How to remove scratches from mirror finish stainless steel

But while the material may be “stainless,” it isn’t completely scratch-proof, and after years of wear and tear, it can start to look a little dull.

The good news is that it’s not difficult to restore stainless-steel surfaces to their former glory, especially if you have the right materials and products. Here’s how to get scratches out of stainless steel.

Assess the Damage and Gather the Materials

Are you dealing with light, minor scuffs or deeper, visiblescratches? Depending on the condition your stainless steel is in, your approach will be different.

What You Need for Small Scratches

For less significant nicks and dings, all you need is a non-abrasive, stainless-steel scratch remover compound, which will work to fill in the fine lines and smooth out the surface.

There are effective products on the market made just for this purpose, such as 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, Bar Keepers Friend, and Rolite Metal Polish. You can also try common household products, such as non-gel toothpaste or baking soda. In addition, you’ll need several microfiber cloths for applying and removing the compound.

What You Need for Deep Scratches

For tougher scratches, it may be necessary to rub them out with an abrasive pad. You’ll need a scouring pad or scrubbing sponge, plus some cooking oil (olive oil works well). There are also kits on the market, such as Rejuvenate Stainless Steel Scratch Eraser Kit and Scratch-B-Gone, which contain all you’ll need to remove deeper scratches.

Keep in mind, however, that this technique should only be used on uncoated stainless steel; if the metal has a protective clear coating or synthetic surface, you’ll end up doing more harm than good. Check to see what you have in your owner’s manual.

Determine the Direction of the Grain

No matter how deep the scratch you’re trying to erase, you’ll want to work with the grain of the stainless steel. Take a close look at the metal and you’ll see very fine brush lines going either side to side or up and down.

Follow these lines while you’re working; don’t rub perpendicular to them or in a circular motion. Going against the grain can actually cause more damage to a stainless-steel surface.

How to Fill in Small Scratches

If you’re dealing with smaller scratches, start by preparing the non-abrasive compound. Some are sold as powders that need to be mixed with a few drops of water to form a paste, while others already come in paste form. Non-gel toothpaste can be used as-is, and baking soda can be mixed with water until a pasty consistency is reached.

1. Make sure the surface is completely clean of dirt, dust, and food particles.
2. Then dab a small amount of the compound onto a microfiber cloth and rub it continuously over the scratch. Work gently, and in the same direction as the grain.
3. After a few minutes, use a fresh, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the compound off and examine your progress. If necessary, polish again with more compound until the desired results are achieved.
4. Wipe the excess compound off with the moistened cloth and use a fresh one to dry the surface.

How to Buff Out Big Scratches

If applying compound doesn’t work, or if you can tell right off the bat that the blemishes you’re dealing with require a more aggressive tactic, it’s time to break out the scouring pad.

1. Apply a couple of drops of oil to the pad, and use a firm, moderate pressure to buff the surface, always working with the grain.
2. Work in a slightly larger area than just the scratch to achieve a more uniform appearance.
3. Examine your efforts and repeat if necessary. When you’re happy with the results, remove the excess oil by buffing the same area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Need help with equipment usage or want to share your latest discovery?

Jasper_8137Supporter ♡

Anyone have any suggestions how to buff out very fine scratches on the stainless of my LMLM? I cleaned it with a soft cotton towel and bar keepers friend and now have very fine scratches on the mirrored surface.
Thoughts?

wsfarrell

#2: Post by wsfarrell » April 22nd, 2019, 11:32 pm

There are several polishes out there that will do the job. I like Mother's Mag, available at any auto store. Made for aluminum and magnesium, it's the best stainless polish I've ever used. Remember: "There's no shine like Mother's!"

#3: Post by Randy G. » April 22nd, 2019, 11:39 pm

I would say, leave it alone. It would likely be a lot of work to do well and evenly/consistently so that there are not areas with more shine or a different sheen. And the next time a rough fingertip, or even repeated fingernail brushes around a control show up you are right back at it again. If you take a dog to a fight it's going to come back with some scars.

Was it the powder or the liquid?

Jasper_8137 (original poster) Supporter ♡

#4: Post by Jasper_8137 (original poster) replying to Randy G. » April 22nd, 2019, 11:51 pm

Powder, but I made a paste on the cloth then used it.

Jb3

#5: Post by Jb3 » April 23rd, 2019, 12:26 am

I used a headlight restore kit on the backsplash of my old Silvia. It turned the brushed stainless steel into a polished mirror finish. Here's a pic

#6: Post by TomC » April 23rd, 2019, 1:14 am

Jorge, that looks great!

#7: Post by MNate » April 23rd, 2019, 9:29 am

Jb3 wrote:I used a headlight restore kit on the backsplash of my old Silvia. It turned the brushed stainless steel into a polished mirror finish. Here's a pic
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Wow, that is impressive. I'm going to have to try this. Any further hints? Did you remove the pieces to do this or do it with the machine altogether?

Jb3

#8: Post by Jb3 » April 23rd, 2019, 10:25 am

You'll want to remove any pieces you want to polish. The kit comes with the different grades of sandpaper, polishing compound and the drill attachment. It really helps with cleaning the annoying espresso specks that get on the backsplash.

mrjag

#9: Post by mrjag » April 23rd, 2019, 1:00 pm

There's a lot of automotive polish compounds available for metal parts, particularly for getting a mirror finish on exhaust pipes.

DonguanellaSupporter ♡

#10: Post by Donguanella » April 24th, 2019, 2:12 am

You can also find someone in your area to re-polish it for you (provided you're up for some disassembly). I had the front pieces of my GS3 repolished and it was about $100.

Now nothing but microfiber cloths touch my espresso gear!

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