Well, I’ll continue in the same spirit, sharing my ordeals in polishing steel. What is written below is just my personal experience, if I’m wrong, correct me, I won’t be offended. Not long ago I made myself a katana, although more precisely, a tachi with variations. The idea was to make an elongated katana and feel what the medieval short Japanese felt. Those. approximately for them a katana is what a tachi is for us Europeans, and a wakizashi is for them what a katana is for us. I think that if anyone has been involved in sports, he will understand how problematic the mechanical transfer of martial arts, designed for short and strong Asians, to Europeans is. In general, I made something with a blade length of 85 cm, with a thickness of 8 mm at the thickest point and a blade width of 29 mm at the border with the handle. To facilitate the design, the butt had to be made very, very sharp, but in the end the result was something with a completely classic center of gravity at 1/3 from the beginning of the blade and a weight of 1.05 kg (hand spring scales). After all, the question of polishing arose; The main tool is a grinder with 8500 RPM. I tried almost all consumables, even bronze end brushes. Of course, I used Velcro sanding wheels. Personally, it was important for me not to kill the edges on the katana, because... The grinder cuts them off too easily. Before the grinder, I used a new small and relatively soft whetstone, moistened with water so that an abrasive paste was formed. Using it, I refined the edges and refined the tip. Then I used the following grinding wheels : 80->120->180->400. The smaller the particle size of the circle, the faster it becomes unusable. 80, 120 - it took 2 laps; The 180s took three or four. The 400s are a different story. There were exactly 10 of them. How to polish them? First, each circle must be walked on an unpolished 400-degree surface. The wheel wears out very quickly, large abrasives fly off from it, but the remaining particles form a real mirror. Therefore, when the circle begins to leave a mirror surface, it must be put aside “for later” and a new one installed. When the entire surface is polished with 400 grit, we put the old circles on the grinder and get a real mirror, albeit with some scratches. The last stage is GOI paste. As for the name, the paste was developed by the State Optical Institute, and not by a Spanish artist of modern times (not Goya or Goya paste); it was not made by Jews for non-Jews (goyim; this is not “goyim paste”, although Google knows such a request :). I bought a felt circle for her, but such a circle is heavy and there is no point in putting it on the grinder - the vibration is so strong that either you will feel unwell, or the grinder will break down. I put this circle on a drill, especially since it had a speed controller. We rub the circle with GOI paste, if it has hardened (long-term storage), then drop a few drops of kerosene onto the circle of paste and wait. until it is absorbed, after that the paste is easily rubbed into the circle. Drop a few drops of kerosene onto the surface to be polished, for example, using a glass tube (if available) or an eye dropper (sold in pharmacies). Which kerosene should I take? Roughly speaking, there are two grades of kerosene on sale - one is light, the other is heavy. The first is a lighter-boiling fraction of oil; it smells more like gasoline and boils at a lower temperature. He won't suit us. The second is a heavier fraction, boiling at a higher temperature; it looks like old "aviation" kerosene - it has a characteristic smell. This is what we need, because... it evaporates much more difficult. drop kerosene onto the surface of the part to be polished and begin polishing. You don’t need a lot of GOI paste, sometimes you need to add kerosene, but without fanaticism. With kerosene, the procedure is absolutely not dusty, but if someone doesn’t like kerosene, get ready for its smell. In the end we get a completely mirror-like surface, but do not forget to wipe it with a clean cloth, because... it is hidden under a layer of polishing products. The specularity is approximately the same as that of chrome surfaces, but small scratches are still present. Unlike chrome or nickel plating, the color is not white, but gray. To remove black deposits after polishing, I recommend “Galosha” gasoline - a cheap analogue of petroleum ether (yeah, who needs it for anything, use this gasoline), which evaporates quickly. In the end, you can wash with soap and warm water, wipe dry and wipe with alcohol, which dries well.
By the way, does anyone know of a household item with a hardness of 60 HRC? I checked the hardness of the tip - it scratches two types of glass, i.e. more than 70 HRC (some will say that I overheated it, but IMHO this is exactly what is needed for the edge), but the blade, of course, is not. But I don’t know of an object with a hardness of 60. I think it would be good for all fans of making edged weapons to make a table household items in the hardness range of 45-75 HRC in steps of 5, so that one could immediately say that the hardness of the blade is such and such.

Stainless steel items have become a part of our lives. These are interior elements for the street and at home, various dishes at home and much more. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon mixed with special elements. High resistance to negative factors external environment steel acquires thanks to these elements. But under the influence of various factors, even such a durable metal can lose its original appearance. How to polish to a mirror shine? If such a need arises, then you have two options:

• Contact a specialized company that provides this type of service.
• Do it yourself at home.

Let's look at how to polish metal to a mirror shine with your own hands different ways at home.

Polishing at home

You can also get a shiny and smooth stainless steel surface at home. There are several ways that will help us with this.

Preparation for polishing

First you need to clean the product properly. You can use dishwashing liquid for this:

1. Dilute the detergent in water.
2. Clean the stainless steel surface with soapy water.
3. Rinse and dry the product thoroughly.

Olive oil polishing

This method is suitable for polishing tarnished items. All you need is a little olive oil and a soft cloth or napkin:

• Apply a little oil to the fabric and spread it so that the entire surface is covered with an oil film.
• Press the fabric firmly onto the surface and polish the stainless steel product with smooth movements.

Important! Continue until you see a noticeable change in structure.

• Now you need to remove the remaining oil. Napkins or a dry towel are suitable for this. Wipe the surface until it is completely dry.

Polishing with flour

How else can you polish metal at home? For these purposes, you can use flour, however, this method is more suitable for flat surfaces, for example, for pots, knives or a sink:

• Sprinkle flour over the entire surface and spread it evenly over the metal.
• Polish using a soft cloth in a circular motion.

Important! For greater effect, you can use an old toothbrush.

• Shake off any remaining flour.

Chemical method

You can polish metal at home using a chemical method. To do this you need to prepare a special liquid. There are several ways to do this:

• For such a solution you will need 230 ml of sulfuric acid, 70 ml of hydrochloric acid, 40 ml of nitric acid. To 1 liter of solution you need to add 6 g of acid black dye, 10 g of wood glue and 6 g of sodium chloride. Bring this mixture to a temperature of 65-70 degrees and place your stainless steel items in there for 5 to 30 minutes.
• The solution is prepared in the following ratios: phosphoric acid 20-30%, hydrochloric acid - 3-4%, nitric acid - 4-5%, methyl orange - 1-1.5%. Place the product for 5-10 minutes at a temperature of 18-25 degrees.
• Per liter of composition there are 660 g of hydrochloric acid, 230 g of sulfuric acid and 25 g of orange acid dye. Heat the solution to a temperature of 70-75 degrees and place a stainless steel object there for 2-3 minutes.

Important! All these components are very aggressive, so it is necessary to ensure complete eye protection. hands, face and respiratory organs.

The stages of polishing using chemical solutions are as follows:

• Immerse the pre-cleaned stainless steel item in a container with a chemical solution.

Important! Adhere to a strict dosage of substances included in the solution to obtain the desired concentration.

• The liquid must be stirred constantly.
• After the expiration date, the product must be removed and the remaining reagents washed off with clean water.
• Wipe the part with a cloth containing polish.

Under the influence of chemicals, all roughness will be eliminated and the product will acquire its original shine and radiant appearance.

Mechanical polishing methods

These polishing methods involve the use of tools and devices such as:

• polishing machine;
• Sander;
• electric sharpener;
• drill with lock.

Important! The method has a number of advantages. It is fast, efficient, you can change the rotation frequency of circles and belts, use additional attachments made of leather, fabric, wool and other materials.

The product for polishing metal to a mirror shine with your own hands depends on the brand of stainless steel:

• Diamond paste performed best, but it has one significant drawback - a rather high price.
• If you don’t have one, then you can use GOI paste. It comes in four types, depending on the grain size.

Important! For manual grinding, you can use the same diamond paste or GOI paste. Its effectiveness depends on the quality of consumables.

This is done as follows:

• Apply a little product to the felt disc and add a few drops of machine oil to dilute the paste.

Important! For metal, it is best to use a coarse grit paste.

• Polish the surface in a circular motion, being careful not to rub too hard.
• Do this until you are satisfied with the result.

Important! How can you polish a knife to a mirror shine at home? Such smooth metal surfaces are polished with an ordinary file - a wooden block covered with a cloth, onto which polishing paste is applied.

Stainless steel care

Polished stainless steel looks very beautiful. To maintain it in this condition, special polishes are used. They are available in the form of concentrates and liquid emulsions. The polish is applied immediately after the polishing process is completed. Then you need to periodically apply polish to ensure that your stainless steel product looks nice for a long time.

As you can see, everything is very simple, and you can even give any metal object in your home a bright and neat appearance with your own hands. Choose more convenient way and apply it as needed.

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METALS CLEANING

1. CLEANING GOLD

a) Gold rings can be cleaned of iodine stains by immersing the ring for a quarter of an hour in a solution of 1 teaspoon of hyposulfite per glass of water.

b) Cleaning matte gold. Take 80 bleaching lime, 70 bicarbonate salt and 20 table salt. Pour the mixture into 3 circles. distiller water, it is stored in sealed bottles. The blackened objects are placed in a cup and doused with pre-shaken liquid and left alone for a while. Sometimes the mixture is heated. Having taken out the objects, wipe them, rinse them with alcohol and put them in sawdust to dry.

c) Gold objects are cleaned with a powder consisting of 16 chalk, 6 1/2 clay, 4 lead white, 1 1/2 magnesia and 1/2 bloodstone, or 80 iron oxide (kolkotar) and 30 ammonia.

2. CLEANING SILVER

a) Silver items can be cleaned by placing them in a hot aqueous solution of cream of tartar (creamortartar) for several minutes and then thoroughly wiping them with chamois leather.

b) Silver spoons will always be clean and shiny if immediately after use they are washed in boiling water to which no a large number of soda, and pour clean hot water, then wipe dry with a soft towel. Once a week you should wash the spoons in soapy water with a small amount of ammonia. Thanks to this, even a completely tarnished spoon acquires shine and looks just like new. Dark stains on silver spoons, originating from eggs, are removed by wiping with ash. Stains from dampness come off by washing in warm vinegar, followed by rinsing in clean water and wiping dry.

c) It is known that both silver and silver-plated things relatively quickly tarnish in the air and take on a very ugly appearance. To eliminate such tarnishing, a trace is recommended. remedy: prepare a liquid solution of collodium and apply this solution to silver or silver-plated objects with a thin and possibly even layer: the alcohol quickly evaporates and a thin film of collodium, completely invisible to the eye, remains on the metal surface, perfectly protecting silver from tarnishing under the influence of air or gases in it . As experiments carried out in foreign museums have shown, silver coated with a thin layer of collodium retains its color, shine and polish for a long time. If necessary, this thin protective layer can easily be removed with hot water or, even better, alcohol.

d) Silver items are first cleaned with water and soap and then warm surface they are lubricated with a solution of 1 sulfate-acid soda (hyposulfite) in 3 water, after which they are wiped with a rag.

