scratches on polished Stainess Steel

[3444]

I have an Officer's model in polished stainless that is showing some holster marks (from the snap and at the front of the slide). There is also a mild idiot mark left by the previous owner on the lower end. Can these be touched-up with a polishing wheel at home? Anyone done this or know how to do this generally and have some advice?

The gun used to be a daily carrier, but any more is an "investment piece", so I would like it to look spiffy.

[molivo]

I have had good results using a woolbrite or scotchbrite pad and WD40. You may however fade some of the engravings/markings using this method for too deep of a scratch. You can also try using a steel bristled "detailers" brush (available @ most autoparts stores, looks like a toothbrush with thin steel bristles)/

[dogdollar]

The problem is getting the exact same level of "patina" back in the damaged spot so as to match the level on the rest of the gun.....a shinier spot to replace the scratch is just as noticeable as the scratch was, etc., etc......
If these scratches are prominent enough to actually catch your fingernail when you drag it over them, you have a lot more steel to remove than you might think.

My first advice would be to live with it.

My second would be Brasso or Flitz on a soft cotton rag, wrapped around your finger, a LOT of patience (easy on the pressure!!!), and be prepared to do the entire frame if you have to....because you just might.

If all else fails, a nice fine grit bead blast may be the best answer.

Good luck !!!
DD

[3444]

the marks are mostly pretty fine, but they are on a highly polished surface so they really stand out. I was thinking of using a cloth polishing wheel on my bench grinder and going slow...

[lksstbls]

Based on personal experience, I'd highly recommend buffing or polishing by hand before using any kind of motorized device. A lot of irreperable damage can be caused quickly by runaway Dremels/grinders, etc. Unless the scratches can be felt with a finger nail, I'd go with hand polishing at least to start out.

[BBossman]

Have you tried buffing the spots with Flitz?

[Eddy Munster]

You could also make it a brushed SS with some 400 grit sand paper wet with oil. One big plus it that brushed SS hides small scratches easer.

[smokey]

3444, DON"T use a wheel. You'll wind up with a wavy surface.Do you know what "draw filing" is?Wrap a flat heavy file with crocus cloth and polish the entire flat from front to back[or back to front] The object is to keep the entire surface FLAT as you polish.After the crocus use any good polishing compound in the same manner and wind up with Flitz or Happich Semi-Chrome[you can find these in motorcycle shops]. An alternative after the draw filing is to use a flat surface[I have a 1/2 inch thick glass plate but a dead flat steel plate will work.For the liquid or paste polish I find the old industrial brown paper towels work very well.When you finish you should be able to read a newspaper in the reflection.It is time consuming but work slowly and always work from one end to the other to keep the entire surface flat. Good luck, Nick

[crockett007]

I am by no means trying to be an expert. I recently had this issue and got some great results on a friend's Series 80 Gold Cup SS.

The pistol was severely scratched on the slide and frame from careless handling. In addition, it had the infamous idiot scratch around and below the slide stop.

I used polishing sticks (similar to emery boards). These sticks are available through Micromark. (micromark.com). They are inexpensive, and available in ultra fine grit all the way to very coarse. I had several on hand because I use them in scale modeling (my "other " hobby). I started with a medium grit and worked to fine, blending the scratches into the factory finish. The result was fantastic. The gun looks factory new and my friend (co-worker) was amazed.

I am in no way affiliated with Micromark, but, these sticks do a heck of a job and you provide some elbow grease!

regards,

Steve

[smokey]

crockett007, Thanks for the tip. It sounds like something I can use.BTW; where are you in Alabama[I'm near Dothan] Regards, Nick

[Wolfpuppies3]

"Polishing Swabs Give Models that Flawless, Finishing Touch

Micro-Mesh coated swabs buff contoured surfaces and fine details to a brilliant shine. Our 12-piece set includes small, medium and large cushioned tips...one each in 4000, 6000, 8000 and 12000 grit. Rinse in water and use again and again. If you strive for perfection, this set is what you need for that flawless finishing touch."

[crockett007]

crockett007, Thanks for the tip. It sounds like something I can use.BTW; where are you in Alabama[I'm near Dothan] Regards, Nick

Hey Smokey,

You are very welcome. I'm in Alexander City, couple of hours north of you. Now that I think about it, you might want to drop by Bob Cogan's shop in Newville. He's just south of Eufala (apwcogan.com). You're pretty close, and he could probably repolish your pistol while you wait if you drop in on him.

I dropped my Colt of with him to get a hard coat finish a few months ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/crockett007/DSC02119.jpg



I drove down and toured his shop and shot the bull with Bob and his crew, nice guy, and an "old school" smith. He does good work and he's close.

regards,
Steve

[crockett007]

"Polishing Swabs Give Models that Flawless, Finishing Touch

Micro-Mesh coated swabs buff contoured surfaces and fine details to a brilliant shine. Our 12-piece set includes small, medium and large cushioned tips...one each in 4000, 6000, 8000 and 12000 grit. Rinse in water and use again and again. If you strive for perfection, this set is what you need for that flawless finishing touch."

Hey bud,

Not exactly the same but very similar and the same concept. These things are the way to go on Stainless for my money.

regards,
Steve

[smokey]

Crockett, I do know Bob and I've been to his shop. However, It is not I that needs a slide polish, the OP was 3444. The method I described is how I keep my Ultimate polish bottom end in shape,the top end is a slightly customized Commander slide in blue.I too, could not find the sticks you mentioned. I hesitate to use the soft pads because with the Ulimate Polish everything depends on it being dead flat. Thanks, Nick

[crockett007]

Crockett, I do know Bob and I've been to his shop. However, It is not I that needs a slide polish, the OP was 3444. The method I described is how I keep my Ultimate polish bottom end in shape,the top end is a slightly customized Commander slide in blue.I too, could not find the sticks you mentioned. I hesitate to use the soft pads because with the Ulimate Polish everything depends on it being dead flat. Thanks, Nick

Sorry Nick, got confused there!