Letter 12146

Refinish scratched stainless appliances 

The newer appliances, stove, have a fine brushed stainless steel finish running in one direction. How do you remove a scratch running across the grain of the finish?

Ronald Raff
- Millbrae, California

Scratches in a stainless steel finish are impossible to remove. I work with pharmaceutical quality finishes all day every day. The people who do the grinding are VERY skilled. They can repair damage to their own work and can make it almost invisible but repairing some one else's finishes is very hard. They must match the grit of the original abrasives perfectly or it shows. After they have removed the scratch the new buffing line or grind lines will be clearly visible and you will not be happy with the result. My advice to you is to live with it. The repair will probably be worse than the scratch.

John Holroyd
- Elkhorn, Wisconsin

I am answering my own question for those who are interested. I first sprayed 409 cleaner on my Thermadore ranges stainless. I then used a Scotchbrite pad I bought at Cosco. It was dark green in color. I applied pressure and only went in one direction following the grain of the stainless. The hardest scratch was across the grain, but with repeated rubbing, in one direction, it came out. You can't tell where it was. I constantly cleaned the Scotchbrite under running water and kept the stainless wet with 409. I hope this helps someone.

Ronald Raff
- Millbrae, California

I was cleaning my stainless steel dishwasher and scratched the surface with one of those "scrubbie" sponges. How can I buff it out?

Tina Reed
- Richland, Washington

Ronald Raff of Millbrae is a genius. I had 4 bad scratches- followed his instructions to the letter and voila! perfect finish! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Kathy Santaa
- San Mateo, California

I polished a scratch on my brand new stainless steel doors with Flitz [link is to product info at Amazon] polishing cream for metal and fiberglass. While the polishing cream removed the scratch, the stainless steel now appears darker/shinier in color than the rest of the door. Flitz recommended rubbing the area with alcohol or fingernail polish as their product can leave a coating on the finish. I tried their recommendation with no success. I also tried polishing the entire door with their cream to balance out the spot but had no success. Any advice?

Corine Peterson
homeowner - Tustin, California

I have a Bosche stainless steel dishwasher (no warranty) that has a streak running vertically down the front due to some kind of spill ( I don't know what). It appears to be etched and I haven't been able to remove with white vinegar. Any suggestions?

Julie Corty
consumer - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bosch polished stainless- not grained, how do you get the polished look back after dull scratching. Other questions refer to "brushed" stainless finishes...my problem is I was trying to remove an pencil eraser size of gook and rubbed it with a green scotch brite. It looks as if I removed the glossy finish. Any suggestions for repair? Twinkle polisher/cleaner does not replace the satiny shine. Help!

Lynette Miller
consumer/interior design - Goshen, Connecticut

Just chiming in to agree- my husband just used the 409 and Scotchbrite pad method on our Stainless Steel fridge and it worked brilliantly! Being the focal point of our kitchen, we were really bummed when our toddler took a nail file to it and completely scratched the surface. They're all but gone now! Thank you so much!

Kimberly Elliott
- Brooklyn, New York

Smudge free stainless steel appliance. I have a Frigidaire smudge resistant range and I discovered a scratch on it. Is there a way to remove the scratch without having to replace the whole top panel?

Gail Silveira
consumer - Quakertown, Pennsylvania

I am from the UK and recently purchased a AEG Fridge Freezer with stainless steel doors. A friend thought that she was helping by using a green sponge scrubber to remove a circular 'Frost Free' label from the center of the top door thus leaving a large scratched area. As this appliance was to be the focal point in my kitchen I am very upset. I am wondering what is 409 cleaner and the UK alternative to this product Please any proven suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you as I await replies.

Jacquie Ann Warner
mentor coordinator - United Kingdom

I am also in the UK and curious to know where I can get some 409 and scotchbrite pads - help!

Amanda Jane Collinson
- Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Please note the reference to 'SMUDGE-FREE' finish on their Stainless steel appliances. This detail suggests that there is a CLEAR COAT protective finish over the doors and therefore can not be repaired using additional abrasive process as suggested by scotchbrite pads. The earlier reference to Scotchbrite usage would have referred to a NON CLEAR COAT finished surface. Please don't use this process on SMUDGE FREE or similar referenced surfaces as this will only aggravate the damage.

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

I am a Brit abroad and, for my English friends looking for advice on 409 and scotchbrite; 409 is a liquid kitchen cleaner - try an all purpose kitchen cleaner like Mr Muscle or Flash (not cream) with a sponge pancleaner. Scotchbrite pads are actually sold in Tescos. I haven't tried the tip yet but will at the weekend so let me know how you get on!

Jayne
- Pennsylvania

Can you tell me how well the Scratch-Be-Gone would work on blending in the repaired area with the rest of the finish on my KitchenAid refrigerator? The finish appears to be a short random grain pattern, rather that the longer straight line pattern. Would I have to do all of the front to make it match? The finish has no clear-coat and is real stainless.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Gerry Cala


P.S. Is there anywhere I can buy this product in Rochester NY?