3. COPPER CLEANING.

a) Objects made of polished copper are first wiped with a soft rag soaked in kerosene, then cleaned with a woolen rag with chalk powder or Vienna lime. Heavily neglected copper objects can be restored to shine by wiping the object with a rag soaked in diluted hydrochloric acid. Then clean as indicated above, or dissolve 30 g of oxalic acid in 1 liter of water, add 4 tablespoons of alcohol and 3 tablespoons of turpentine. After this, the liquid is shaken well and poured into bottles for storage. When used, the item to be cleaned is lightly wiped with this liquid, and then wiped with a dry linen rag: the copper quickly cleans and becomes shiny. b) Mix 1 oxalic acid, 25 red iron oxide, 20 tripoli, 60 palm oil, 4 paraffin. The result is a paste that is excellent for cleaning things made of copper and brass.

c) Red iron oxide (Caput mortuum) in the form of a fine red powder for cleaning copper and brass objects is obtained by heating iron sulfate until it disintegrates into a white powder. This latter is then heated in a crucible, and a delicate red powder of iron oxide is obtained.

d) Mix transparent powder of iron sulfate with the same solution of potassium oxalate. The resulting yellow precipitate is washed, dried and heated as described above.

e) Mix 9 crude oleic acid with 1 kerosene, which can be colored with an alkane or infused with an alkane root.

f) You can refresh the surface of small copper products by boiling them for 30 minutes in a solution of soda ash (40 g/l).

g) Products made of copper and brass retain their shine if they are thoroughly waxed.

h) Darkened copper can be cleaned well by raw potatoes.

4. CLEANING GILDED BRONZE,

a) Take 5 glasses of water and dissolve alum in it until saturated, then boil the solution over a fire while it is hot, rub the darkened area with it using a cloth until the stain comes off. b) Boil yellow peas, grind them until a thick dough is obtained and, while still warm, stick them around the bronze thing. After a few hours, when the pea dough has shrunk, the bronze is washed clean with boiling water and wiped dry with a clean rag. All the rust and all the stains come off.

b) Bronze parts can be cleaned with raw potatoes or a stiff hair brush soaked in hot vinegar. After this, the part must be wiped with a soft cloth,

5. CLEANING NICKEL.

Nickel items to be cleaned are first moistened 2-3 times with a mixture of 50 alcohol (or vodka) and 1 sulfuric acid, then they are rinsed with water and, after rinsing with alcohol (or vodka), wiped with a thin linen rag.

Nickel-plated surfaces of various objects can be cleaned with cigarette ashes, pouring it onto a damp cloth.

Rust on nickel is removed as follows: smear the object with some kind of grease and leave it like that for several days, then wipe thoroughly with ammonia. If the rust has penetrated deeply, you can use diluted hydrochloric acid instead of ammonia, which, however, is left on the metal for no more than a minute. The object is then washed with water and polished with chalk and crocus.

If the nickel layer is covered with a bluish coating, then it is washed with a mixture of alcohol and sulfuric acid in equal parts by volume. The rinsing lasts only a few seconds, then the item is washed with water and alcohol and wiped until dry.

6. ZINC CLEANING.

Zinc items can be cleaned perfectly with a solution of 1 hydrochloric acid in 2 water. This solution is rubbed with a brush over the item being cleaned until the dirt comes off. Then, when the object is not yet dry, lightly grease it with wood oil and rub it with finely ground chalk using a cloth until it shines.

7. CLEANING THE STEEL.

A simple and good composition for this purpose can be a mixture of paraffin and oil. Add 1 paraffin to a bottle containing 20 oil, shake thoroughly until the paraffin is completely dissolved and, having first wiped the object to be cleaned, cover with a brush with the indicated mixture; then leave for 10-12 hours. in place, protecting from dust, after which the item is wiped with a dry woolen cloth. If a steel tool or any other item requires thorough cleaning, due to its significant rust, etc., then use the following composition: prepare a mixture of 5 turpentine and 25 stearin oil. This mixture is diluted with alcohol until a thick liquid is obtained, with which the object is coated, and when the alcohol evaporates, the metal surface is wiped with a mixture of 45 animal charcoal and 25 kolkotara (mummy) powder.

8. CLEANING METAL PARTS OF MACHINES.

"Moniteur Industriel" indicates the next best method as practiced in France. Add 10% paraffin to one liter of kerosene and, having thoroughly sealed the vessel, set it aside for a day, shaking it from time to time, after which the mixture is ready for use. Then, using a cloth, moisten all metal parts of the machines that need to be cleaned. Having wetted it, leave it in this form overnight (or even better, for a day) and only the next day wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

With this method of cleaning, rust, greasy resin dirt, etc. disappear, and the metal parts of the machines seem to be newly polished. There is no other way to clean them so well, not to mention the extreme cheapness of this method, which makes it quite suitable for cleaning all kinds of machines, tools and generally products made of steel and polished iron.

POLISHING OF METALS

POLISHING OF METALS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL CLEANING

1. POLISHING IRON.

Iron items to be polished are immersed for some time in a mixture of 1 sulfuric acid to 20 by volume of water, then the item is removed, thoroughly rinsed with water and dried in sawdust. Once dry, it is immediately immersed for one or two seconds in nitric acid, after which it is rinsed again with water, dried again in sawdust and then wiped thoroughly. In this case, the surface of the object becomes shiny, like glass. According to Cosmos, no other method can achieve such perfect polishing as the above.

2. POLISHING THE STEEL.

Steel products are polished using a leather circle coated with a mixture of 16 tin and 1 zinc. A crocus or bloodstone moistened with alcohol is applied to the flat side of the mug and, after moderate drying, it is polished with agate.

3. POLISHING BRASS.

Equal parts of water and ox gall, boiled together, make a good polishing agent. The liquid, after cooling, is bottled and stored there. When used, it is applied to brass and bronze objects with a brush or objects to be polished are immersed in it.

4. NICKEL POLISHING.

The mixture consists of 8 stearin, 32 lard, 2 stearic oil and 48 finely ground Vienna lime. Objects are polished with this paste using a circle covered with cloth (according to Hildebrand).

5. POLISHING ALUMINUM.

a) Aluminum is first immersed in a strong solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium, and then in a mixture of 2 nitric acid and 1 sulfuric acid. After this, it is placed in pure nitric acid and, finally, in vinegar diluted with water. After rinsing thoroughly in running water, dry in hot sawdust and polish with a polish. Aluminum treated in this way acquires its natural pure white color.

b) 1 each stearic acid and clay, 6 tripoli. If it comes to polishing smooth surfaces, then the paste is applied to a leather circle. After this treatment, the object is polished with more crocus using a leather circle, which makes the shine even more beautiful.

c) If polishing by hand, then the most suitable is a mixture of petroleum jelly and ceresin or a solution of borax in hot water, to which a few drops of ammonia are added.

6. POLISHES FOR METALS.

a) 90 g of finely sifted tripoli and 90 g of guinnomasic acid are ground with 450 g of liquid paraffin. After vigorous shaking, rub in with a woolen cloth and polish with suede.

b) 60 Paris paint (pure iron oxide), 10 wax, 30 oleic acid and 2 rosin. With the addition of gasoline, iron oxide is mechanically distributed in the liquid, with large grains of polish sinking to the bottom, and when drained, a washed-out mass is obtained that does not form scratches on the metal at all.

c) Equal parts of iron sulfate and table salt are thoroughly ground in a mortar and the mixture is heated in a flat crucible or other vessel until red heat. Various chemical glassware at affordable prices can be ordered on the website moslabo.ru. In this case, vapors are formed and the mass turns into liquid. When the vapors no longer rise, the vessel is removed from the heat and allowed to cool. The resulting brown mass is washed with water to remove all undecomposed particles of iron sulfate. The residue is an excellent polishing powder.

7. ALUMINUM POLISHING PRODUCTS.

According to Morny, equal parts olive oil and vodka are mixed in a bottle until the liquid resembles an emulsion. The polishing stone is dipped into the emulsion, and the aluminum is polished like silver, but without applying much pressure. The black streaks that sometimes form from the polishing stone are not harmful, but can be removed from time to time with a soft cloth.

8. POINTING THE MAT ON ALUMINUM.

First, aluminum objects are launched for 20 seconds. into a hot 10% solution of caustic soda, which is previously saturated with table salt in a cold state. Then the items are rinsed with water and wiped with a brush, after which they are immersed a second time for 30 seconds in the above solution. After a second rinse and rinsing in hot water, the items are dried in sawdust.

9. POWDER FOR MATING JEWELRY.

Consists of 40 g of saltpeter, 25 g of table salt and 35 g of alum. Mix into a homogeneous mass and heat in an enamel vessel, stirring constantly with a glass rod until water vapor leaves. Then cool the mass by placing the vessel in cold water, turn into powder and store until use in well-closed glass containers.

If objects should be only partially made matte, then the parts that should remain shiny are covered with a layer of the following mixture before matting: 50 g of powdered lime carbonate, 5 g of sugar and 5 g of gum arabic are ground with water into a paste, which is applied to the surface with a brush. remaining shiny areas.

10. FINAL FINISHING OF FITTING PRODUCTS.

To give plumbing products a beautiful appearance, they resort to various means depending on the nature of the work. Small artistic forgings acquire a beautiful appearance if they are finished with an intense black color. But for such work, the paint is not applied by spreading, but the following operations are performed: a fire is lit in the forge, corresponding in size to the size of the object being processed. The fire should not smoke (it is best to use coke for this). Then the object is lubricated with ordinary linseed oil and exposed to fire, but only for such a time until the oil evaporates and the remainder burns to the iron. After cooling, rub the object firmly with a cloth lightly soaked linseed oil.

The smoother the surface of the iron received during processing, the more beautiful the deep black color will look. This coloring is extremely durable and perfectly protects against atmospheric influences.

