What is an AntiFingerPrint coating and how does it work?

What is anti-fingerprint?

The term anti-fingerprint refers to a functional surface modification that significantly reduces the visibility of fingerprints on metallic substrates, particularly stainless steel. From a physical perspective, the coating minimizes the contact area between skin and metal and alters the way light is reflected, making oily residues virtually invisible to the human eye.

A water- and oil-repellent (hydrophobic and oleophobic) nanostructure prevents organic compounds from adhering. We refer to this functionality as Easy-To-Clean (ETC), as it reduces cleaning requirements by up to 50 % and eliminates the need for aggressive cleaning agents.

Designations and Synonyms – Relevant Standards and Terms Explained

In industry and metallurgy, various terms and standard designations are used for the materials to which we apply anti-fingerprint properties. This distinction is crucial for technical specifications.

Material number 1.4301 (V2A)

This is the most widely used austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. Internationally, it is generally designated as AISI 304. We regularly enhance this grade with nanoINOX® coatings for interior applications, such as elevator construction or shopfitting systems, where surfaces are frequently seen and touched.

Material number 1.4404 (V4A)

This is an acid-resistant stainless steel alloyed with molybdenum, known as AISI 316L. We recommend this grade for applications in corrosive environments or outdoors. Combined with our AFP coating, this material provides maximum protection against environmental exposure and fingerprints on façades or in yacht construction.

Material number 1.4016

This ferritic chromium steel (AISI 430) is widely used in the household appliance industry. mirrorINOX applies anti-fingerprint coatings to permanently protect surfaces such as extractor hoods or refrigerator fronts from visual blemishes caused by frequent skin contact.

Chemical Composition of the Base Materials

The effectiveness of the anti-fingerprint finish depends largely on the metallic substrate. We primarily process stainless steels with the following alloying elements (reference values according to DIN EN 10088):

• Carbon (C): max. 0.07% (critical for corrosion resistance)
• Chromium (Cr): 17.5–19.5% (forms the protective passive layer)
• Nickel (Ni): 8.0–10.5% (stabilizes the austenitic microstructure)
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.0–2.5% (only in 1.4404 to increase pitting corrosion resistance)
• Manganese (Mn): max. 2.0%
• Silicon (Si): max. 1.0%

The nanoINOX® coating itself is based on sol-gel technology and forms an inorganic, glass-like layer with a thickness of 2 to 5 µm.

Properties of the anti-fingerprint finish

Surface modification by mirrorINOX not only changes the appearance, but also optimizes the physical and mechanical properties of the finished product.

Mechanical Properties

By thermally curing the nanoINOX® coating at temperatures of up to 250 °C in a continuous process, we increase the surface hardness of the stainless steel. The coating is extremely thin (2–5 µm), yet remains flexible enough to withstand subsequent forming processes such as bending or folding without flaking. This ensures a long service life in areas subject to mechanical stress, such as public terminals or elevator control panels.

Physical Properties

The physical effect is based on reducing the surface energy. The coating creates hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. This means that neither water nor oils and greases form strong bonds with the surface. The coating is also UV-resistant and retains its transparency or colour for decades without yellowing or becoming brittle.

Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel already has a natural passive layer. The AFP coating from mirrorINOX acts as an additional protective barrier. It protects the metal against acid rain, salt spray and chemical cleaning agents. Particularly in chloride-containing atmospheres or coastal regions, our finish significantly increases resistance to surface corrosion and deposits.

Magnetism

The magnetic properties are not affected by the anti-fingerprint coating, as it is a non-ferromagnetic layer. Austenitic stainless steels such as 1.4301 remain essentially non-magnetic. Ferritic grades such as 1.4016 fully retain their magnetic attraction for applications such as magnetic boards or specific industrial requirements.

Applications and Industries

Our anti-fingerprint solutions are used wherever hygiene, minimal cleaning requirements and aesthetic perfection must go hand in hand:

• Elevator and escalator construction: We supply coated sheets for cabin walls and control panels, concealing the marks left by passengers during daily use.
• Architecture and façade construction: mirrorINOX finishes large-format panels that, thanks to the Easy-To-Clean effect, require significantly less frequent and more cost-effective cleaning.
• Sanitary and medical technology: We create surfaces that reduce microbial adhesion and enable rapid disinfection without leaving residues.
• Shopfitting and hospitality: For display cases, fronts and work surfaces, we supply materials that retain a clean appearance even in high-traffic environments.
• Yacht and shipbuilding: We protect stainless steel components from the aggressive effects of salt water and from fingerprints in exclusive interiors.

Overview of international standard designations

To ensure the comparability of our materials for global projects, we adhere to international standards. The AFP-coated substrates comply with the following standards:

• Europe (DIN EN): 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4571, 1.4016
• USA (ASTM/AISI): AISI 304, AISI 316L, AISI 316Ti, AISI 430
• Japan (JIS): SUS 304, SUS 316L, SUS 430
• ISO certification: mirrorINOX strictly adheres to the ISO 9001 quality management system to ensure maximum process reliability in production at its Cleebronn site.

Anti-fingerprint finishing – What mirrorINOX makes of it

At our production facility in Cleebronn, we transform standard stainless steel sheets into technically superior design surfaces. For this, we use our proprietary brand nanoINOX®, which is based on sol-gel technology. Unlike conventional coatings, this layer is extremely thin and transparent (CLEAR nanoINOX®), but can also be pigmented in virtually any desired color.

We offer the world's widest range of finishes – from highly polished Perfect Mirror No. 10® and ground finishes to our textured designs such as VIBES or BEADS.

We guarantee the highest level of reproducibility: every single sheet is individually measured at our facility. We document reflectance, gloss and roughness values as well as LAB colour values. This enables us to achieve a colour difference of less than one point on the LAB scale. As a result, architects and fabricators can source identical sheets from us for extensions or repairs, even years after a project has been completed. Our production is designed with sustainability in mind; by reducing the need for cleaning chemicals, our products actively contribute to environmental protection.