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Q&As since 1989


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Stainless Steel -make it looked more brushed

I have Stainless Steel and I am using it as a backsplash in my kitchen. Problem is it has the mirrored effect and I want it to looked more brushed, how can I do that?

Thank you,

Dana Patterson
- Romeoville, Illinois, USA
2004

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2004

A large percentage of the cost of such materials is attributable to the finish, Dana, so the answer is really that you should buy the material with the finish you want.

Theoretically you can make a brush finish with sandpaper, but the average homeowner will not have the skill or patience to do that. And there is also some possibility that the stainless steel has some kind of clearcoat finish on it that would be ruined by sandpaper. Experiment on the backside or a piece of scrap if you wish and if time hangs heavy, but it would probably be more practical to hunt for the finish you want.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Instead of sandpaper, why not try using Scotch-Brite from 3M. Scotch-Brite pads can be bought in 5 x 7" sheets and would do a good job. Try practicing on a small area to see what the effect is.

Daryl Spindler, CEF
decorative nickel-chrome plating - Greenbrier, Tennessee
2004

I played around with a used stainless steel toaster I picked up for $3. I first used a mid grade finger nail filing pad. I brushed softly in one direction. It left some streaking so I went over it with very fine smoothing emery or filing cushion. These filing pads come in different grades. They are rectangular so they last forever.I am so amazed at the results. It's addicting. Hope this helps.

she redden
- new orleans, Louisiana
August 23, 2011