Posted by Kevin in Ohio [192.182.188.196] on Monday, August 03, 2015 at 10:57:07 :
In Reply to: Polishing Stainless posted by Bob in N. GA [173.186.9.154] on Monday, August 03, 2015 at 09:57:38 :
Honestly it depends on what you are polishing. Rounds or curved pieces are easier to do and "normally" 600 grit and you can go to the wheel. Big flats are a whole 'nuther ballgame. I normally go to 2000 grit and even fine diamond compound sometimes.
Some try to have the wheel do all the work but I've found that you don't get very good results. I only use the buffer for final polish AFTER the surface has been sanded right.
It all depends on what your starting with. Just a reshine with no heavy scratches and go with 600 and see what you get. I do a lot of raw stock that starts with an angle grinder or file, then 320 grit, 600 grit, 1000 grit if needed and try polishing. When switching grits go 90 degrees from previous direction so you can see when you have all the previous grits scratches out.
I use wet/dry paper found at any body shop supply store and such. I just use it dry as it makes less mess that way.
There are lots of different methods but bottom line is it is labor intensive. Start on a smaller piece and work up. With sandpaper you work slower but less chance of ruining a piece.
I have tried a bunch of different compounds over the years and the best finishing compound other than diamond paste(expensive) is Eastwoods stainless compound. Hard to believe but it is what has worked really well for me.
Ask away and I'll share what I have learned.
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