Polishing stainless steel to a mirror finish

[WIKD CUT]

Hi there. New to the forum and just have a question about polishing stainless steel.

I have an 87 Cutlass with the stainless trim pieces that run the full length of the car near the bottom. The trim looks good when you are standing right next to the car looking down, but when you look closely it is pretty scratched up with fine scratches. When the sun is at a low angle in the sky, the trim looks really hazy with alot of swirls in it.

Is there anything I can do to bring back the mirror finish??? Thanks.

[CieraSL]

Re: Polishing stainless steel to a mirror finish

Does your car with the trim piece look something like this?



Do you have a Dual Action polisher? If so, I would recommend using a 4 inch light cutting pad or polishing pad and backing plate with a good all metal polish - something like Optimum Metal Polish. Or you can do it by hand with a foam applicator or #0000 steel wool. Then you can seal it with something like Klasse All-In-One. I just used that combo on an exhaust pipe and it turned out awesome. Hope that helps!

[RGP]

Re: Polishing stainless steel to a mirror finish

Go to: http://www.caswellplating.com/index.html

Click on Pick a Buff.

I use a standard buffing wheel to polish a lot of stainless. I use Caswell's white compound on either a sewn or loose wheel. The resulting finish can actually be so flawless it puts automotive chrome to shame. Give 'em a call. Perhaps you can use a drill and a loose or sewn wheel. No need for a sisal. Way too aggressive.