To etch iron parts black, they must be clean, brightly straightened and polished. Then they are lubricated with liquid oil and sprinkled with wood ash, then they are held over hot coals until the color turns black. After cooling, the objects are washed in water to which a few drops of sulfuric acid have been added, and immediately wiped thoroughly with a coarse, clean cloth.

Rubbing with oil protects the product from exposure to air.

Traces of flies on scales, panels and other parts are very difficult to remove with gasoline, alcohol and other solvents. At the same time, these stains disappear without a trace if you wipe the contaminated areas with a cloth or cotton wool moistened with saliva.

To make iron especially soft, it is heated red-hot, quickly cooled in soap, heated again to red heat and, after adding lime powder, allowed to cool slowly. When processed in this way, the iron becomes very malleable and soft.

CLEANING GOLD PLATE.

Cleaning gilding, especially on wood, requires very careful handling. First, all dust must be swept away from the gilding, then the gilding is carefully wiped with a soft sponge, or even better, with a piece of cotton wool slightly moistened with wine alcohol or turpentine.

Instead of the above-mentioned liquids, good strong beer, a solution of the so-called Marseilles soap, or a mixture of 10 parts of ammonia and 40 parts of soap alcohol are also used.

Egg whites are also considered a good way to clean gilding, and gently wipe the object with a piece of flannel.

You can eat a mixture of proteins (2-3 eggs) with 18 g of javelle water; Using this liquid mixture, use a soft brush to lightly wipe the gilding, especially the most tarnished areas.

Finally, pure wine vinegar, which is used to cover the gilding with a soft brush, sponge or piece of pata, can serve the same purpose. After 5 minutes, the vinegar is carefully washed off clean water without wiping with anything.

For cleaning gilded bronze, in addition to ammonia diluted with water, the following method also gives good results: the gilding is wiped first of all with a brush moistened with water. Then cover with a soft brush a mixture of 60 parts water, 15 parts nitric acid and 2 parts alum, after which the liquid is allowed to dry without wiping it off.

CLEANING METAL PARTS OF MACHINES.

We present best way, now practiced in France, for cleaning metal parts of various types of machines. Add 10% paraffin to one liter of kerosene and, having sealed the vessel well, leave it for a day, shaking it from time to time, after which the mixture is ready for use. Then, using a cloth, moisten all metal parts of the machines that need to be cleaned. Having wetted it, leave it in this form overnight (or even better, for a day) and only the next day wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

This cleaning method removes rust, greasy resin dirt, etc. and the metal parts of the machines seem to be newly polished. It is impossible to clean them so well in any other way, not to mention the extreme cheapness of the method itself, which makes it quite suitable for this purpose in relation to all kinds of machines, tools and generally products made of steel and polished iron.

Definition of the concept of “polishing” and its types

Polishing metal using an angle grinder

Polishing is a type of metal processing that returns shine to the metal surface. At the present stage, the following grinding methods are distinguished:

What tools and machines are used? Mechanical methods involve the use of the following tools and devices:

• polishing machine;
• Grinder;
• electric sharpener;
• drills with clamps.

This finishing method has several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to change the rotation frequency of circles and belts, which has a positive effect on the quality of processing of the metal plane; secondly, additional attachments made of fabric, leather, wool, etc. can be installed on the polishing machine.

Special grinding machine - angle grinder

Manual grinding differs from automated grinding in that its effectiveness depends on the quality of consumable polishing materials. In manual finishing, diamond paste and additives based on chromium or iron oxide are used. Smooth metal surfaces are polished with an ordinary file - a wooden block covered with a cloth, onto which polishing paste is applied.

Polishing metal with a special device

Combined processing methods

Metal polishing can be carried out using combined methods, in the case of an unprepared and rough surface with rough relief. In this case, a long-term electrolyte-plasma finishing is prescribed, which consists of removing a significant layer of metal.

This processing method is used in extreme cases when quick restoration of the shine of a metal product is required. Among the disadvantages of the technology, one should highlight the high energy intensity, especially at the initial stage of processing, when 100% more energy is used than usual.

An electrolytic plasma polishing machine processes the part in two stages. At the first, the surface is degreased, and at the second, the grinding itself occurs, which, in turn, also consists of two cycles: cutting off the rough layer and grinding the metal. Cleaning from grease is mandatory, since a viscous surface leads to oxidation of the metal and deterioration in the quality of its finish.

Classification of metal polishing pastes

You can bring a metal surface to a mirror state with your own hands without the use of machines; just pay attention to special tools, divided into the following groups:

• Aquatic. The substance does not contain fat and does its job perfectly;
• Organic products - contain paraffin and various oils. They are diluted with various oils and fatty acids;
• Diamond paste is a revolutionary solution that allows you to instantly achieve shine on any metal surface.

Let's take a closer look at the last version of grinding. Diamond paste is so effective that it completely replaces a polishing machine. Diamond Substance is available in two types: ASN and ASM brands (expensive).

Diamond paste has the following advantages:

• Accuracy. Synthetic diamonds allow you to polish any metal product to a shine as accurately as possible;
• Wide range of grain sizes. On modern market you can find more than 12 types of grain;
• Simple operation allows you to carry out cleaning procedures yourself without the use of special tools;
• Diamond paste requires minimal tools: a rag, water and rubber gloves.

The main disadvantage of the cleaning product in question is its high price. On average, diamond paste on the consumables market costs more than 500 rubles per 35 grams of the substance.

Working principle of diamond paste

Diamond paste acts on a metal product mechanically and chemically, forming dispersed films. The cleaning agent contains active substances that promote adsorbing processes, which facilitates grinding of the material.

Diamond paste is applied to different types of fabrics (felt, microfiber or jeans), paper, rubber, plastic and other types of non-metallic materials. It is worth noting that diamond paste can also be applied to polishing wheels to increase the efficiency of metal surface processing. In this way you can achieve a mirror effect. Circles made of felt, felt or leather are installed on the polishing machine.

Description of the polishing process

To grind a metal surface you will need: laps and several tubes of diamond mixture with different grits. Diamond paste is evenly distributed over the working surface of a rag or other material. Experts have noticed an interesting pattern that makes it possible to improve the quality of metal processing.

It turns out that you need to add castor or olive oil to the polishing substance. The ideal ratio is considered to be a mixture consisting of 40% diamond dust and 60% oil. After dilution, the mixture is immediately applied to the metal surface.

Experts recommend starting work only with large grains, gradually moving to abrasives. During processing, make sure that no unnecessary elements - dust, sawdust, hair or pieces of rags - get into the mixture. The presence of foreign objects greatly impairs the polishing to a shine. It is also recommended to wash your hands after changing from one grit to another.

Types of Diamond Dust

On the modern market you can find products not only for polishing metal, but also other materials, for example, wood, glass, stone, etc. They can be classified by color, for example:

Huge range of diamond paste

• Yellow packaging indicates that the substance is intended for polishing ceramic materials and glass products. It is worth noting that this dust can also be used for finishing metal;
• Blue packaging. This type of product is used for finishing glass. The grinding agent has a fairly wide selection of abrasive elements - from 60 to 10 levels;
• Red packaging is suitable for processing only metal surfaces.

As for the packaging itself, diamond paste is sold in compact plastic jars with a volume of 35–45 grams. The average cost of a jar depends on the size and quality of abrasive materials. The finer and higher quality the polishing material, the cheaper the paste costs. The average price is 450–600 rubles.

Paste GOI

GOI chrome paste is a universal product used for polishing metal and non-metallic surfaces. Although it was invented in the early 1930s, it is still used to polish metals today.

Polishing paste GOI

The GOI product comes in different grain sizes (classified according to the size of the abrasive materials). There are different types of grain size: fine, medium, and coarse. Fine dust is used for polishing soft and non-ferrous metals, coarse grains are used for rough finishing of ferrous metals and steel.

Features of use. Initially, the polishing agent has a solid structure, which can be diluted with a few drops of machine oil. If you need to polish an uneven metal surface with bends, it is recommended to apply the paste diluted on a rag.

The second polishing method is intended for processing smooth metal surfaces. Its peculiarity is that a small amount of abrasive material is applied to a wooden block. Then it is recommended to make methodical movements back and forth along the surface being treated.

How to polish stainless steel: methods and means to give an expressive shine. Steel polishing

Polishing stainless steel - methods and their differences + video

Stainless steel polish helps us renew the surface and make it shiny very quickly using a simple mechanical method. But this is not always effective. Which methods are more effective and how accessible are they for household use?

1 What changes does polishing lead to?

Polishing is the final stage in the manufacture of various products. This process consists of melting a surface layer with a thickness of 0.01–0.03 mm. As a result, all minor defects (microcracks, scratches, cavities, etc.) are eliminated. The surface is perfectly smooth and reflects light. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the depth of the irregularities is less than the wavelength of visible light.

You can achieve a mirror-like surface of the metal in other ways, for example, by honing. But they usually require special equipment, materials and knowledge. Therefore, their use is justified only when it is necessary to ensure a given accuracy. With polishing everything is much simpler. Quite a few are used for this operation. simple machines, and a polishing tool can be made even at home. Felt, leather, and soft fabric performed well. Special pastes made from chromium oxide, tripoli or crocus are sold on the market and in stores. These materials are used for the mechanical method, but there are also chemical methods for surface treatment in special solutions.




Proper preparation of the product is very important. The presence of various defects on the surface is not allowed, so before polishing there is a grinding stage (removal of a thicker layer). To find hidden flaws, polishing starts from the weakest areas. For example, in welded structures, these are the seams where microcracks or cavities are most often found. Polishing stainless steel, as well as other materials, is done in several approaches, each time selecting a working material of a smaller grain size. Moreover, it is desirable to reduce the number of operations to a minimum.

2 Mechanical methods - classics accessible to everyone

This is the easiest way to achieve a mirror-smooth surface. It consists in the following. High speed rotation of the polishing material and the resulting friction leads to an increase in temperature, as a result of which the thinnest surface layer melts and becomes perfectly smooth.




There are two types of polishing – rough and fine. The first is made with coarser-grained materials and is necessary to eliminate surface roughness. The working tools are special pastes or tapes on which abrasive particles are applied. Finish polishing is the final stage. In this case, special powders and thin polishing pastes, which additionally contain surfactants, have found their use. They are applied only to soft circles made of elastic material, which are used to rub the product being processed.

