The planarizing ability of sol-gel films was investigated on several as-rolled stainless steel substrates. The smoothing effect afforded by the films was evaluated, using optical techniques, following deposition of silver over the planarized substrates. The specular reflectance of various substrates, initially ranging from 0.36 to 0.90, could be improved to final reflectance values of -0.93 with sol-gel processing. This process is being used to prepare prototype foil mirrors for evaluation in the next generation of solar concentrators.