Gerry Cala
Consumer - Rochester, New York

I was going to ask the same question about STAINLESS STEEL SCRATCH-B-GONE.

I tried the Scotch-Brite pad on my GE Profile fridge with not so great results. The strokes must be perfectly straight or they don't match and I gave up when it looked like I was making it worse and the scratches were still there.

Any advice about STAINLESS STEEL SCRATCH-B-GONE would be appreciated!

Samantha Matlock
- Danville, California

Samantha, our Scratch-B-Gone kit does just what it says it will do. Our tool comes with a handle grip tool which helps you keep your motion straight. But the results, as in any attempt, depend on the operators care and precision. The Scratch-B-Gone kit for Stainless steel is the recognized leader in helping the do-it-yourselfer repair any 'real' brushed surface of Stainless steel. Take you time and watch the enclosed video in the kit and you should be successful. Thanks for asking, Barry Feinman, inventor

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

I tried to buff out a couple of scratches near the edge of my brushed stainless (Kitchenaid) range and seem to have exposed a rose or copper coloured layer. I was able to match the short brushed strokes with techniques described in this post but now have a worn edge and small pit of this rose colour. Any idea what is causing the colour layer?

Sam Allix
furniture restoration - Victoria, BC, Canada

Sam did you use a chemical during the process and/or use a red colored abrasive pad. This could be a chemical reaxn or color transfer.

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

Hello Everyone,

I just got a brand new dishwasher, and when we were taking it out of the box we used a utility knife to cut the box open. It left a deep 1 inch scratch on the front of out brand new dishwasher. Does anyone have any suggestions to help to remove this! I would appreciate any information!

Thanks

Cassie Yaros
Student - Valparaiso, Indiana

I purchased a used Stainless Steel LG Dishwasher. It had a few scratches and line clear across the whole front where something had been rubbing. I got it for a really good price for this reason. After the successful comments about 409 & Scotch Bright Pad I tried it and it worked pretty well! I can see that it left the finish slightly uneven, but WAY better than it was before. Thanks for the suggestion! I didn't really try very hard, I just wanted to get that "rub line" out. I might try a sanding block with the Scotch Bright Pad for more even pressure. I think that would eliminate the unevenness. I also think that keeping it moist with something (409 in this case) is key. I would NOT try this method without some kind of moisture.

Joe Ronnel
- London, Massachusetts

Is there a way to remove light scratches in the surface of stainless appliances that have a clear coating ("smudge proof") ?

Luke Flynn
builder - Summerville, South Carolina

Hi Luke, sadly there is no resolve as of yet for scratch damage to 'coated' and synthetic surfaces. These models include but not limited to GE's 'Clean Steel'; LG's 'Titanium'; Whirlpool's 'Satina' and all those sold as 'clean- free', 'fingerprint-free', or similar. At this time I recommend a good paste auto wax with Carnuba will remove 'white' film look resulting from surface scuffing.

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

Hello! We have all Kitchen Aid appliances in our home and in a cleaning frenzy last week, I accidentally used 409 to clean the front panel of the stainless dishwasher, which appeared to have removed some of the finish, leaving swirl marks that I cannot get to even out. Is there any product that I can use that will make the stainless look perfect again? Thanks for the help!

Crystal House
student and homeowner - Las Vegas, Nevada

Hi 5 months ago I purchased Westpoint stainless steel refrigerator but couple of days ago I saw two scratch lines in front of the door. I am very sad . how can I remove the scratches and also I recently bought Westpoint stainless steel microwave oven outside and inside stainless steel anyway I don't know what came to me but as I was cleaning the inside I accidentally used sponge but the wrong side of the sponge which left the base scratches now I every time I open it I see a handful of scratch front of me which angers me ... can you give me ideas of how I can get rid of those scratches?
I live in Cyprus so what brands can I use
thanks,

FAYE THOMES
housewife - CYPRUS

In attempting to remove those annoying water saving and electricity usage stickers from my new Bosch dishwasher I have succeeded in making some vertical scratches as well as a dull patch in the shape of one of the stickers. I have investigated Scratch-B-Gone, which states that it is for use on brushed stainless steel (like my dishwasher). I have tried to clarify with Bosch. The will not endorse the product and have told me not to use it, but have offered no other suggestions. The door is apparently stainless steel, but there is some clear coating (though the door is not finger print resistant). Has anyone else had any success with removing scratches from a Bosch dishwasher?

Nikki Kyle
Hobbyist - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I have a brand new stainless steel sink with mirrored finish on the top where the faucet and dishwasher vent sit on. Unfortunately our dishwasher air vent cap has leaked ever since we installed the built-in dishwasher, not continuously, just when the dishwasher drains a few different times throughout the cycle. We are left with a mirrored finish around the air vent cap that is somewhat white and has all kinds of scratches that are white. I tried stainless steel magic and stainless steel wipes with paper towel and scrubbing as hard as I can, but it only removes a little bit of the white. I'm assuming this damage is caused by the corrosiveness of the dishwasher detergent. What can I do besides buying a whole new sink? (The sink is on an island dividing the kitchen from the dining room and is the focal point of the room.)

