How To Polish Stainless Steel? - 3
Some Tips For Best Polishing Results
- Don't rush and, each time you apply polishing paste to the disc, make sure you don't overdo it.
- Be gentle. As you're just finishing the piece, you don't need to apply a lot of pressure.
- The lines should be tight and as close together as possible. To achieve an even finish, avoid overlaps and always follow the grain of the wood.
- Go over the piece quickly. Avoid lingering too long on the surface.
- Keep plenty of clean polishing cloths and discs on hand so that you can replace them whenever you change products. When using different abrasives, it is extremely important to avoid cross-contamination.
- Before moving on to the next step, check the workpiece for scratches or imperfections.
Natural Polishing Solutions
If you prefer to use natural materials and your stainless steel surfaces have only minor scratches, you can apply the following materials to the problem areas, using circular movements. Use a soft bristle brush or a dry cloth. Wipe dry when finished.
- Baking Soda
If your stainless steel just needs a little shine, you can apply a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to a damp sponge or cloth and apply it in the same way as you would a stainless steel polish. Be sure to follow the grain of the steel, as the bicarbonate of soda is slightly abrasive. Baking soda is also food-safe, making it an excellent option for cleaning and polishing kitchen surfaces, utensils and appliances.
- Vinegar
Non-toxic, vinegar removes dirt, grime and sticky residue from stainless steel. However, you must dilute it with water before using it to polish stainless steel: if you use pure vinegar on your steel, it will turn black.
Mix one part vinegar with eight parts water. Spray the solution onto stainless steel surfaces and leave for five minutes. Then rinse with cold water or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the stainless steel surfaces have dried, sprinkle them with olive oil and wipe them with a clean cloth.
- Dish Soap And Baby Oil
Stainless steel appliances and countertops can be cleaned with a small amount of washing-up liquid mixed with water. Rinse surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water. Once the stainless steel has dried, apply a light coat of baby oil and polish.