You can do polishing by hand, but it will take a lot of time. Therefore, you will have to get a special grinding machine. Processing begins with the coarsest-grained material, and then each subsequent time it is necessary to reduce the size of the abrasive by half. In this case, it is better not to set the speed above 4500 rpm. Final polishing begins with areas where small scratches are noticeable.




However, if we are talking about small elements of a simple shape, then it is possible to avoid electropolishing stainless steel and use the manual method. In this case, a special paste is applied to a piece of felt or other soft fabric, and the surface is rubbed in a circular motion. Also, the manual method cannot be avoided when processing hard-to-reach places where the grinding machine cannot reach.

3 Chemical polishing - features and recipes

With this method, the product is immersed in a chemical solution and kept for a certain time. It is also very important to observe the temperature regime. As a result of chemical processes, micro-irregularities on the surface melt, and it turns out perfectly smooth. The main advantage of this method is the speed of polishing; the process usually takes several minutes. You also don’t need a special power tool or power source. You put in minimal effort, unlike the manual method. In addition, the surface is polished evenly regardless of the configuration. The liquid solution penetrates even the most secluded places of the part.

With all the abundance of advantages, there are also some disadvantages. Firstly, it is less shiny, so this polishing is only applicable when the part does not need a mirror surface. Secondly, the solution is short-lived, so you will have to work intensively after preparing it. Thirdly, the mixture is very aggressive, so special attention must be paid to safety precautions. Work is carried out only in special clothing and with good ventilation of the room. Acid-based solutions are used for chemical polishing of stainless steel.




Composition No. 1

Mix 660 g/l hydrochloric acid, 230 g/l sulfuric acid and 25 g/l acid orange dye. We heat the solution to 70–75 °C and immerse the part in it. It is enough to hold it for about 3 minutes. In this case, it is advisable to periodically stir the mixture or shake the product, otherwise gas bubbles may accumulate on some areas of the surface, which will negatively affect the quality of polishing.

All recipes assume the use of concentrated acids.

Composition No. 2

You can also add surfactants (surfactants), glycerin and benzyl alcohol to the solution. The mixture includes 25–35 parts of phosphoric acid, 5 parts of nitric and hydrochloric acid, 0.5 part of sulfosalicylic acid and 0.5 part of disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). You also need 1 part of glycerin, and the content of benzyl alcohol does not exceed 0.1 part. Triethanolamine, ethylene glycol and oxyphos are used as surfactants, the content of these substances is not more than 0.015; 0.017 and 0.01 parts respectively. The stainless steel product is first degreased with an alkaline solution, then washed in running water and dried. Meanwhile, heat the mixture to 80 °C and immerse the part in it for a maximum of 3 minutes.




Composition No. 3

In this case, 20–30% orthophosphoric, 4–5% nitric and about 4% hydrochloric acid are taken, and 1.5% methyl orange is also included. Everything else is distilled water. The solution is heated to a maximum of 25 °C, and the processing time ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. To improve the quality of polishing, the product must be stirred periodically.

4 Electrochemical polishing - what will the presence of current change?

When electrochemical polishing of stainless steel, the product is also immersed in a solution, but only in this case an electric current is passed through it. There is a thin oxide film on the metal; its thickness is not the same over the entire surface due to the presence of microdepressions and microprotrusions. It is thicker in the recesses. The acid solution reacts more intensely in places where this protective layer thins. Due to this difference in reaction speed, the surface is perfectly smooth and of significantly better quality than after mechanical treatment. The coatings have a fine-grained structure and are devoid of pores, which significantly reduces the coefficient of friction.

The advantages of this method include high surface quality and excellent performance. Electrochemical polishing does not require physical effort as with mechanical processing, and the degreasing stage can be eliminated. The surface is polished very quickly. Plus everything galvanic coatings have excellent adhesion strength to mechanically polished surfaces.




But the disadvantages include dependence on electricity and its consumption. In addition, the product must first be sanded mechanically. Electrochemical polishing is sensitive to the quality of the composition, electrolyte temperature, holding time and current density. As in the chemical method, you will have to work with compounds that are harmful to the body, so we be sure to pay due attention to safety precautions. For electrochemical polishing of stainless steels, electrolytes based on sulfuric, chromic and phosphoric acids are mainly used.

Composition No. 1

Take 730 g/l phosphoric acid and no more than 700 g/l sulfuric acid. Triethanolamine 4–6 g/l and very little catapine (0.5–1.0) are added. The solution is heated to a temperature of at least 60 °C and not more than 80 °C. A current density of 20 to 50 A/dm2 is carried through the product. Electrochemical polishing takes about five minutes.




Composition No. 2

Parts made of chromium-nickel-molybdenum or chromium-nickel stainless steel are placed in a composition of orthophosphoric and sulfuric acids, taken in a ratio of 65% and 15%, respectively. 12% glycerin, 5% chromic anhydride and purified water (the remaining 3%) are also added. The process takes place at temperatures from 45 to 70 °C and a current density of about 7 A/dm2. The holding time depends on a number of factors. It is enough to polish welded products for only 10–12 minutes, and after sandblasting they need to be kept in the solution for about half an hour.

5 Plasma polishing - difficult but effective

There is another surface treatment method based on processes in the metal when it is immersed in a solution and simultaneously exposed to high voltage. Unlike the previous method, only environmentally friendly compounds based on ammonium salts are used.




The essence of plasma polishing of stainless steels is as follows. The product must be a positive anode. When exposed to high voltages of more than 200 V, the electrolyte begins to boil right at the surface of the part, which leads to the formation of a thin vapor-gas shell (50–100 microns). Electric current, when passing through this film, promotes the occurrence of plasma processes. In places of microprotrusions, tension increases significantly electric field, which leads to the occurrence of pulse discharges.




Plasma polishing removes from the product a very thin layer with a high content of foreign inclusions. As a result, the surface has a mirror shine and has high adhesive properties. In addition, this method combines three operations at once: degreasing, etching and surface activation. However, to achieve the desired result, the surface of the product must be carefully prepared. Any defects, risks, scratches, etc. after such treatment will not be eliminated, but, on the contrary, will become even more noticeable. Therefore, preliminary rough manual polishing cannot be avoided.

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Polishing metal to a mirror shine with your own hands

Stainless steel items have become a part of our lives. These are interior elements for the street and at home, various dishes at home and much more. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon mixed with special elements. Steel acquires high resistance to negative environmental factors thanks to these elements. But under the influence of various factors, even such a durable metal can lose its original appearance. How to polish to a mirror shine? If such a need arises, then you have two options:

• Contact a specialized company that provides this type of service.
• Do it yourself at home.

Let's look at how to polish metal to a mirror shine with your own hands in different ways at home.

Preparation for polishing

First you need to clean the product properly. You can use dishwashing liquid for this:

1. Dilute the detergent in water.
2. Clean the stainless steel surface with soapy water.
3. Rinse and dry the product thoroughly.

Olive oil polishing

This method is suitable for polishing tarnished items. All you need is a little olive oil and a soft cloth or napkin:

• Apply a little oil to the fabric and spread it so that the entire surface is covered with an oil film.
• Press the fabric firmly onto the surface and polish the stainless steel product with smooth movements.

Important! Continue until you see a noticeable change in structure.

• Now you need to remove the remaining oil. Napkins or a dry towel are suitable for this. Wipe the surface until it is completely dry.

Polishing with flour

How else can you polish metal at home? For these purposes, you can use flour, however, this method is more suitable for flat surfaces, for example, for pots, knives or a sink:

• Sprinkle flour over the entire surface and spread it evenly over the metal.
• Polish using a soft cloth in a circular motion.

Important! For greater effect, you can use an old toothbrush.

• Shake off any remaining flour.

Chemical method

You can polish metal at home using a chemical method. To do this you need to prepare a special liquid. There are several ways to do this:

• For such a solution you will need 230 ml of sulfuric acid, 70 ml of hydrochloric acid, 40 ml of nitric acid. To 1 liter of solution you need to add 6 g of acid black dye, 10 g of wood glue and 6 g of sodium chloride. Bring this mixture to a temperature of 65-70 degrees and place your stainless steel items in there for 5 to 30 minutes.
• The solution is prepared in the following ratios: phosphoric acid 20-30%, hydrochloric acid - 3-4%, nitric acid - 4-5%, methyl orange - 1-1.5%. Place the product for 5-10 minutes at a temperature of 18-25 degrees.
• Per liter of composition there are 660 g of hydrochloric acid, 230 g of sulfuric acid and 25 g of orange acid dye. Heat the solution to a temperature of 70-75 degrees and place a stainless steel object there for 2-3 minutes.

Important! All these components are very aggressive, so it is necessary to ensure complete eye protection. hands, face and respiratory organs.

The stages of polishing using chemical solutions are as follows:

• Immerse the pre-cleaned stainless steel item in a container with a chemical solution.

Important! Adhere to a strict dosage of substances included in the solution to obtain the desired concentration.

• The liquid must be stirred constantly.
• After the expiration date, the product must be removed and the remaining reagents washed off with clean water.
• Wipe the part with a cloth containing polish.

Under the influence of chemicals, all roughness will be eliminated and the product will acquire its original shine and radiant appearance.

• polishing machine;
• Sander;
• electric sharpener;
• drill with lock.

Important! The method has a number of advantages. It is fast, efficient, you can change the rotation frequency of circles and belts, use additional attachments made of leather, fabric, wool and other materials.

The product for polishing metal to a mirror shine with your own hands depends on the brand of stainless steel:

• Diamond paste performed best, but it has one significant drawback - a rather high price.
• If you don’t have one, then you can use GOI paste. It comes in four types, depending on the grain size.

Important! For manual grinding, you can use the same diamond paste or GOI paste. Its effectiveness depends on the quality of consumables.

This is done as follows:

• Apply a little product to the felt disc and add a few drops of machine oil to dilute the paste.

Important! For metal, it is best to use a coarse grit paste.

• Polish the surface in a circular motion, being careful not to rub too hard.
• Do this until you are satisfied with the result.

Important! How can you polish a knife to a mirror shine at home? Such smooth metal surfaces are polished with an ordinary file - a wooden block covered with a cloth, onto which polishing paste is applied.

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Stainless steel care

Polished stainless steel looks very beautiful. To maintain it in this condition, special polishes are used. They are available in the form of concentrates and liquid emulsions. The polish is applied immediately after the polishing process is completed. Then you need to periodically apply polish to ensure that your stainless steel product looks nice for a long time.

