Polishing stainless

[BoatBuoy]

Anybody have any experience polishing surface scratches from stainless steel. I've acquired a '56 30hp Johnson Javeline. It's in good mechanical shape but needs cosmetic help. One item I need to see to is polishing the brightwork on the front. Any suggestions?

 

[bamabassbuster]

Re: Polishing stainless

I used 1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper to polish my stainless hatch locks and lift rings. It turned out well.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Polishing stainless

What you use depends on what appearance you want to end up with. If you want a uniform fine satin finish, a 3M or simular Scotchbrite Wheel in a soft density/fine grit. If you are looking for a mirror finish, the only way to do that is with the old buff/compound method. It's messy, but effective.

 

[Got a Boat]

Re: Polishing stainless

if you can, take the parts of your boat and drop it in to some electric galvanizer to get it polished or get your own bench- and or 2gear angle-grinder and buffer and plenty of soap to wash your black face.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Polishing stainless

There was a heck of a lot of polishing to do on my 28hp. I was going with a mirror finish. What I did was start with a wet sand sandpaper (grit determined by what sort of shape the metal was in, sometimes even 220 or even the grinder to remove stock, etc). Then worked up to 600. Then polished with one of those buffing wheels mounted in the drill press turning ~2000 RPM. At first I used jewelers rouge but I found later that "white diamond" worked much better. I didn't have as much luck with the tripoli I had and black emery was far too rough. <br /><br />Hold small parts with pliers or vicegrips when you're polishing. Sometimes you'll forget where you are and let an end catch the buffing wheel. Best to let the part fly than cut up your hand.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Polishing stainless

You can actually go to an appliance store and get the best deal on ss polish these days.