Brushed finishing stainless

[Eric T. Maier]

What is a good method for a brushed finish on 303 stainless? I've tried a wire wheel and it seems to pit it.

Thanks for any help,

MEr

 

[Peter Atwood]

There are two good methods to get that kind of finish besides the wire brush. One is to use sandpaper. You can choose an appropriate grit size to achieve the amount and depth of scratches that you want. By sanding in one direction only you can get all the scratches straight across the piece. I use a chunk of granite slab cut from a kitchen counter top as a flat surface plate and use spray glue to adhere the sandpaper on it. Plate glass also works well.

An easier way is to use a scotchbrite belt or wheel. They come in a variety of grits and for a scratched finish I would recommend a medium grit or even coarse. The finer wheels will leave a satin finish that looks like pewter.

One of the best deals going if you don't want to spend the bucks on a scotchbrite belt or bench grinder sized wheel is to pick up one of the scotchbrite flapwheels. Walmart and good hardware stores carry them for about $4.50 each. These things are slick. They have a 1/4" shank and can be mounted in a drill or my favorite, an air die grinder. They are very nice to use, come in two or three different grits and last for a long, long time.

Hope that helps.

 

[george tichbourne]

Commercial metal polishers use a 50 or 80 grit belt on a contact wheel to remove the surface pits and damage then go back over the piece with a 120 grit belt for the standard #4 finish, finer finishes can be achieved by adding passes on 180 or 240 grit belts.

Hand sanding will not approximate commercial finishes, scratch patterns are too drawn out.

Tichbourne Metal Polishing Ltd.

 

[Eric T. Maier]

I was just looking at Brownells and found the Non-Woven Flap Brushes. They're billing them as "Gives A One-Step Satin Finish" I ordered one in the Very Fine grade and will post back with pictures of how it works.

Thanks Again,

Eric "Mer" Maier

 

[RDT]

Mer, one of the lower grit scotchbrite belt or wheels should do the trick. No pitting and a nice consistent finish. May be different from what you want though...not sure. Good luck.....RDT