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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Restoring stainless steel flagpoles shine and luster
I need to know the best & most inexpensive way to restore a stainless steel flagpoles shine & luster. the pole is located on the beach so I does get exposure to salt water any info would be greatly appreciated
Mike Sheridanconsumer - Bloomfield, New Jersey
2007
I would take the pole down and clean it with scotch brite pads using a solution of TSP [trisodium phosphate ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ] from your wall paper store. Then I would scotch brite it with a finer grade pad using distilled water. Dry it well and use an exterior grade spray paint clear coat. I would probably talk to 1 big box store and 2 real paint stores and go with the product that you feel will last the longest. Remember, 3 thin coats are far better than one thick one.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2007
Dear Mike,
The only reliable finish for outdoor and marine - applications for stainless steel that I know is to electropolish the parts.
In your case they will have to be pickled/passivated first.
Kind regards,
- Brugge, Belgium
2007
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