How to Remove Scratches and Polish Stainless Steel Jewelry?
Waterproof Stainless steel jewelry is durable and doesn't tarnish easily, which makes it a popular choice. However, it can get scratched and lose its shine over time, especially if exposed to chemicals. In this blog, we'll show you how to remove scratches and polish your stainless steel jewelry to keep it looking great. The links provided below are for products I use in my business and trust. I may earn a commission if you purchase from them.
Removing Surface Stains
Soap and Water For light dirt or water spots, just use a soft cloth with a mix of dish soap and water. Wipe down your jewelry, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Removing Minor Scratches and Stubborn Stains
Baking Soda and Water For small scratches and tough stains, you have a few options:
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
- Non-Gel Toothpaste
- WD-40 (a little bit)
Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub your jewelry in circular motions until the scratches or stains are gone. Always rinse and dry your jewelry when done.
Removing Deeper Scratches and Brushed Finishes
Sandpaper For deeper scratches, you'll need to put in a bit more effort:
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Sandpaper: Start with 600 grit sandpaper soaked in water. Once the scratch begins to fade, switch to 800 grit, then finish with 1200 grit. This smooths the surface and prepares it for polishing. Always sand in the direction of the grain on the metal.
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Make sure to sand the entire piece evenly to avoid uneven surfaces. Once the scratches are gone, move on to polishing.
Polishing Stainless Steel
After removing imperfections, you'll need to polish your stainless steel jewelry to restore its shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials Needed:
- Stainless Steel Buffing Compound: Make sure it's specifically for stainless steel. I recommend this affordable one from Klutch.
- Rotary Tool: I use the Dremel 8220 (updated version 8240).
- Felt Polishing Pads: The ones from this kit work well.
- Microfiber or Soft Terry Cloth: I buy in bulk, but these are similar.
Polishing Steps:
- Clean the Jewelry: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove any dirt.
- Prepare the Rotary Tool: Attach the felt polishing wheel and set the speed to 10,000 RPM.
- Apply the Buffing Compound: Turn on the rotary tool and dip the felt pad into the compound until saturated.
- Polish the Jewelry: Guide the tool over your jewelry without applying too much pressure. After polishing, use a soft cloth to wipe off excess compound and reveal the shine. Repeat if necessary for a perfect finish.
Polishing stainless steel jewelry might seem tricky at first, but with the right tools and methods, it's easy to keep your pieces looking new. By handling minor and major scratches, your stainless steel jewelry will always shine and impress. Follow these steps, and your jewelry will stay beautiful!