Letter 4660

Buffing out scratches from a stainless steel refrigerator door 

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Hi,

Any suggestions on how to buff out scratches on a brand new refrigerator's stainless steel face? The scratches against the "grain" of the metal were made with a typical kitchen scouring sponge. My wife is going to kill me!!!

Bob Walsh
- Sonoma, CA, USA

This is not a disaster. Go to a supply store that specializes in auto paint. Buy one sheet of wet/dry silicon sandpaper starting with about 120, 220 3++ and 400 grit.

In a inconspicous spot, like near the floor, try the coarsest one , wet with water, going in the same direction as the grain. If this is too coarse, try the next finer one. You may have to lightly sand the entire door to make it look identical, but that should not take but a few minutes. Remember, you are scratch sanding, not polishing.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

Ed. note: Please also see our FAQ, "Repairing scratches in stainless steel refrigerator doors", and letter 8204 for a September 2006 report from a reader on the successful resolution of stainless steel scratches with Brasso Stainless Steel Polish and WD40.

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