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How to finish a stainless steel table with a brushed metal look?

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djcrunkmix

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May 21, 2011
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Hi guys,

I've got a stainless steel (mirror finish) table from Ikea and over time, it got scratched pretty heavily. So, in order hide the scratches, I thought about brushing it with a metal brush and/or sanding block.

Could you please provide me tips as to how to go about doing this? I don't have a garage and a lot of equipment. Thank you :)
 
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bp460

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Mar 15, 2011
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Chicagoland
If you want a random pattern that will hide scratches, try a quarter sheet palm sander
(the non-rotating type).You will need to experiment with different grit paper to get the look you want. Usually something around 60 to 120 does the trick. And you will go through a lot of paper. I have seen this finish on high end stainless counter tops and I think it looks better than a brushed finish. I think it is called satin.
 
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djcrunkmix

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May 21, 2011
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Just tried it today :( EPIC FAIL. No matter how long and straight I keep the strokes, it always looks like an amateur job. I am going to buy a belt sander and see how things go. I will also post some pics :) Thanks guys!
 
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VC455

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Dec 26, 2009
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NH
bp460 said:
If you want a random pattern that will hide scratches, try a quarter sheet palm sander
(the non-rotating type).You will need to experiment with different grit paper to get the look you want. Usually something around 60 to 120 does the trick. And you will go through a lot of paper. I have seen this finish on high end stainless counter tops and I think it looks better than a brushed finish. I think it is called satin.
Click to expand...

x2
I'd go this route, random/Satin.
Seems like the long stoke route, would only get you back to the original problem, as soon as you get any crossing scratches to the long stroke pattern.
 
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djcrunkmix

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Thank you GJ'ers. I will get back to you in a couple of days with lots of pictures. Hopefully this thread will help someone in future :)
 
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metal1313

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clinton NJ
i could hit it with a sander, then follow up with scotch brite pads, and finally stainless steel wool. it will give it a similar finish, then i would clearcoat it
 
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djcrunkmix

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I just did it and it looks great (bp460's recommendation) with the satin finish.

It smudges very easily and could anyone recommend a particular brand for a clear coat? I have ACE Hardware, Lowes and HomeDepot nearby but could also order something online. Please advise :)
 
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cdent

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djcrunkmix said:
I just did it and it looks great (bp460's recommendation) with the satin finish.

It smudges very easily and could anyone recommend a particular brand for a clear coat? I have ACE Hardware, Lowes and HomeDepot nearby but could also order something online. Please advise :)
Click to expand...

If you're happy with the look, maybe try going to a more course grit until it throws off light reflections enough so it doesn't show smudges. I wouldn't bother with clear coating a surface that I already knew was going to get scratched up.

Good luck with it
 
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Hawk Thor

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Jul 23, 2011
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Iceland
APEowner said:
In my opinion a clear coat would almost completely negate the advantages of a ss bench top.
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I feel the same way. One could just as well have a steel table if one is going to paint or clear it.

My worktable/station at work has a stainless sheet covering the plywood plate. I work with a lot of grease, cutting oil, gunk from sea-valves and other messy stuff (Mechanical Engineering journeyman at a shipyard).

I just keep a can of brakecleaner near by and wipe down the table when I finish the work to keep all sticky and slick stuff of it.

Personally, if I see a worktable that has no scratches, dents or stains, I think the guy "working" on it can't be doing much work.
 
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Ign

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Butte Peak ND
3M 9145 hook & loop backing pad with Scotchbrite 4.5" brown (coarse) or maroon (medium) surface conditioning discs on a 4.5" angle grinder. Could also use Roloc if you're set up for that.

I bet one pad will do the whole table, and you can work in swirls or patterns with only a TINY bit of practice. You can touch it up periodically no problem. It's much like using a buffer on a car.
 
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Monte

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Germany
....with something like this:


60211550.jpg

Flex-Satiniermaschine-LP-1503-VR-Set-Preisguenstiger-Buerstenschleifer.jpg
 
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gbsmithy08

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Mar 2, 2012
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Here is an alternative for polishing SS. I use this at our winery for SS wine tanks and as well as home ss projects. I get them from our local gas and welding distributor called Matheson. My price is about $55 bucks not the list price. I use them on a variable speed right angle milwaukee hand grinder. I have 2 grinders. one is a 4-1/2" and my one at home is a 7" grinder that goes down to 500 rpm.
http://www.walter.com/Walter/en-us/abrasives/line-finishing/drum-sanders-drums/blendex
 
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03protege

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Sep 13, 2012
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Louisiana
I am probably too late but make sure that whatever you use, if it has metal in it, is either stainless or aluminum. You probably already knew that but just in case you didn't
 
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jmvar

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Sep 19, 2010
Messages
38
djcrunkmix said:
I just did it and it looks great (bp460's recommendation) with the satin finish.

It smudges very easily and could anyone recommend a particular brand for a clear coat? I have ACE Hardware, Lowes and HomeDepot nearby but could also order something online. Please advise :)
Click to expand...

I want to do the same thing, what grit did you end up using?

Thanks
 
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