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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Unsightly Stainless Steel Scratches

 

I recently purchased a stainless steel stove, and a Scotch Brite Pad was used to clean a small section. Needless to say where the "green" side of the Scotch Brite was used, small dulling scratches now appear. Is there anyway to remove the "scratches", less than buying a new cook top?

Thanks....I'd appreciate any help I can get, before my wife "Kills Me".

Joseph Talbot
- La Grange, Illinois, USA

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I'd forget the scratches and just go for trying to restore the lustre. What you need is a far finer abrasive to restore the lustre. Try a toothbrush and toothpaste; if that does nothing, go up a step to a soft buffing wheel on a power drill, and something like "paint restorer" you buy in an auto parts store to remove the dullness from a car's paint. The important thing is to not make the problem worse but to only use things that are so "fine" that they will improve the brightness not increase the dullness.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
 

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Most scotch brite is fine enough grit to not harm stainless. It can be made so fine that it's not a problem, but you clearly have a problem. The only solution is to try to buff out the scratches. This will work if they're finer than the ranges' original finish, usually a #4, which is a 120 to 180 grit. Ra about 10 microinch. Use a power drill with a wool buffing attachment. Buff in the direction of the original grit lines. If this isn't doing the trick, try adding some polishing rouge. This can also be done with Dremel ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] tools and polishing compound. They give instructions with their tools.

Dr. Mike McGuire
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

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We put light scratches in a stainless steel sink and I was wondering what can take them out. I tried to look up "The Stuff for Stainless" and it wasn't clear on what to order..any other methods to take care of this or products I can use?

Necia R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Giummarra Electric - Crystal River, Florida
2002

Ed. note: Finishing.com has a FAQ on this subject, and Scratch-B-Gone [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] offers a new product designed for this purpose. Good luck, Necia.

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Has anyone been successful for clearing scratches that are against the grain ?
I have a brand new stain less steel top on my sink table. when they were installing the sink vessel that goes on top, they really did a number on it. I wanted to cry!
Can any one help?
Thanks
Terry

Teresa Padro
hobbyist - Andover, Massachusetts
2005

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How do I remove scratches (deep or fine) from stainless steel domestic appliances? Is there any product available commercially?

Mr Stephen Stannard
- Surrey, England

Ed. note: Please also see our FAQ, "Repairing scratches in stainless steel refrigerator doors".

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July 31, 2008

Sir, Scratch-B-Gone is very effective for the removal of scratches as you describe. We now have a new website for the UK at www.scratch-b-gone.co.uk. Our kit can be used on all major appliances, grills and sinks made of Stainless steel. Thanks for asking.

Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll

Carlsbad, California