FAQ: Repairing scratches in stainless steel refrigerator doors

One of the most frequent questions at finishing.com has been how to repair scratches in stainless steel refrigerators and other stainless appliances. A summary of the advise given is that the difficulty depends on the type of stainless steel (even it's even real stainless steel), and whether the finish is "long grain" or short and random grain. Try some of the advise about easier solutions if you wish. If you achieve some success in your effort, please write back.

Here are some of the inquiries which contain advise in reply, albeit sometimes conflicting:

• Letter 4148 -- says long grain hairline finish is easiest to repair, and recommends "Stuff for Stainless"
• Letter 4660 -- suggests that relatively simple re-sanding can fix long grain finishes.
• Letter 8204 -- suggests jeweler's rouge on high speed buffer.
• Letter 13987 -- says sanding will not work, try buffing with automobile buffer.
• Letter 21724 -- says if finish is non-directional it is impossible to repair.
• Letter 23321 -- claims a G.E. rep recommended Stainless Steel Magic.