Nancy Hintz
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Hi, Nancy. The vent is supposed to let air out, but to seal if water tries to get out. Problem #1 is that your dishwasher air vent doesn't work. You need the plumber to repair/replace it before you consider the refinishing options that are discussed here. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

Hi Nikki, I am sorry that Bosch has not been able to help you with this problem and am most disturbed that the call center folks you probably talked to directed you away from Scratch-B-Gone. This is just another example of ignorance and lack of effort of someones part. In fact many service and sales professionals at Bosch including their North American Service Dir. recommend and support SBG. Many of their sales reps carry our kit for use on dealer calls. I have personally conducted sales training with their company. The problem is that these companies are so big that one group doesn't know what the others are doing. Just spoke to Bosch yesterday and they will be reviewing SBG for future introduction. SBG is now recommended, sold or used by GE, Subzero/Wolf, Dacor, Viking, KitchenAid Outdoor Kitchen, and soon with Fisher & Paykel and DCS. Readers: Please don't let anyone tell you otherwise especially when they don't have an alternate solution. As to your issue, YES, SBG will fix this with your help!!. Thanks for asking about us.

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

Nancy, sorry to hear your situation. As to repairing the numerous scratches on your mirrored finish, this is part of the problem having a bright finish, it is delicate to abrasive cleaners and the infamous 'green pad'. Each will scratch this area quicker that you say *%$#! That said, the only way to repair this is by employing speed. A polishing wheel on a drill head and compounds WILL fix this. As a service company, we have fixed this many times. Call for directions. One thought for you, due to the delicate nature of this attractive surface, many of our customers have use our Scratch-B-Gone to put a grain into the surface which becomes more forgiving for future cleaning. Just a thought. Best

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

I had some bad scratches in a hairline stainless steel range from my dog. A Kitchenaid Architect II. I used the 409 and scotchbright pad. I worked great! You have to be careful not to apply too much pressure in one spot. Keep the pressure even across the pad. Some of the deep scratches are still visible from an angle but it looks 100 times better. Almost like new.

john peterson
- New York, New York

My Jennair stove top was scratched by our housekeeper, who apparently didn't know what abrasive pads would do to it. I can't find the original paperwork, so don't know if it has any kind of finish, but that seems moot at this point, especially around the burners. Any suggestions?

Carole Lee
- Fontana, California   opt  

Hi Carole, Sorry to read of your troubles with scratch pads but Don't Despair. Scratch-B-Gone has worked hundreds of times to remove the very scratches you are describing and render a like-new result. Please see our website for many testimonials about the same. By the way, SBG also removes heat discoloration and lacquering from cooking risers as you mention. A peice of advise to all you who own Stainless appliances: Always Follow The Grain When Cleaning! Best of luck

Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc Carlsbad, California

August 24, 2009 Awhh. I wish I would have seen this page before. I too have a brand new GE refrigerator with the "coated finish." I had a magnet slide down the front and make a 6 inch scratch. I first tried the scothbrite pads causing it to only be worse, I then tried the Revere strategy and that faded the color. So now I have a "White J" carved into my new refrigerator. Is there any hope to getting the scratch out or my original color back? I saw in January of 2008 there was not a solution yet to coated stainless steel. Is this still the case? I even tried buying stainless steel paint, but it was far too light in color so I removed the paint. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Mike Degner - North LIberty, IA United States September 25, 2009 I have a two year old Kitchenaid fridge and dishwasher. Too many different stainless cleaners were tried in an attempt to take off smudges and finger marks. We used everything from vinegar, baby oil to sprays from Lowes. Maas, the famous polish people, offered a spray cleaner(petroleum distillate) that is supposed to keep the factory finish which I tried and it is now a real mess with lines running down the front and odd bright spots here and there. There are no scratches. Maas recommended that I wash with Dawn, rince well several times and then try their product again. The internet suggested half ammonia and half water. I fear trying the 409/Scotch Bright as I have no scratches. Any one out there had any luck getting back the original finish. Gad I hate Stainless Steel. Never, ever again! Elsa Boynton - Baltimore, Maryland October 8, 2009 Voila! Success at last. Good ole' WD-40 [link is to product info at Amazon] to the rescue. One friend uses Zep for stainless with great results and the other swears by WD40 ( petroleum distillate so take heed and caution). I had that so went to work and can't believe I have my brand new dishwasher and fridge back. No more lines, streaks, swirls, light scratches, smudges, discolorations-no "nothing". I just sprayed some on a microfiber cloth and lightly rubbed with the grain. I gently went back over with the dry part of the cloth. I am so happy and relieved as stainless is truly beautiful when it looks right. I no longer fear it. Elsa Boynton (returning) - Baltimore, Maryland

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