How to Polish Stainless Steel Scratches

A scratch on a stainless steel appliance, for example, a coffeepot, will stand out because of the way the texture of the steel reflects light. To reduce the visibility of the scratch, polish the scratch on the appliance with a light abrasive pad. A few other supplies acquired from a hardware store must be used as well.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Light abrasive pad
• Compressed air
• Soft cloth
• Steel polishing paste

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Instructions

1. Aim a strong light from a flashlight at the stainless steel appliance. Note the direction that the "grain" of the steel runs -- the texture must be followed when polishing the steel so as not to further scratch the appliance. Put the flashlight away.

2. Place the abrasive pad against an end of the scratch. Move the pad across the scratch, following the direction of the "grain." Repeat this procedure two times before inspecting the stainless steel to see if the scratch has been diffused. Repeat the procedure if the scratch is still evident.

3. Blow off the area where the scratch was with a burst of compressed air. Dip an edge of a soft cloth in the polishing paste. Apply steel polishing paste to the area where the scratch was. Polish the paste with the edge of the soft cloth, again following the direction of the "grain." Continue polishing until the paste has been rubbed off.

References

• Paneristi: Stainless Steel Watch Polishing

Resources

• British Stainless Steel Association: The History Of Stainless Steel