As you can see, everything is very simple, and you can even give any metal object in your home a bright and neat appearance with your own hands. Choose a more convenient method for yourself and use it as needed.

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Polishing metal to a mirror shine: types, methods,

To give the best consumer qualities and attractive appearance to metal products, a finishing grinding procedure is carried out. Polishing the metal gives the product a decorative shine; also, performing a similar procedure allows you to prepare the surface for applying various materials.

Types of jobs

Metal polishing can be carried out using the following methods:

1. mechanical or abrasive polishing of products;
2. chemical treatment using special substances, for example, paste;
3. electrochemical method;
4. electrolyte-plasma method.

Some types of finishing sanding are simple and do not require special materials or equipment. For example, the mechanical method can be used at home. However, it is practically impossible to achieve significant results when using them.

Disadvantages of traditional methods

Polishing metal using traditional methods, abrasive and chemical effects on the surface, has a certain number of limitations in application. These include:

1. lack of possibility to automate the process. When carrying out work to obtain gloss, many enterprises introduce automatic processing technology, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to obtain a whole batch. Chemical, mechanical, electrochemical polishing have features that make it difficult to automate the technological process;
2. the difficulty of obtaining a mirror surface when using the considered types of impact on metal concerns technological and electrical reasons. Economic reasons are primarily associated with the high cost of production robots and machines that operate on a numerical control system. Technological factors determine the impossibility of incorporating traditional methods of polishing metal products to obtain a mirror surface.

Often the above problems lead to the fact that the work in question is done by hand using a special paste under mechanical influence. This point determines a significant decrease in productivity, since processing on an automated line is impossible. Due to the use of outdated methods, often Production Line represents a conveyor failure, and this negatively affects the cost of obtaining the product and reduces the competitiveness of the enterprise.

Mechanical polishing method

For many years, a mechanical method of processing the surface of a metal product has been used. Special sets of abrasive wheels and belts, when combined with GOI polishing pastes, make it possible to obtain a material with a roughness index Ra = 0.05–0.12 microns.

The features of this password encryption method include:

1. to automate the process, special machines are used that are equipped with fabric or felt circles;
2. a certain amount of GOI paste is applied to the abrasive;
3. the goyi paste in question is a special powder consisting of an active substance that has an activating effect on the surface of the product;
4. a typical paste consists of approximately 60% abrasive and 40% binder. content of activating additive 2%.

Finish grinding can only be achieved using GOI paste. In this case, a soft wheel and GOI paste with a fine abrasive are used. For such work, the material consumption is quite large: per 1 square meter of surface there are 0.3 felt wheels and an abrasive substance such as GOI, approximately 100 grams. When processing complex surfaces, a belt type of material and the same GOI abrasive are used.

Special attention should be paid to GOI paste. It is a special substance that is based on chromium oxide. The substance from the GOI category is produced in the form of a green bar. Special GOI sets contain bars with different abrasive grain sizes.

Chemical polishing

During chemical polishing, the surface is exposed to a combination of a specific substance and galvanic fumes. This process determines the formation of a passivating oxide film, which leads to the leveling of surface microroughness.

The quality of polishing depends on the ratio of the rate of film formation and its dissolution in the liquid. The highest gloss can be achieved by forming a thin film. With chemical polishing of metal, it is possible to achieve a film of thinner thickness than with electrochemical polishing, which determines the possibility of achieving better shine, but large irregularities in the part cannot be leveled out.

Electromechanical method

Mechanical and chemical polishing of metal often does not lead to the desired result. This is due to the fact that the product may have increased resistance to changes in structure. The electrochemical method is an exposure procedure that involves immersing parts in an electrolyte. Carrying out such work with your own hands is often quite difficult, since the electrolyte is represented by an acid solution. The impact occurs when the tank is connected to a power source with a voltage of about 20 V.

This type of processing determines the appearance of a passivating film, which leads to a decrease in the roughness index. The degree of change in the quality of the surface structure depends on the applied voltage. The achieved quality depends on the type of metal, the indicator of residual deformation, the thickness of the workpiece and other factors.

Electrolyte-plasma method

In recent years, the electrolyte-plasma processing method has become increasingly popular.

Special sets of devices, which are quite difficult to create with your own hands, provide the effect of a charge on the part. Design features include:

1. the workpiece becomes the anode;
2. the part is supplied with positive potential from a powerful power source;
3. The working bath acts as a cathode.

To treat stainless steel and copper alloys, use a special solution consisting of ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride. Their concentration is approximately 5%. Provided that the product is made of another metal or alloy, a solution with a concentration of the given substances of 10% is used. Polishing metal when using a similar kit and method is completed within 2-5 minutes, the burr can be removed in about 20 seconds. Such indicators determine the high productivity of this metal polishing method.

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How can you polish metal at home? Grinding and polishing of metal.

Definition of the concept of “polishing” and its types

Polishing metal using an angle grinder

Polishing is a type of metal processing that returns shine to the metal surface. At the present stage, the following grinding methods are distinguished:

What tools and machines are used? Mechanical methods involve the use of the following tools and devices:

The action must be prolonged to be effective. Finally, a thorough rinsing and drying will return the copper to its shine. Even if you use specific and safe products, we recommend washing copper items with soapy water. Copper varnish will ensure durability. Corrosion stains can always be removed using a mixture of vinegar and salt or, conversely, lemon juice. If there are burns on the bottom of the pot, a fine abrasive powder is ideal.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has always been widely used. It is found in handles, locks, handrails and more. If the brass is painted, it can be cleaned using very warm soapy water and then polished. An even simpler system, useful for small areas or areas that are difficult to reach, is to rub in a piece of lemon that has been soaked in salty hot vinegar. Cleaning will be great, but you will have to use other methods for polishing.

• polishing machine;
• Grinder;
• electric sharpener;
• drills with clamps.

This finishing method has several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to change the rotation frequency of circles and belts, which has a positive effect on the quality of processing of the metal plane; secondly, additional attachments made of fabric, leather, wool, etc. can be installed on the polishing machine.

Just take care to use the products that are available in the market. There are many types and are suitable for this purpose. If the brass is painted, we recommend simply dusting and washing with warm, soapy water. You don't need to do this often, but be sure to dry thoroughly each time. If the paint gets damaged, you will need to use acetone and remove it completely. Then it would be wise to contact an expert for the necessary repainting. Also for silver and metal we will use procedures similar to those we have encountered so far.

Special grinding machine - angle grinder

Manual grinding differs from automated grinding in that its effectiveness depends on the quality of consumable polishing materials. In manual finishing, diamond paste and additives based on chromium or iron oxide are used. Smooth metal surfaces are polished with an ordinary file - a wooden block covered with a cloth, onto which polishing paste is applied.

Creamy liquids are great to spread evenly on the surface to be buffed with a cotton ball. Then allow the treated surface to dry and wipe with a soft cloth until all residue is removed. Then wash the object with soap and water and rinse under running water for each product.

Unfortunately, silver is a metal that oxidizes very easily, so some care is required to protect it more effectively. Especially if the object has engraved or carved details, it is recommended that

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ways and means to give expressive shine

Stainless steel comes in different varieties. After all, it contains several different metals. The basis of stainless steel is iron, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, and this is not the entire list. Chromium, which is also present in its composition, helps this steel resist corrosion.

What prevents steel from rusting

When chromium interacts with oxygen, a protective film is formed on the surface of stainless steel; it is this film that protects the alloy from exposure aggressive environment.

The amount of chromium will determine the degree of corrosion resistance of steel.

For example, in the manufacture of refrigerators, an alloy with an average chromium content (10-17%) is used. But if the device is constantly in contact with water or is subjected to temperature loads, then an alloy with a high chromium content, up to 26%, is used. Such appliances include washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, hoods, hobs and teapots.

Where can I polish?

In order for the surface of the alloy to be beautiful and smooth, you need to polish the stainless steel. Nowadays, there are many companies whose specialization is this particular procedure; they put in order various products made from this alloy. But it turns out that you can polish stainless steel at home.

Of course, if you need better quality work, it is better to seek help from specialists. For example, a polished square stainless steel pipe will look much more impressive after factory processing than after home processing.

Any company that specializes in polishing will easily perform this procedure.

How to process steel

How to polish stainless steel to a mirror shine? Here is a list of everything you will need:

• polishing paste;
• felt or felt circles;
• wood glue;
• grinding wheels with different grain sizes;
• sandpaper or stone;
• Bulgarian.

Main stages of the process

The process takes place in several stages. First you need to do some rough cleaning. Next comes a wheel with a fiber base and an angle grinder. But this procedure can be skipped provided that the surface of the product is already quite smooth.

Grinding wheels come next. The surface must be processed several times, and each time the size of the abrasive should decrease.

If such circles are not available, then you can easily make them yourself. To do this, you can use a felt circle or felt. You need to apply wood glue to it with a spatula, and then rub it over the abrasive chips.

This operation will make the steel surface perfectly smooth. Under no circumstances should any roughness remain. After all, after polishing it will be much more difficult to seal them.

The next step is to apply polishing paste and a felt wheel. Here it is better to consult a specialist, since a specific brand of alloy requires a specific paste. Of course, it is best to use diamond, the grit of which is suitable for the metal intended for processing. Final polishing is carried out until there are no visible flaws left. A polished stainless steel pipe should look just perfect.

Stainless steel in everyday life

No kitchen is complete without stainless steel appliances and interior parts. This is not surprising, since this particular alloy is quite strong and durable, especially since it does not require special care. Stainless steel is often used to make dishes, cutlery and stoves, as this metal has a fairly high thermal conductivity.

But there are also some disadvantages to stainless steel: with regular use, it noticeably tarnishes. The kitchen is losing its shine. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to periodically polish the stainless steel. There are many different ways to solve this problem. An important point in this procedure is correct selection polishing agent for stainless steel.

When cleaning steel products, never use bleach or abrasives. Also, do not use metal sponges or brushes with stiff bristles.

There are several alternative ways polishing

Olive oil

This method is just for those who are thinking about how to polish stainless steel at home. Tarnished dishes will begin to shine again, like new. All you need is oil and rags, preferably made of soft fabric.

1. First of all, you need to moisten a rag with oil.
2. Using this cloth, it is necessary to apply oil to the product so that it is completely covered with an oil film.
3. Next, you can begin polishing by pressing the oiled rag firmly against the metal.
4. To prevent the steel from becoming dull again, excess oil is removed using dry towels or napkins. They need to rub the surface until the product is completely dry.

