How to polish stainless steel.

[mriley]

I have a large polished stainless steel plate at the front of my boat which was fabricated to stop the anchor damaging the fibreglass. Try as I might I just can't get the finish to look right. It is shiny, but smeary (looks like smeared glass). I have used endless different types of metal polish, including solvol autosol. And fibreglass polish/wax (which says good for metal). They all start off ok, but then convert to a black paste which drags on the steel, (almost as if its being absorbed) - this is what seems to cause the smears, which just won't polish out. It just can't seem to get a good, even shiny finish. I hope someone out there has got a solution, because it's driving me nuts.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

You will need specifically designed abrasives and polishing wheels designed for stainless which is very hard and breaking down the compounds you are using. It is a relatively skilled process and requires patience and the right tools. You will probably be better of getting the local fabricator to try to do it although he may want to take the plate of to his workshop.

 

[david_bagshaw]

I have a large polished stainless steel plate at the front of my boat which was fabricated to stop the anchor damaging the fibreglass. Try as I might I just can't get the finish to look right. It is shiny, but smeary (looks like smeared glass). I have used endless different types of metal polish, including solvol autosol. And fibreglass polish/wax (which says good for metal). They all start off ok, but then convert to a black paste which drags on the steel, (almost as if its being absorbed) - this is what seems to cause the smears, which just won't polish out. It just can't seem to get a good, even shiny finish. I hope someone out there has got a solution, because it's driving me nuts.

auto sol on a machine buffer, then farcla g10, & wash off , then dry rag,

ss is the devils metal to get right. 1400 wet & dry first helps to flatten porey metal first. 120 , 240, etc to remove anchor gouges etc

 

[Rigger Mortice]

When I've done it I've treated it exactly as if it was a paint finish.

Start off with wet and dry papers. 800 then 1200 then 1400 grades. (I think! I certainly ended with 1400)
Follow with rubbing compound.
Follow with a metal polish.

It needs a fair amount of work with each paper grade before moving onto the next grade

I don't know what the pro's do but it worked for me. Very satisfying when done.

 

[30boat]

You should apply linishing compound on a drill driven mop firsthttp://www.axminster.co.uk/zenith-zenith-linishing-compound-prod22997/
Then use a polishing compound again with the mop.A lot less work than doing it by hand,stainless is tough.

 

[croz]

Spent hours polishing stainless on classic motorbikes and used this site - were very helpful if you give them a call - Items you need are at address below - various options depending on size of job - Dremel size or power drill size:

http://www.moleroda.com/acatalog/Ferrous_Irons_Steels_Polishing_Kits.html

Id prepare yourself to get very mucky, its not a clean job - looks fantastic when done though and the satisfaction of doing it oneself............!