantity and any fabrication drawings. A reference image or physical color sample can also help when a customized finish is required.
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