Polishing with flour

You can also use flour to polish metal products. It is good for cleaning flat surfaces, such as a sink or pan.

1. The product is sprinkled with flour so that there are no gaps left at all.
2. The flour should be distributed evenly.
3. Using a dry cloth, polish the surface in a circular motion.
4. Next, the flour is very easy to remove from the surface.

Mechanical method

Some devices and fixtures have hard-to-reach areas. This is where the question arises, how to polish stainless steel to a shine. There is a way, but you will have to spend a lot of time and make every effort.

You need to purchase a piece of felt and abrasive paste. Apply the paste to the fabric and polish the surface until the metal becomes bright and shiny.

Polishing with chemicals

This method is most often used when you need to clean small items. The main thing is that polishing takes little time and is very simple to do. Below are several recipes for solutions.

It is important to maintain proportions here. Contains: 230 ml of sulfuric acid, 70 ml of hydrochloric acid, and 40 ml of nitric acid. The rest is water.

For one liter of solution you need another 5 g of sodium chloride, 5 g of acid black dye and 10 grams of wood glue.

The resulting liquid must be heated to 70 degrees Celsius and the part must be lowered there. The product can be left in the solution for a maximum of half an hour.

You will need orthophosphoric acid, it should make up 20-30 percent of the total volume. Hydrochloric acid (3-4%), nitric acid (4-5%), methyl orange (1%). The rest is water. The solution should be at room temperature, and keep the product in it for no longer than 10 minutes.

Polishing rules are given below:

1. The metal must be thoroughly cleaned before polishing. Next, place the product in the solution. It should be remembered that only distilled water can be used here.
2. During the procedure, the solution must be constantly stirred, only in this case the chemical reaction will take place 100%.
3. When needed time will pass, the part is removed and washed well with running water. After this, the product must be well rubbed with a napkin soaked in polish.

After this treatment, all roughness is eliminated.

It is not enough to polish stainless steel correctly; it also needs to be cleaned regularly.

Cleaning the sink

Often stains remain on sinks - this is limescale. It is very easy to remove with a vinegar solution. You need to dilute the acid one to five and wipe the surface with it, and then rinse with running water. To give the metal a bright shine, the surface must be rubbed in a circular motion.

Cleaning the stove

Stains from sauces, fat and burnt food remain here. They will have to be removed special means for polishing steel. Be sure to remove the heating elements before cleaning. It is best to use the polish while wearing gloves. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting burns on the skin of your hands. After the procedure, it is advisable to rub the surface well with a dry cloth.

Cleaning the hood

This is not an easy task. But quite doable. To prevent dirt and soap from staining the stove, it is better to cover it with newspapers or old towels.

To clean the hood, you can use a specialized product or prepare a solution yourself. You will need bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice and water. The product must be rubbed in carefully so as not to damage the surface. It is enough for the solution to remain on the hood for several minutes, after which it must be washed off with clean running water. Next, you need to polish the surface well with a dry cloth. After this procedure, the hood will shine like new.

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How to polish stainless steel to a mirror at home - methods and expert advice - Portal about computers and household appliances

Almost everyone in the home has stainless steel items that, over the years, lose their appeal and become dull when exposed to sunlight, dirt and other factors. This material is actively used for both exterior and interior decoration. In this article we will try to talk in detail about how to polish stainless steel.

This material is an alloy of iron and carbon. It also contains other special elements that may vary depending on the quality of the steel. Most often, stainless steel uses chromium, which gives the material a shiny appearance.

Products made from this material are among the most durable and have an extended service life due to their resistance to external irritants. Their feature is a mirror surface, which requires additional care.

If you notice signs of corrosion, you must immediately take action in the form of polishing the metal. If scratches appear on the surface of the product, they also need to be eliminated, since moisture enters the structure of the product through the cracks, which will lead to corrosion.to menu

How to polish stainless steel?

There are two options that will make it possible to polish stainless steel products.to menu

Now there are a lot of companies that provide assistance when problems arise with stainless steel corrosion. If you do not have enough time to get rid of stains on the product yourself, you can turn to specialists.to menu

At home, you can also carry out all the necessary manipulations for a positive effect and restore the appearance of the product. There are also several ways to do this. Next, we will look at how you can polish stainless steel at home.to menu

Polishing process

To polish stainless steel at home, you will have to spend quite a lot of time and effort. If successful, they will be fully justified, and you will be able to return the products to their former shine.to menu

Primary processing

Before starting work, be sure to thoroughly clean the product, as it may contain grease and other substances that clog the cracks in the metal. To do this, you can use a simple dishwashing gel:

• The detergent must first be diluted with water to obtain a soap solution.
• Wipe the surface of the metal product without leaving it until completely dry.
• Apply the solution to continue wiping.
• Rinse the soapy area with running water.
• The product must be dried naturally so that streaks do not appear on it.

Some foods, liquids with chemicals, and even household tools will help you polish products at home. With their help you can polish stainless steel to a mirror.to menu

Olive oil

This method is suitable for use on products that have lost their brightness. You will need olive oil and a soft cloth.

• The oil should be applied to a clean cloth.
• After this, spread the oil over the surface in a circular motion, distributing it evenly.
• The oiled cloth must be pressed tightly and the previous procedure must be repeated several times.

You need to polish using this method until you feel a change in the structure of the product.

Be careful as oil may dull the surface. Its excess must be removed immediately upon completion of the above operation. Using circular movements using a dry cloth, you can easily wash off any remaining oil.to menu

Flour

You can polish stainless steel using flour only on the condition that the work will be done on flat surfaces. In particular, you can try it on pots and sinks.

Mode of application:

• The product must be sprinkled with flour, covering the entire surface.
• Spread the flour evenly over the metal.
• Polish the stainless steel in a circular motion using a dry cloth.
• Once the process is complete, remove all flour from the surface using a toothbrush.

Small mechanization

You can polish stainless steel to a mirror not only in special companies or at a factory, but also at home. A little mechanization will be enough for this.

This method is suitable for giving products an attractive and presentable appearance after removing flaws.

To polish stainless steel you will need to use the following:

• “grinder”, or angle grinder;
• felt or felt circles;
• stone or sandpaper;
• polishing agent;
• grinding wheels with different grain sizes.

Polishing stages

Polishing of products takes place in several stages. Initially, you need to remove all excess metal from the seams. An angle grinder is perfect for this. For it you will have to purchase a fiber-based circle. Its grain size should not exceed P60.

If the surface of the required product is smooth, this intermediate step can be ignored. Next, you need to grind the metal with another wheel, the grit of which is P120. This will allow you to get rid of streaks that appear after working with other grains.

The size of the abrasive must be reduced each time, which will make it possible to make the surface smoother.

If you don't have the circle you need, you can easily make one yourself. To do this, you will need a felt or felt circle, onto which you need to apply wood glue. You can also simply rub sandpaper and stone together.

After the work is completed, all traces of sanding must be removed.

Take the polish and apply it to the surface.

Next, you need to grind the material or product using paste. Risks must be removed consistently. If over time the surface does not become smoother, the speed of the grinder can be gradually increased. Do not overuse the speed, as this can lead to overheating of the metal and the appearance of stains on it.to menu

Due to the presence of various irregularities on most products, it is often necessary to polish them manually. You will have to be patient, as polishing stainless steel to a mirror using the method described below can take a lot of time. During the work you will need:

• abrasive paste;
• soft felt.

Polishing stages

• You need to apply paste to the felt.
• Polish the product to a shine, carefully treating the most problematic areas.

In order to protect yourself from the negative effects of substances that are part of the paste, use a face mask and gloves.to menu

Chemical polishing method for stainless steel

This method is perfect for working with small parts that are difficult to polish by hand. The method does not require effort or physical labor. There are several methods for preparing chemical liquid for polishing products at home.to menu

Option #1

The solution must be prepared with the most accurate dosage:

• Sulfuric acid – 230 milliliters.
• Hydrochloric acid – 70 milliliters.
• Nitric acid – 40 milliliters.

To 1 liter of solution you need to add 6 grams of black acid-based dye, 6 grams of sodium chloride, 10 grams of wood glue.

It is important to keep the liquid temperature between 65 and 70 degrees.

Stainless steel should remain in the composition for up to 30 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.to menu

Option No. 2

This solution also needs to be prepared in compliance with the proportions in the total volume:

• Methyl orange – 1.5 percent.
• Nitric acid – 4-5 percent.
• Hydrochloric acid – 3-4 percent.
• Phosphoric acid – 20-30 percent.

The part should be kept in the solution for up to 10 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination, at a temperature of 18 to 25 degrees.to menu

Option #3

The solution is made according to the recipe for one liter of volume of the finished liquid:

• Hydrochloric acid – 660 grams.
• Sulfuric acid – 230 grams.
• Acid orange dye - 25 grams.

The solution must be brought to a temperature of 70-75 degrees and keep stainless steel products in it for about 3 minutes.

All of the above components react aggressively when they come into contact with the human body. Provide full protection for your respiratory system, face, hands and eyes.

Polishing stages

• The part, which has previously been cleaned of contamination, must be immersed in a solution consisting of reagents and clean distilled water.
• The solution must be constantly stirred to ensure a complete chemical reaction.
• After the time specified in each option has expired, the product must be removed and all reagents washed off from it. After this, it is recommended to wipe the item with polish applied to a napkin.
• Under the influence of reagents that remain in the pores on the surface, the roughness on the stainless steel will completely disappear.

Before starting work, you need to find out the grade of the metal, since its composition may depend on it. According to it, it is worth selecting reagents and determining their concentration in the solution.to menu

Stainless steel care

After polishing, steel looks beautiful and impressive. In order for it to maintain its visual qualities, it must be constantly monitored, since abrasions and stains may appear on it again in the future.

To prevent the appearance of defects on products, polishes are most often used. These types of substances are best used immediately after polishing stainless steel. In addition, it is recommended to use them at certain intervals. This will make it possible to save glossy surface for a long time.

The product must be applied to a napkin and distributed over the surface. It is important to do all movements in a circle to avoid streaks.

Excess product must be removed, as it may leave stains.

If you decide to use a special tool, you should not set its rotation speed to more than 1500 rpm, as this may damage the product.to menu

Frequency of care for stainless steel products

• If you are going to purchase chrome parts for your car, you should polish them no more than 2 times a year. If you do this constantly, the coating will simply wear out, and traces of corrosion will begin to appear on objects faster.
• It is often not recommended to use mechanical impact devices on stainless steel, as microcracks may appear on the parts. This is where liquid most often gets in.
• Use chemical substances It is recommended to clean and polish stainless steel at home no more than once a year. Vapors from reagents negatively affect human health, even if he adheres to safety standards.
• GOI paste (“Paris greens”) has relatively low efficiency, which is why it is recommended to use it only in the absence of other substances or solutions. It has a negative effect on the body, which is why it is important to use a protective face mask and gloves.

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Expert opinion

“It’s best to immediately take a smaller skin and work with it for a long time. This will get rid of large scratches on the surface and preserve the structure of the metal. You can wind a woolen thread on a drill, which will become an analogue of a “grinder”. You can also spread it with paste, which will enhance the effect and speed up the process,” writes Internet user Vladimir.

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How to polish stainless steel? | ServiceYard - the comfort of your home is in your hands.

In the modern world, we regularly come across stainless steel objects, because they have become a part of our lives. These are interior elements on the street and at home, various fences, various utensils in the kitchen. In this article you will find the answer to the question: how to polish stainless steel, because even such a durable metal can, under the influence of various factors lose its original appearance.

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What is household stainless steel?

Corrosion-resistant steel, or, as it is also called, stainless steel, is an alloy of iron and carbon with an admixture of special elements. Steel acquires high resistance to negative environmental factors thanks to these elements. The main one is chromium. Its percentage in the metal may vary, but not less than 10.5%. Products made from steel with 18% chromium content acquire very high strength, but it is difficult to process such an alloy technologically. Therefore, in everyday life, steel with an optimal chromium content of 13% is mainly used.

Important! Products made from such stainless steel are characterized not only by durability and the possibility of long-term use, but also by an attractive appearance with a mirror surface.

Due to the sufficient chromium content, an oxide film is formed on the metal surface, which protects the stainless steel from corrosion. But still, wet air and other factors can negatively affect the condition of the alloy over time.

Important! Having noticed the first signs of corrosion in the form of cloudiness or tarnishing, it is necessary to polish the metal.

If there are scratches or welding seams on the surface of the product, there is also a need to polish the stainless steel.

Option #1. Specialized assistance

Nowadays, many specialized companies provide high-quality polishing services for stainless steel products. If you do not have the time and opportunity to polish the metal yourself, then contact one of these companies that will give your product a second life.

Option #2. Polishing at home

At home, you can also get a polished, shiny and perfectly smooth stainless steel surface. To do this, there are several ways that will help restore the product to its impeccable appearance. Let's look at what you can use to polish stainless steel.

Primary processing

Before you polish stainless steel, you must clean the product. To do this, you can use dishwashing detergent:

1. Dilute detergent with water to create a soap solution.
2. Wipe the metal surface with the prepared solution.
3. Rinse off any soap residue with clean water.
4. Dry the product.

Some foods, certain household tools and chemical liquids will help you polish stainless steel products at home. It is with their help that you will further polish the stainless steel to a mirror.

Olive oil

This method is suitable for polishing tarnished items. You will need olive oil and a soft cloth:

1. Apply olive oil to a clean cloth.
2. Spread the oil so that the entire surface of the product is covered with an oil film.
3. Press the oiled cloth firmly onto the surface and polish the item using smooth circular movements.

Important! Polishing should be continued until a noticeable change in the structure of the product is felt.

1. To prevent the polished surface from becoming dull, you need to remove excess oil. This can be done with a dry towel or napkins. Rub the product with vigorous circular movements until the surface is dry.

Flour

You can polish stainless steel using flour. This method is more suitable for flat surfaces, such as a sink or pan.

Mode of application:

1. Sprinkle the product with flour so that it covers the entire surface.
2. Spread the flour evenly over the metal.
3. Using a dry cloth, use a circular motion with your hand to polish the stainless steel.

Important! Instead of a cloth, you can use a medium-hard toothbrush.

1. Remove all flour from the surface.

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Fine mechanization for polishing

You can polish stainless steel to a mirror not only in specialized companies or factories, but also at home using small-scale mechanization tools.

Important! This method is suitable for cleaning welding seams, repairing scratches, and giving a beautiful look to homemade products.

To polish stainless steel you will need:

• an angle grinder, better known as a grinder, as a polishing tool;
• grinding wheels of various grain sizes;
• sandpaper, maybe a stone;
• polishing agent;
• felt or felt circles.

Polishing steps:

1. First, you need to remove metal deposits from the weld seam, in other words, carry out a rough cleaning of the surface. To do this cleaning you need to use a corner grinding machine and a fiber-based circle. The wheel grit should be P60.

Important! If the surface of the stainless steel product is smooth enough, this step can be skipped.

1. Sand the metal again using a 120 grit wheel. This action is carried out in order to remove stripes from the previous grain.

Important! If you don’t have a circle with the required grain parameter at hand, you can make it yourself. You need to take a felt or felt circle. Using a spatula, apply wood glue and run it over the abrasive chips. Such crumbs can be obtained by rubbing a stone and sandpaper against each other.

1. Each time, halving the size of the abrasive, sand the stainless steel surface a few more times.

Important! After each grinding, do not forget to rinse the stainless steel surface. If possible, do not set the grinder to a speed of more than 4500 rpm.

1. Make sure all rough spots are removed. The surface of stainless steel after grinding should be completely smooth.

Important! If defects remain on the product after polishing the stainless steel, these areas will have to be polished again.

1. Take a polishing agent (usually a paste) and a clean felt pad.

Important! You need to choose the right polishing paste. Exist different types similar products for different brands of stainless steel. It is best to take diamond paste that is the most suitable grit for your metal. If this is not the case, then GOI paste (chromium oxide) or regular polishing paste will do.

1. Now begin the final polishing of the stainless steel. Consistently remove visible risks. Over time, the surface of the stainless steel will become smoother. This occurs due to the redistribution of the structure of the top layer of stainless steel. Under the influence of the active components of the paste, air, heat and friction, old oxide films are destroyed, and when the product cools, new ones are created.

Important! The metal should not be overheated, as this may cause it to change color.

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Mechanical polishing by hand

It should be borne in mind that ideal smoothness and shine are not created in places that are inconvenient for access. Therefore, if the product has such areas, then they must be polished manually. You need to be patient, as polishing stainless steel to a mirror in this way takes a lot of time and labor. To do this you will need:

• a piece of felt;
• abrasive paste.

Polishing steps:

1. Apply paste to the felt.
2. Polish the product to achieve the desired mirror shine.

Important! Polishing pastes can be harmful to the body, so you should wear gloves and a protective mask when using them.

Option #1:

1. Prepare a solution, taking into account the dosage: sulfuric acid - 230 ml, hydrochloric acid - 70 ml, nitric acid - 40 ml.
2. To 1 liter of solution add 6 g of acid black dye, 10 g of wood glue and 6 g of sodium chloride.
3. The temperature of the liquid should be 65-70 degrees C.
4. Place the stainless steel in this composition for 5-30 minutes.

Option #2:

1. Prepare a solution with the following ratio of acids to the total volume: phosphoric acid 20-30%, hydrochloric acid 3-4%, nitric acid 4-5%, methyl orange - 1-1.5%.
2. Soak the part in this aqueous solution for about 5-10 minutes at a temperature of 18-25C.

Option #3:

1. Prepare a solution taking into account the amount of acids per liter of composition: hydrochloric acid - 660 g, sulfuric acid - 230 g, orange acid dye -25 g.
2. In such a solution with a temperature of 70-75 degrees C, the stainless steel should be kept for 2-3 minutes.

Important! All components are very aggressive. Therefore, with this method of polishing stainless steel, you need to ensure complete protection for your eyes, hands, face and respiratory organs.

Polishing steps:

1. It is necessary to immerse the pre-cleaned part in a container with a chemical solution, which consists of reagents and distilled water.

Important! To obtain the desired concentration of the solution, adhere to strict dosages of reagents.

1. The liquid must be stirred continuously to complete the chemical reaction.
2. After the specified time, you need to remove the part, wash off the remaining chemical reagents with clean water and wipe the product with a napkin with polish.
3. When exposed to liquid reagents, all roughness in stainless steel is eliminated over a certain period of time.

Important! It is imperative to know the grade of stainless steel for the right choice components and their concentrations in water.

Polishes are used for these purposes. They are available in the form of concentrates and liquid emulsions. The polish should be used immediately after finishing polishing the stainless steel. It is also recommended to use such products regularly with some frequency. This will help provide your product with a glossy surface for a long time.

The technique for using it is very simple:

• Simply apply the product onto a napkin and wipe the product evenly in a circular motion.
• After treatment, excess product should be removed.

Important! If you have the opportunity and desire, you can use a special power tool, for example, a grinder with a rotation speed of no more than 1500 rpm.

With periodic use of polish, your stainless steel products will be protected from the abrasive effects of dirt, corrosion and other natural factors. But still, if you need to polish stainless steel, then by choosing a more suitable method for you, described in this article, you can even give the product a smooth surface and a mirror shine even at home.

Metal polishing: features of the preparatory and main processes. Metal polishing classes according to GOST. Various methods, means and machines for polishing and grinding metal to a mirror shine.

Metal polishing is the final stage in the manufacture of metal and alloy products, which consists of removing the thinnest possible layer of material from the surface of the part. There are a large number of ways in which you can polish a product to a shine, both at home and in industrial production. They are described in detail in this article.

GOST 9.301-86 regulates the requirements for the quality of processing of metal products as a result of polishing work. There are no special instructions regarding the gloss of surfaces after grinding, however, after polishing various defects, grooves, scratches, burrs, corrosion, etc. should be excluded.

In a word, polishing activities are designed to give the product an attractive appearance and consumer qualities.

In production there is such a thing as “polishing class”. The level of surface roughness of a particular part is determined using special equipment (microscopes and profilographs) down to 1 micrometer (μm, 1 mm = 1000 μm). If metal grinding is carried out at home, then the depth of the unevenness is determined by eye.

There are 14 roughness classes, which are indicated in special drawings in accordance with GOST 2789-59.

Polishing classes and requirements for them are presented in the table below.

Surface Description	Roughness size (up to microns)	Polishing class	Mechanical processing method
Traces of processing are very noticeable	320	1	Planing, sharpening and milling
	160	2
	80	3
Traces of processing are very faintly visible	40	4	Soft abrasive, semi-finishing
	20	5
	10	6
Traces of processing are not visible at all	6,3	7	Fine flow, grinding
	3,2	8
	1,3	9
The surface of the metal product is perfectly smooth and has a characteristic mirror shine	0,8	10	Final polishing, soft polishing
	0,4	11
	0,2	12
	0,1	13
	0,05	14

Preparatory stages

Industrial enterprises that deal various types metal processing, check the condition of surfaces before grinding. Before using various chemical reagents and polishing machines, the part must be prepared for further stages of polishing; for this, the product is affected by one of the mechanical methods:

• processing the part with compressed air together with special coarse abrasive elements that remove large build-ups of corrosion and rust from the surface;
• cleaning the surface of the product with brushes with stiff bristles to remove signs of oxidation and sludge (dust formed as a result of cleaning with a coarse abrasive);
• degreasing surfaces from traces of previous polishing agents by treating with warm organic solvents;
• the use of alkaline solutions to remove residual mineral substances containing oil;
• electrochemical degreasing (immersion of a metal product in an electrolyte).

All these methods are most often used in industrial production conditions. At home, to prepare a metal product for polishing, it is enough to treat the surface with sandpaper of varying hardness.

Metal polishing methods

To polish metal to a mirror shine at home, they most often use a special paste, such as GOI or diamond, which is popular among home craftsmen, as well as a polishing machine with an abrasive wheel.

The following types of polishing are used in metal processing plants:

• mechanical;
• chemical;
• electrochemical;
• using plasma;
• laser;
• ultrasonic

Mechanical method

One of the most effective ways to polish metal yourself is to treat the surface of the product with a polishing machine.

A grinding machine is an indispensable tool for high-quality polishing of metal until its original shine appears. The polishing machine has a so-called abrasive wheel, the coating of which will depend on the nature of the work and the material.

The process of metal processing using a grinding machine will proceed as follows:

1. The polishing wheels and the area of ​​metal that needs to be processed are moistened with water. To process metal, the disk must rotate at a speed of 1400 rpm. It must be taken into account that at such a rotation speed the spray will scatter 1–1.5 meters, so care must be taken to adequately protect the face and clothing.
2. The surface being processed will begin to heat up as a result of friction, and the water will evaporate. As a result of this interaction, unevenness and roughness will be removed, forming blockages of metal particles and water on the base of the abrasive wheel. Every few minutes you need to turn off the machine and rinse the disc under running water. Metal particles should be removed not only from the tool, but also from the surface of the product.
3. To achieve a mirror shine, it is recommended to use felt material. This attachment is placed on the sanding disc so that the edges protrude 1–1.5 cm beyond the border of the circle. Felt and surface metal part It is necessary to moisten it with water, after which the final polishing of the metal occurs.

If you don't have a special machine, you can use a polishing agent such as sandpaper. First you need to sand the surface with a coarse abrasive, and then a softer one. After switching from one grain size to another, you can begin the finishing stage of processing.

At the final stage, polish is used. For metal products, as well as for stone surfaces, diamond paste is excellent, which can restore surfaces to ideal smoothness and mirror shine. The surface of the metal product is carefully treated with a cloth onto which the polishing paste is applied.

Chemical polishing is the most effective solution for metal products and alloys that have a decorative function.

The essence of the chemical method of cleaning metal is that all the work to restore the surface of the product is performed by special solutions of chemical reagents and acids. The solution must be heated to a certain temperature, which depends on the components of the metal alloy, after which the metal product is immersed in the solution for several minutes. A reaction occurs between the metal and the chemical solution, as a result of which the defective layer of the product is destroyed.

In order to immerse the part in the solution, special holders are used. There is no need to use manual labor, and metal processing occurs evenly over the entire surface.

However, this method has a drawback: after the procedure, the surface of the product is more matte than shiny. In addition, this method requires compliance with a number of safety rules.

Electrochemical metal polishing

At first glance, electrochemical polishing of metal proceeds in the same way as chemical polishing. The part must be lowered to the bottom of the reservoir with the solution, but it is necessary to ensure the passage of electric current through the product. The current accelerates the process of destruction of the oxide layer even in barely noticeable depressions on the metal surface.

As a result, the product acquires perfect smoothness. This method is perfect for those who are looking for an answer to the question of how to polish metal to a mirror shine.

The disadvantage of this method is the high energy consumption and the need to regularly replace the chemical solution.

Plasma polishing

Polishing metal using plasma is similar to the electrochemical cleaning method: the product is also immersed in a chemical solution, followed by an electrical discharge through it. However, the electrolyte-plasma method does not involve the use of a mixture of chemical reagents and acids, but a harmless solution obtained from ammonium salts.

The result of electroplasma polishing will be not only a mirror shine and perfect smoothness, but also additional protection against corrosion.

Laser metal polishing

The process of polishing metal using a laser eliminates the need to use various polishes, solvents and abrasive particles.

A laser device acts on the surface of metal products by delivering pulses of light. The energy, in contact with the metal, is converted into plasma, its particles disintegrate, which leads to the appearance of a shock wave. The light pulse is not long enough to damage the product, but it does break down damaged metal particles. Due to this feature of the laser beam, if the product requires deep cleaning, the same area of ​​the metal surface will have to be affected several times.

The laser installation, made of steel, has such a feature as self-limitation. The device itself reduces the intensity of the impact and the power of the beam as soon as the laser reaches a layer of metal that does not need polishing.

Ultrasonic metal polishing

Ultrasonic polishing of metal is one of the types of processing of various surfaces by crushing, that is, the destruction of the defective surface layer is carried out after applying a load to the material. Ultrasonic wave vibrations form chips and cracks, resulting in upper layer The metal comes off on its own, like an eggshell.

This method helps out if the material is not a conductor of electric current and cannot act as an anode during electrochemical cleaning. It is also great for polishing thin and fragile items, including gemstones and metals.

Ultrasonic metal processing technology is as follows:

1. A composition of abrasive elements is placed in a special working sector of the device.
2. The device is located in close proximity to the surface being treated.
3. The vibrating device causes the abrasive elements to vibrate, affecting the top layer of the product.
4. The defective layer cracks and collapses under the influence of vibrations.

Silicon or boron particles on a carbide basis can act as abrasive elements, and the vibrating factor can be the supply of fresh water.

If you have experience in polishing metal using industrial and improvised methods, share it in the comments.

The surfaces of metal products are finished not only to give them a beautiful appearance, but also to protect them from rusting, corrosion by acids, alkalis, etc. In one case, it is enough to file the product, in another, it is necessary to bring the surface to a shine by grinding and polishing , in the third - to cover paint and varnish compositions, you can do all this yourself at home.

Fig. 1. Finishing of metal surfaces: A - sanding; B - grinding with a file; B - grinding of round products; G - polishing with paste.

After processing metals with a file, more or less deep marks from the notch teeth always remain on them. To make the surface cleaner, smoother and even shiny, it is sanded and polished.

METAL GRINDING

At home, metals are polished with emery cloths after carefully treating the surface with a personal file. To make the skin comfortable to hold, it is wrapped around a wooden block (Fig. 1, A) or a wide file; The ends of the skin are held with the thumb and forefinger of both hands. Convex cylindrical surfaces can be sanded by wrapping sandpaper around them.

First, the surface is processed in different directions, with coarser, coarse-grained skins, then with finer ones. The final grinding is carried out in one - longitudinal - direction using sandpaper with the finest grain. When grinding, the product must be held motionless.

METAL POLISHING

A mirror-like shine is imparted to metal products by polishing. Without preliminary grinding, only surfaces that have been carefully processed with personal and velvet files can be polished. The file should be rubbed with chalk. The surface is first processed across the strokes on it. When the strokes along and across are the same, the direction is changed by 90° and this is repeated several times. The surface treated in this way, as well as the grinding surface, is polished with special polishing pastes.

The industry produces polishing pastes under the GOI brand. They consist of fine abrasive powders (chromium oxide, iron oxide, etc.), soft plastic substances composed of wax, stearin, kerosene and other materials. GOI pastes come in coarse (dark, almost black), medium (dark green) and fine (light green). First, they polish with a coarse paste, which makes the surface matte, then with a medium and, finally, a fine paste, bringing it to a mirror shine. The paste is applied to a felt swab, cloth or linen cloth and rubbed onto the surface to be polished.

You can make your own polishing pastes. For polishing steel products, the following composition is recommended (in parts by weight):

Stearine - 32

Beeswax - 6

Technical lard - 5

Lead oxide - 3

Chromium oxide - 80

For polishing and glossing brass and nickel-plated surfaces, use pastes of the following composition (in parts by weight):

Stearine - 5

Technical lard - 1

Chromium oxide - 14

The polished surface is wiped with a rag soaked in kerosene, and then dry with a clean rag.

Typically, metal polishing is done when color has been lost, rust has appeared, or some tarnishing has occurred. This labor-intensive operation is performed only on a sanded surface. Its main task is to give the product a mirror shine. Any room that has well-polished metal objects will appear most attractive. Such things will play with light, like a mirror. However, to make this a reality, you will need a special metal polishing paste or powdered substances that are mixed with a viscous solution.

At the first stage, metal polishing involves cleaning from various contaminants. To do this, use a soft cloth soaked in water. You can also use them to remove not only dust, but also stubborn dirt. It is enough to apply just one drop of the product onto a napkin. Next, the metal product must dry so that the paste or powder is successfully distributed over the surface. A soft towel or hair dryer will help speed up the drying process. As for polishing agents, they can be purchased at almost any hardware store.

Next, the metal itself is polished. Apply a small amount of paste to a soft cloth. This is quite enough for a not very extensive surface. The paste is rubbed from both sides to the center. Not a single centimeter of surface should remain without it. Using this method, it is quite possible to bring a metal product to a mirror shine. To eliminate gaps and achieve maximum results, it is necessary to reapply the polishing agent. If you do this every six months, then all metal objects will be in perfect condition and sparkle in the sun.

You need to know that polishing precious metal requires the use of a special polishing pad made of hematite or high-quality steel. This tool is a round working part with wooden handle. You can make it yourself if you take rollers and balls from bearings. Thanks to this process, the treated surface acquires a rich shine. The polishing pad moves only in one direction, but after finishing the work is repeated in the transverse direction. In this way, metal objects gain their true beauty.

However, in order to get any metal object, metals come to the rescue, allowing you to achieve efficiency and high level productivity. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to it, as it has managed to prove its worth in practice. The plasma arc, which performs the main function, arises as a result of the use of technical gases. Argon and helium are especially popular, as they provide high-quality protection in the welding zone.