Polishing Stainless Steel - any tips?

[Curiousgeorge]

Hi all,
Over the next few weeks I’ll be polishing stainless steel, mainly where it’s been TIG welded on the opposite side. I was wondering if anyone could offer any tips on techniques, tools, etc?

 

[voipio]

It depends on the nature of the product, the state of the metal surface, the finish required, and on the production volumes involved. For larger volumes, power tools are preferable. Smaller volumes, or one-offs, might be doable using a few hand tools. The first step might be to remove excess metal, using a file, or series of files, flap disk, grinding disk, grades of emery paper, to get to the point where the surface roughness is at, or just below the required smoothness of the polished surface. Then move on to a buffer wheel and some buffing compond to get to the polish required, or try metal polish (e.g. Solvol Autosol) and applicator cloth and polishing cloth.

Example of buffing compound:
https://www.hollisonsupply.co.uk/metal-polishing-supplies/polishing-compounds.html?metals=189

 

[the black box]

It you can wait I’m still planning a guide I did do a basic one for aluminium on here which could also be used for some aspects of stainless steel polishing

 

[Curiousgeorge]

Wow! That would be super. Could you please post a link to the aluminium one?

 

[outofthefire]

My tip is get someone else to do it.

 

[Curiousgeorge]

It depends on the nature of the product, the state of the metal surface, the finish required, and on the production volumes involved. For larger volumes, power tools are preferable. Smaller volumes, or one-offs, might be doable using a few hand tools. The first step might be to remove excess metal, using a file, or series of files, flap disk, grinding disk, grades of emery paper, to get to the point where the surface roughness is at, or just below the required smoothness of the polished surface. Then move on to a buffer wheel and some buffing compond to get to the polish required, or try metal polish (e.g. Solvol Autosol) and applicator cloth and polishing cloth.

Example of buffing compound:
https://www.hollisonsupply.co.uk/metal-polishing-supplies/polishing-compounds.html?metals=189

Thank you. I should have clarified - other than scratches, it’s mainly the HAZ on the reverse side of where the S.S. has been welded, it’s not really about taking the weld material off.

 

[Curiousgeorge]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DBCp85NEuJSZuMbk6

Perhaps you can see here?

 

[Hitch]

Just to restore the bright finish? You mean the internal corners?
Just a bit of colouring inside? A dab of acid and a wash would do if its welded nicely....

 

[Curiousgeorge]

Yes, that’s right, although there are scratches elsewhere but it’s the colouring I need to address but can’t ruddy get in there.
Could you please point me towards an acid that would do the job?

 

[hotponyshoes]

What's the surface finish of the material?
As long as it's just colouring not sugaring then plenty of types of acid will take it off. What grade of stainless is it?
If you have lots to do then look into electropolishing or if you have not made them all yet there are was of reducing/losing the colouring in the first place

For internal corners 3m roloc scotchbrite discs work nice as long as it's not a blind corner

 

[Hitch]

If it's just a bit of light colouring, 3m radial bristle discs work well, but getting right in the corner is a pain, I think they do a shaped one for corners.

Acid, will leave a cloudy patch, but will work. Rub with a bit of scotch after helps.
Do a search for Avesta.



Tig brush would be ideal doesn't stain if you're careful. Spendy to clean a few welds.

 

[Curiousgeorge]

This has all been terrific, thanks all.
I know it sounds obvious but what I’m aiming for is the same mirrored finish as the rest of the sheet before the colouring?
In answer to the question, it’s marine grade ss if this helps?

 

[Curiousgeorge]

What's the surface finish of the material?
As long as it's just colouring not sugaring then plenty of types of acid will take it off. What grade of stainless is it?
If you have lots to do then look into electropolishing or if you have not made them all yet there are was of reducing/losing the colouring in the first place

For internal corners 3m roloc scotchbrite discs work nice as long as it's not a blind corner

This is interesting, please can I ask what you can do to reduce the colouring?

 

[Curiousgeorge]

What's the surface finish of the material?
As long as it's just colouring not sugaring then plenty of types of acid will take it off. What grade of stainless is it?
If you have lots to do then look into electropolishing or if you have not made them all yet there are was of reducing/losing the colouring in the first place

For internal corners 3m roloc scotchbrite discs work nice as long as it's not a blind corner

Like these?
https://www.tcfixings.co.uk/main/maincat/getCatitem/3M-Roloc-Scotch-Brite-Discs/452/0/0/1/12

 

[henry Kadzielski]

Tig brush would be ideal doesn't stain if you're careful. Spendy to clean a few welds.[/QUOTE]

Specifically for the colour then the 'Tig Brush' is the thing. I have one and use it to clean the 'tint' left after welding. These machines also have the ability to 'electro polish' using reverse polarity and a different chemical. Tig Brush is made in Australia about 120km up the road from me in far western Sydney and is exported from there globally. Does it work 'YES' does it cost YES '. They have since last year got a version that also does alli cleaning and polishing, not getting that one though.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Yes, those are the ones.
They look like 50mm, they also do a 75mm which might help with access?

They also do a cone shape onewhuch can get right into corners but I have only got them in kits/demo packs. They seem to be available easily in the USA but I have not found a regular supply in the UK yet.
For removing colour I expect the fine grade or at least the medium would be more than rough enough.
I would go with fine then try and find some of the grey superfine to use after.
finally use a cloth/wool buffing one with some compound or polish.

If you put up some more details of what you are welding you will get some help with tips on welding it.
Here is a bit I did, once you have got it set up correctly you can see there is only a bit of colouring even on the weld side.
This would be 2 quick wipes with a roloc disc then stright onto a buffing wheel.
There would be pretty much nothing to do on the reverse side.

 

[Hitch]

This is interesting, please can I ask what you can do to reduce the colouring?

Do you use backing gas or a purge box on the inside? That would help.

 

[Curiousgeorge]

Fantastic, thank you.
In the meantime, what kits would you advise to polish scratches out of S.S? I used a Dremel yesterday but found that some of the polishing heads left score marks?(very probably my technique).

 

[Hitch]

Reca Polimop or similar is good for getting scratches out, and leaves a smooth surface, depends how deep mind.
Deeper ones would need to be flattened a little first, running through the grades.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Reca Polimop or similar is good for getting scratches out, and leaves a smooth surface, depends how deep mind.
Deeper ones would need to be flattened a little first, running through the grades.

Another product bookmarked.