How to Refinish Stainless Steel With Polishing
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for commercial buildings and residential homes. Its durability, resistance to corrosion and flexibility make it a great choice for a variety of applications. However, like any metal, it can begin to dull over time and may need a little extra care.
Fortunately, it is easy to restore the shine and appearance of your stainless steel pieces through polishing. Whether you have an appliance, an item of furniture or even an entire building’s exterior, you can get it looking and feeling brand new again with just a few simple steps.
The first step to a shiny, mirror-like finish is buffing the surface with a fine abrasive. You can either use a polishing wheel or a buffing pad, depending on the project. A machine will usually be more efficient, but it is not necessary to have one to achieve a mirror-like finish.
Scratch removal ? Buffing is also a great way to remove scratches from stainless steel. These can be caused by sharp utensils or general wear and tear, and can be especially hard on appliances that have handles attached to them.
Once you have the surface ready for buffing, sand away any dust with a fine-grit sand paper secured to a sanding block. Rinse the sanding dust and then clean the sink again, following manufacturer’s instructions to remove any remaining dirt or stains.
Buffing with a high-quality buffer and a pad will create a polished finish that you can be proud of. Using the buffing tool, work the surface in small circles, starting at the edge of the piece and working your way across it. The buffer will apply pressure naturally to help you work the piece evenly.
Color buffing ? When you’re done with the cut-buffing stage, it’s time to start color buffing to pull out the stainless steel’s brilliance. Using a green rouge compound with a fresh untreated white airway buff will help you achieve the mirror-like finish you desire.
You can do a few passes with this process to ensure you have a smooth, flawless surface. It will take some time and practice to master this technique, but once you do, it is an effective way to improve the quality of your stainless steel surfaces.
Hairline grain finishes ? Buffing through brushing is another way to create a smooth, uniform surface on stainless steel. It eliminates lines, which can be difficult to create with abrasives and helps hide any welding or other imperfections.
Typically used for kitchen appliances and other areas where the stainless steel will be exposed to direct sunlight or bright indoor lights, this finish will enhance your piece’s shine and appearance. It also hides rust and reduces your piece’s ability to corrode.
Whether you want to buff your stainless steel appliances, or you need to repair a damaged piece, it’s important to understand the various types of finishes that are available. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the best option for your project.