How to Buff Out Deep Scratches on Stainless Steel

Gather your materials:

- Abrasive pads or sandpaper: you'll need different grits, starting with coarse (80 to 120-grit) and moving to finer grits (220 to 400-grit)

- Water basin

- Mild dishwashing liquid

- Rubber gloves

- Masking tape

- Microfiber cloth

- Polishing compound or metal polish

- Electric drill with a buffing wheel (optional)

1. Preparation:

- Clean the stainless steel surface thoroughly with a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water.

Ensure the surface is grease and dirt -free to allow effective sanding.

- Wear protective gloves to avoid any abrasions to your skin.

2. Course Sanding:

- Start by using a coarse abrasive pad or sandpaper (80 to 120-grit).

- Rub the pad or sandpaper in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. Avoid circular motion, as this could create more scratches.

- Work on the scratched area, applying moderate pressure and moving in a consistent motion.

- As you sand, inspect the progress. Once you notice the scratch becoming less visible, move on to the next finer grit.

3. Progressive Sanding:

- Move on to a finer grit abrasive pad or sandpaper (220 to 400-grit)

- Repeat the sanding process, applying lighter pressure as the scratches become less visible.

- Work systematically, moving to each finer grit until the scratches are barely noticeable or gone entirely.

4. Buffing with water:

- Attach a buffing wheel to an electric drill, it not using one, dip a microfiber cloth in the basin and place the cloth on the spinning buffing wheel. You can also use mild dishwashing liquid with water to lubricate the cloth.

5. Apply Polishing Compound:

- Apply a small amount of polishing compound or metal polish to the microfiber cloth.

- Press the cloth to the spinning wheel and buff the scratched area.

- Move the cloth in a circular motion, applying light pressure.

- Continue buffing until the scratch is completely removed.

6. Final Cleaning:

- Wipe the stainless steel surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining polishing compound or metal polish.

- Dry the surface thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

7. Post-Buffing Protection:

- To prevent future scratches, consider applying a protective coating or sealant specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces.

Note:

- Always sand in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel to avoid any additional scratches.

- Check for progress after each sanding step before moving on to a finer grit.

- Be patient and take your time, as removing deep scratches may require several passes with different grits.

- If the scratches are too deep and you lack the necessary tools or skills, it's best to consult with a professional to avoid damaging the surface further.