The attractive design and durability of stainless steel appliances can surely convince you to keep some in your house. Despite the attractive look, people are also worried about the fingerprints appearing on steel appliances.
But does stainless steel show fingerprints? Yes, stainless steel catches fingerprints easily. Black/brushed stainless steel doesn’t show fingerprints like traditional stainless steel. Use mild soap, detergent, or special stainless steel cleaners to solve the problem.
However, the circumstances may differ for other types of steel. So, let’s get to know detailed information about this! Check out the best Stainless Steel Cleaners on Amazon now!
What Does Stainless Steel Monochromatic Mean?
Monochromatic stainless steel isn’t actual steel. We already know that monochromatic means having the same color throughout. Many home appliances like refrigerators have stainless steel as the major portion, which gives it an overall silver experience.
However, the handle isn’t composed of steel. Instead, it uses plastic or some other metal. So, the manufacturers use the other metal and then coat it with silver paint to give it the same overall look. Although the handle will look like stainless steel, it isn’t.
Apart from refrigerators, many other home appliances also use this process for the handle. So, monochromatic stainless steel means using plastic or other metals and painting it with silver to make it look like stainless steel.
Does Monochromatic Stainless Steel Show Fingerprints?
Although monochromatic stainless steel isn’t true stainless steel, it can show fingerprints when touched. It is sometimes annoying for people as the fingerprints left on the handle or other parts often give a dirty look.
Unfortunately, many monochromatic stainless steel appliances are not resistant to fingerprints. It means that if you touch them, even with clean hands, you will leave your fingerprints on the surface. Both stainless steel and monochromatic stainless steel can get fingerprint marks.
Is Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel A Different Color?
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or smudge-proof stainless steel is treated with a topcoat, eliminating the chances of catching fingerprints or smudges. The manufacturers heavily brush the surface of the stainless steel to make it fingerprint-resistant. As a result of this brushing, we often see a change in color.
However, it doesn’t mean that brushing will change the color from silver to pink. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel only has a darker color than the steel that shows fingerprints.
Apart from the brushing process, several manufacturers also give an additional coating to the stainless steel, which gives it a shiny look and offers exceptional durability.
Do Stainless Steel Appliances Show Fingerprints?
Although stainless steel appliances are popular for their smooth finish and shine, the ease of catching fingerprints also makes them infamous. Stainless steel appliances can easily show fingerprints, even if you touch them with freshly washed and dry hands.
However, this isn’t the case with all stainless steel appliances. Some of them have a smudge-proof coating, which makes them resistant to fingerprints. These appliances have become common due to their convenience and durability.
If your stainless steel appliances show fingerprints, you can use smudge-proof sprays or other methods to remove the fingerprints. However, it may require regular cleaning to maintain the smooth and shiny look of the appliance. Check out the best Stainless Steel Cleaners on Amazon now!
Does Black Stainless Steel Show Fingerprints?
The most significant advantage of using black stainless steel in home appliances is its fingerprint-resistant property. Yes, you read that right! Black stainless steel doesn’t show fingerprints like traditional stainless steel.
As the fingerprint marks left on the steel appliances are the biggest complaint of most people, stainless steel appliances have started to go down. In place of them, people have started using items with black stainless steel.
Apart from the smooth surface and impeccable shine, the fingerprint-resistant or smudge-proof property of black stainless steel has made it the favorite of many people.
However, like the traditional stainless steel, dirty hands may leave fingerprint marks on black stainless steel. So, you might also need to clean it regularly to maintain the shine.
Is There A Stainless Steel That Doesn’t Show Fingerprints?
Yes, some appliances that use stainless steel are treated in a process, which makes them fingerprint-proof.
It is called smudge-proof or fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. However, no stainless steel is completely smudge-proof from the start. The manufacturers use the brushing method to prevent the fingerprints from leaving marks on the steel surface.
Nowadays, people prefer smudge-proof stainless steel appliances. They resist fingerprints and are easier to clean compared to traditional stainless steel appliances. Also, they look nice and attractive.
Does Brushed Stainless Steel Show Fingerprints?
Brushed stainless steel doesn’t show fingerprints.
The stainless steel is heavily brushed to attain a surface that prevents fingerprints and scratches. Although this process can switch the color of the surface to a darker one, the capability of hiding fingerprints makes the steel worth the choice.
Does Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Scratch Easily?
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is also resistant to scratches.
When the manufacturers brush or sand the surface of the stainless steel, the final structure has smooth and fine parallel lines. This surface not only prevents fingerprints but scratches as well.
That is why smudge-proof or fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is becoming common these days. Besides the premium look, it is super-easy to clean and prevents fingerprints and scratches alike.
On the other hand, traditional stainless steel can get scratches easily. The smooth surface is prone to scratches and dents, and the shiny look can make them prominent. Overall, it will give a bad look to your appliance.
However, this isn’t the case with smudge-proof stainless steel.
Does Toothpaste Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel?
Yes, paste-based or whitening toothpaste has mildly abrasive properties, which can help remove the scratches from stainless steel.
However, make sure you’re using whitening toothpaste for this purpose. As toothpaste is available in varieties, other toothpaste might not be efficient for removing scratches.
Method
- Take a small amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush and spread it evenly on the bristles.
- Brush it on the scratch, keeping your hands gentle.
- Also, make sure you’re brushing in the direction of the grain. It will help remove the scratch efficiently.
- Being harsh can ruin the surface of the stainless steel.
- After a little brushing, take a wet cloth and wipe away the toothpaste.
- If the scratch isn’t completely removed, you can apply the toothpaste again.
Can You Use Stainless Steel Cleaner On Fingerprint-Resistant Steel?
Using a stainless steel cleaner on fingerprint-resistant steel isn’t safe. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach, which can damage the finish of the stainless steel. Instead of cleaning the surface, it will damage it.
So, you should only use a mild soap or detergent with no harsh chemicals to clean fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Check out the best Stainless Steel Cleaners on Amazon now!
Final words
The stainless steel appliances showing fingerprints and scratches have become a major concern for many people. After all, they look bad and spoil the luxurious look of stainless steel.
So, we now see people buying black stainless steel items as they don’t show fingerprints and scratches. However, stainless steel can also be made smudge-proof or fingerprint-resistant by brushing or sanding.
The parallel lines and darker color after brushing make it resistant to fingerprints and dents. Also, if your stainless steel gets scratched, toothpaste can be the most convenient and inexpensive hack.
So, make sure your stainless steel appliances look the best and always give a shiny and new look!
