Stainless steel is used in a wide range of industries, from automotive and household appliances to furniture and knife making. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion and chemicals, and does not degrade at high temperatures. It does, however, have a tendency to discolor over time, which is why polishing is a key factor in its maintenance. This guide explains how to polish stainless steel so that it looks as good as it works.

Benefits Of Polishing Stainless Steel

As stainless steel ages, its distinctive shine can fade. While polishing stainless steel preserves its appearance, it also has other benefits. The benefits of polishing stainless steel include:

• Aesthetics: Combined with polishing, polishing improves the quality of the metal's surface, giving it a lustrous appearance.
• Reduced corrosion: Polishing reduces the number and size of cracks in metals that can lead to rust.
• Elimination of contaminants: When stainless steel is polished, even invisible contaminants are removed from the surface. These quality problems can be undesirable in certain applications.

What Finish Are You Looking For?

Generally speaking, the method and tools you use to polish your stainless steel surfaces and components are determined by the type of finish you are looking for. Below is an overview of the most common finishing options.

1. Brushed Finish

By brushing stainless steel, delicate parallel lines are created to create decorative patterns. Brushing works well in areas exposed to bright interior light or strong sunlight, as it lacks the reflective sheen typical of stainless steel. However, it can reduce the steel's resistance to corrosion, so an anti-rust treatment may be necessary depending on the application. To achieve uniform lines on brushed finishes, a high-quality abrasive should be used.

2. Gloss Finish

Polishing stainless steel to a bright finish improves corrosion resistance by smoothing out cracks where rust can collect. It is perfect for automotive parts thanks to its chrome sheen, but it requires a suitably prepared surface. After polishing, it can also be given a mirror-like shine using a high-quality polishing compound and a grinding wheel fitted with a polishing disc.

3. Matte Finish

Unlike other finishes, matte is unpretentious and requires less time, effort and expense. It is commonly used for practical purposes, such as kitchen or bathroom sinks and workbenches. A matte finish can usually be achieved with one or two levels of polishing, such as 240 grit and 300 or 400 grit.

4. Mirror Finish

With this highly reflective finish, stainless steel achieves its most emblematic appearance. As well as hiding the welded metal, it makes cleaning easier. If you want to polish stainless steel to a mirror finish, you'll need polishing wheels with compound or abrasive belts in super-fine grits.