The surface color and texture options for molybdenum-containing stainless steels is practically limitless. There are hundreds of stock and custom surface treatments available, and many can be combined to create an even broader design palate. In addition to the traditional linear and mirror-like polished finishes, natural stainless steel can be obtained with mechanically abraded, embossed, and abrasive blasted surface treatments.
If color is preferred, both opaque (e.g. terne and other coatings) and translucent (e.g. electrochemical and PVD) colors provide considerable design flexibility. Practically every color in the rainbow is possible including charcoal grey, black, gold, bronze, blue, green and red. If they are used appropriately and well maintained, many of the coloring processes for stainless steel will last the life of the building.