Polishing Stainless Steel?

[melac1]

Hey paceline, I just picked up a alchemy stainless steel cx bike and was looking for options in polishing it. The tubes are kva stainless and have scratches and light oxidation at the bottom of the seattube. I was looking at the turtle wax polishing compound, but in all honesty, I have no clue.
Thanks for any and all help,
Calem

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[zzy]

If you want it to really shine, a buffing wheel and polishing compound are unbeatable. But it will show smudges and dirt very easily. A brushed finish can be achieved some fine/extra fine scotch bite pads and a bunch of elbow grease. Hides imperfections well and looks great in the sun.

[parris]

Are you after a mirror polish or just looking to clean up the scratching? I've had good luck using Flitz polish when going for a mirror polish as a last step. I've also used a product called Nevr-Dull with similar results to Flitz.

Depending on what you're after metal polishing can take time and a bit of labor.

[stephenmarklay]

Are you after a mirror polish or just looking to clean up the scratching? I've had good luck using Flitz polish when going for a mirror polish as a last step. I've also used a product called Nevr-Dull with similar results to Flitz.

Depending on what you're after metal polishing can take time and a bit of labor.

As above Flitz is very good for a metal polish. The only way to get out scratches is to use a very fine steel wool. It does take some time.

[Gsinill]

http://www.framebuilderscollective.org/polishing-stainless-mcculloch/

[stephenmarklay]

http://www.framebuilderscollective.org/polishing-stainless-mcculloch/

That is next level :)

[melac1]

So I just went over it with steel Wool and then turtle wax and it's pretty damn shiny:) thanks for the advice on the steel wool. I will give scotch Brite pads a go next time though.

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[Ronsonic]

So I just went over it with steel Wool and then turtle wax and it's pretty damn shiny:) thanks for the advice on the steel wool. I will give scotch Brite pads a go next time though.

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The problem with steel wool is that it can embed little bits of steel into the thing you're polishing, those little bits, will rust. The stainless may be hard enough to prevent that. You'll see. Aluminum isn't so lucky.

[Cicli]

The problem with steel wool is that it can embed little bits of steel into the thing you're polishing, those little bits, will rust. The stainless may be hard enough to prevent that. You'll see. Aluminum isn't so lucky.
Agreed,
These 3m pads work alot like steel wool and will not leave little bits behind to cause rust.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-10119NA-Synthetic-Steel-Wool/dp/B00004Z4AE

After polishing use a microfiber cloth charged with a bit of corn starch to remove the last bit of polish and black oxidation left behind from polishing.

[Ronsonic]

After polishing use a microfiber cloth charged with a bit of corn starch to remove the last bit of polish and black oxidation left behind from polishing.

Really. Immagonna try that. :banana:

That post polishing crud can be tough to get off. Good tip.

[54ny77]

Yup, 100% agree with that.

Llewellyn frames on a whole different artistic level than anyone on the details. His pics of works in progress as well as final product are pure artistry. I have been enamored since 1st sight and always enjoy seeing his threads.

http://www.framebuilderscollective.org/polishing-stainless-mcculloch/

[beeatnik]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chris-King-Cielo-Stainless-Steel-Sportif-Racer-Road-Frame-Easton-Fork-56cm-/201749014981?hash=item2ef92da9c5:g:4MYAAOSwux5YUHh J

There is an inherent issue with the material, however. Chris King stopped making this frame as the KVA stainless is prone to some rust discoloration (according to KVA this is due to contamination from non-stainless metal during the brushing process, not an issue with the material itself). You can see some of this in the photos on the top tube and near the bottle mounts. It is barely noticeable, and does not show up well in pictures, but this frame does require care--especially if you live in a wet climate.

[Cicli]

Really. Immagonna try that. :banana:

That post polishing crud can be tough to get off. Good tip.

I picked that trick up from a guy that polishes simi truck tanker trailers for truck shows. He know about polishing. :eek: