Polishing Stainless

[DLeeHarley]

Is there a "best" way to polish a stainless steel frame & slide? I think I have the gist of it including using a pane of glass or something similar to do the sides of the slide. And just polishing in one direction too. But if'n you've learned something the hard way, please enlighten me so I don't follow in your footsteps. Please Thanks, Later

Dennis in Idaho
"Keep your Powder Dry & your *** Down!"

 

[chief38]

I would suggest Simichrome followed by Flitz and follow the direction of the "grain". Keep flat surfaces flat and use only a cotton rag or old tee shirt. Wipe off often to check the results unless you want a mirror finish.

Before doing any polishing I would completely disassemble the pistol to avoid getting polish in all the nooks, cranny's and internal crevices.

Some DON'TS are :

* Do not use power tools.
* Do not rush.
* Do not go in multiple directions.
* Do not use a very abrasive compound or polish.

I personally like a satin stainless finish, but that's just me of course. I only polished one gun in all the years and that's because it was so scratched and nicked up from years of carrying I could not look at its ugly face anymore.... LOL!! It came out fine and I stopped before it became a mirror finish, but was satisfied with the improved face lift.

 

[jepp2]

Is there a "best" way to polish a stainless steel frame & slide?

It is all personal preference. My preference is the factory finish. Why? Polishing will reduce the value of your handgun, not enhance it. Minor flaws and defects will thed to be magnified and you can't get rid of them.

But if you are sure you want to proceed, the guidance of chief38 is an excellent starting point. Depending on your surface, you can always start with very fine wet/dry sandpaper. I'm talking like 1500 as the starting point and going up to 3000. Stay away from the 600 or more coarse grits. And avoid rounding sharp edges.

 

[WhitleyStu]

My stainless Colt Gold Cups that I used for competition used to get a lot of scratches in the factory brushed finish. I would put a Scotch 3M fine pad on a flat surface then put a straight edge on the 3M pad. Then move the slide along the straight edge and the same for the frame. When doing the frame I would remove the grip bushings. You can get a very nice finish this way or even move to 3M "Wetordry" paper which comes in a wide variety of grits.

 

[Fast-Eddie]

Mother's.....

 

[bassoneer]

I would pay more for a highly polished gun - to each his own. My preference for a revolver is highly polished stainless steel. Easy to maintain and they look great with just a little Renaissance Wax. Best Wishes, B

 

[cobretti]

Mother's does work well on stainless, then finish with Renaissance wax.