Stainless steel is a perfect material for cookware, kitchen appliances, sinks, light fixtures, and other elements in the home and office. It is a resistant metal, has a modern, pleasant look, resists stains and wear; however, it is not indestructible and can be scratched. Although dents, nicks and deep nicks need to be repaired by a professional or require part replacement, you can get rid of the surface scratches yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Polish Light Scratches
Step 1. Identify the direction of the metal grain
The most important part of the stainless steel repair work is to rub respecting the direction of the grain of the material; if you look closely, you can identify the arrangement of the surface, that is, the grain.
- If you rub in a perpendicular direction, you could make the situation worse; this is why it is important to determine its direction before starting.
- The grain typically flows from side to side (horizontally) or from bottom to top (vertically).
Step 2. Choose a non-abrasive compound or cleaner
There are some products that you can use to smooth and fill in the very light scratches that have formed on this metal. Here are some suggestions:
- Brasso;
- Metaldec Kemper;
- Sidol;
- Whitening toothpaste.
Step 3. Mix the powdered compounds with water
Some products and cleaners are sold in powder form and must be made into a paste before applying them to steel. Combine about a tablespoon of mixture with a few drops of water and work them to mix them by adding more drops until you get a creamy mixture.
The consistency you are looking for is that of toothpaste
Step 4. Rub the compound into the scratch
Pour a few drops of detergent on a microfiber rag; if you are using dough, you need a dose similar to a coin. Rub gently respecting the grain of the metal until the compound penetrates the scratch; as the product is non-abrasive, you can move the cloth back and forth without worrying.
Keep scrubbing adding more compound as needed until the blemish subsides
Step 5. Eliminate the excess compound
Wet a microfiber rag with water and squeeze it to remove excess liquid, so that it remains slightly damp; scrub the steel surface to remove the compound and make the metal shine.
Step 6. Dry it and check it
Rub it with a microfiber cloth to remove the last traces of moisture and inspect it to make sure the treatment was effective.
- If the situation does not improve and the scratch remains slightly visible, repeat the procedure.
- If you still notice the imperfection, it may be necessary to move to more drastic measures, such as grinding the entire surface.
Part 2 of 3: Sand the Deep Scratches
Step 1. Choose a sanding product
Slightly deep scratches that affect stainless steel require a little more work than superficial ones; there are three basic products to choose from and they are:
- Coarse and fine-grained abrasive pads;
- 400 and 600 grit sandpaper;
- Scratch removal kit.
Step 2. Wet the tool
Kits typically come with a lubricant or polishing compound; apply a few drops on the coarser-grained sponge. If you have decided to use sandpaper, soak the 400-grit paper in a bowl filled with water for a few minutes; if you have opted for sponges, use a spray bottle filled with water to moisten the surface.
The liquid or compound acts as a lubricant and helps the abrasive tool move across the metal surface
Step 3. Scrub the surface with the sponge or coarser grit paper
Following the direction of the metal structure, sand the surface and apply gentle pressure; proceed with long, steady movements.
- It is important to work in one direction, as rubbing back and forth can create small abrasions.
- To apply constant pressure, wrap a block of wood with the sponge or sandpaper before starting.
- To find the grain direction of the steel, look closely at the surface to see if the "fibers" are arranged horizontally or vertically.
Step 4. Sand the entire surface
Rub it with the abrasive tool; you can't just treat the scratched area, but you have to do it all over the object, otherwise the area will look different from the rest. By sanding the metal you change the surface treatment, so you can't do the job partially.
- Continue like this until the scratch is smooth and almost completely gone.
- Depending on the size of the area to be treated, it may take more than 15 minutes.
Step 5. Repeat the procedure using the sponge or finer sandpaper
After treating the metal with the coarser tool, move on to the finer one. Apply the polishing compound, dip the sandpaper in the water or spray the sponge; smooths the steel with long, gentle movements applying constant pressure.
Continue sanding until the scratch disappears
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning and Polishing the Steel
Step 1. Dust the metal
Use a microfiber rag to clean the surface you just sanded. By doing this, you will remove any metal and sandpaper particles as well as residual polishing compound or water.
It is important to respect the grain direction even while cleaning; look closely at the stainless steel to understand the arrangement of the metal structure and be sure to rub in the same direction
Step 2. Clean all metal with vinegar
Pour some into a spray bottle and wet the entire surface; use a microfiber fabric to scrub.
- The vinegar cleans the metal by removing traces of all detergents and polishing compounds.
- Do not use bleach, oven cleaners or abrasive sponges to clean stainless steel.
Step 3. Polish the metal
Once cleaned and dried, apply a few drops of oil (mineral, vegetable or even olive oil) on a microfiber rag and rub the whole object, following the direction of the grain to make it shiny.
