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Removing rust pits from Stainless Steel

I recently bought a old restaurant and found a used stainless Steel steam table to display my food, but it was stored near the ocean and is covered with surface rust and pits. Does anyone know what I can do about the rust pits, or how I I can smooth out the scratches I made by putting my belt sander to it?

Nolan Zane
restaurant owner - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
2004

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There are a couple of ways to go; however, I'd start with either a non-woven wheel or belt system.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2004

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There are some good products available for removing the rust. You can get citric acid products, oxalic acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] products or products with bisulfites, etc. available at your local hardware store. Start with that to remove the bulk of the rust, but then if the pitting is deep you need the abrasive to get the surface clean again.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2004