![]() ![]() The multi-step process slowly smooths imperfections and restores the metal’s best qualities.Įven though buffing is time-consuming, it’s the only way to repair the surface and give you that aesthetically pleasing and durable mirror finish you desire. Plus, the light reflects strangely off the surface giving it a dull appearance.īuffing stainless steel allows you to smooth out those scratches and imperfections so that debris can’t collect in the microscopic crevices. That polish wears down quickly, debris gets caught in the crevices, and it takes no time for every scratch to stand out like a sore thumb. You apply oil or polish by hand that fills in the cracks, including the microscopic ones. Unfortunately, that method won’t last, and it won’t correct any scratches.Ĭonsider this: you have a dull, scratched piece of stainless steel. Especially with food and kitchen items, it can be tempting to take the easy route and just use olive oil or something similar to do a quick polish and call it a day. If you truly want your piece to shimmer, so clear you can practically see your reflection, then buffing is a necessary step. Why is Buffing Stainless Steel So Important? Note that you want to remove any imperfections before moving to the polishing phase to get optimal results. When you get the stainless steel piece to an even, satiny finish, it’s time to move on. Every time you swap out the sandpaper to a different grit, move 90° from the previous motion. Be careful to move the sander at a 90° angle to any noticeable scratches. Set your sander between 4,000 and 6,500 RPM for buffing stainless steel. You could take things a step further with a 2000 grit sandpaper, but it’s probably only helpful or necessary for a mirror finish. Many pros suggest going from 240 up to 400, then 600, and finally 1200 grit to round out your progression. Start buffing stainless steel with sandpaper between 150 and 240 grit. You may be able to handle smaller or narrower pieces by hand, but using a power sander is likely your best bet for achieving an even result. How to Buff Stainless Steelīuffing stainless steel is a gradual process that may require a little trial and error on your part. The buffing or sanding stage may not be the most fun, but it’s necessary to restore that mirror shine you want. Once you have a clean, dry surface, it’s time to pull out the tools and get to work. Any contaminants left behind could interfere with the final product. Make sure that you clean the piece again before moving on to the next step. It’s a way to level the surface for a better finish. Some people like to do an initial once-over with something in the 80 to 120 grit range, especially if you did some welding on the piece or have significant surface damage and gouges. ![]() Pieces with significant mottling or rough edges may need to do some additional prep work before moving on to buffing. Note that smudges do not matter at this point, you will address those later. Rinse the soap off with clean water and dry it with a clean towel. Do not use steel wool or anything that could damage the stainless steel further. Make sure you remove any sticky spots, even if you have to use a soft-bristled brush to clear the gunk off. Use a mild detergent, like dish soap, and a clean sponge to gently clean the surface. Any leftover debris or residue can make scratches worse, so it’s best to start with a clean slate when learning how to polish stainless steel. The first place to start with any corrective project is cleaning the surface. Polish the stainless steel Step 1 - Clean and Prep Stainless Steel How to polish stainless steel in three simple steps:ģ. It doesn’t matter how large or small your project is, you only need to know one basic three-step process for buffing and polishing stainless steel. While stainless steel is one of the toughest metals to polish, it’s possible to get your items back to their original shine. You don’t have to suffer with less than shiny stainless steel, though. You may notice scratches or a dull cast to the pieces over time. Unfortunately, even though stainless steel is tough, it can still age. Stainless steel holds up well against corrosion, high heat, and most chemicals, making it an ideal choice for industrial, commercial, hobby, or residential use. Many people appreciate that it’s a generally maintenance-free material and happily pay more for the aesthetic appeal. ![]() That shimmering, high-gloss look isn’t the only reason people choose stainless steel for everything from refrigerators to auto parts. It’s not easy to find a material that looks better than stainless steel when it’s polished to a mirror shine. It adds a modern twist to architecture and design features, but it also provides durability and functionality to tools and utensils, especially in the food and automotive industries. Stainless steel is an appealing option for everything from accent work to kitchen appliances. ![]()
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