How to Remove Scratches From Magnetic Stainless Steel

Removing scratches from stainless steel can be challenging.

Stainless steel is a common finish for a wide variety of items such as appliances, cookware, sinks, washers and dyers, countertops and more. Although stainless steel is a durable product that resists corrosion, it is often damaged by scratches caused by sharp objects. If the stainless steel has a long grain or hairline finish, which has long straight lines in the surface, you can easily refinish it to remove the scratches. Other types of stainless steel, such as smooth or swirl patterns, require professional repair.

Things You'll Need

• Non-metallic scouring pad
• Sponge
• Rubbing compound
• Water
• 80- or 120-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Examine the surface of the stainless steel closely to determine the direction of the grain, which is much like a wood grain and appears as long straight lines in the stainless steel.

2. Place a non-metallic scouring sponge onto the surface of the stainless steel at the location of the scratch. Apply firm pressure to the sponge, and move it back and forth over the scratch in the direction of the stainless steel grain.

3. Look at the scratch to see if it has diminished. If the scratch persists, apply 1 tsp. of rubbing compound to a sponge, and rub it over the scratch in the same direction as the steel grain.

4. Continue applying additional rubbing compound and scrubbing with the sponge until you have removed the scratches. Rubbing compound is an abrasive paste used to polish automobiles and metal parts.

5. Rinse the sponge in clean water and wipe off the stainless steel surface to remove the rubbing compound.

Tips & Warnings

• If the scratch persists, sand the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 80- or 120-grit using light pressure and long smooth strokes. Sand only in the direction of the steel grain. Sandpaper can create more scratches, so only use it as a last resort.

• Do not use metal scouring pads as they will create additional scratches. In addition, particles from the pad may cling to the steel and rust.

References

• The Stainless Steel Information Center: FAQs
• Stretcher: Stainless Steel Scratches