Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Field restoration of stainless steel #4 brush finish damaged by transit

August 11, 2008

I am looking for advise on how to restore a #4 brush finish on the door of an electrical control panel made of 304 stainless.

We made the mistake of shipping these units without any protective barrier between the styrofoam sheet packing material and the stainless cabinet. There must have been some weight on top of the package during transport across country the weight and vibration created an ugly appearance ruining the #4 brush finish. The finish now looks like the bumpy surface of styrofoam sheeting.

This was proven by doing an accelerated test using a vibratory sander and a piece of styrofoam. Within 5 minutes we had minor damage to the finish very similar to the damage created during shipment.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to restore that finish?

JOE SMITH
FABRICATOR OEM - HAMBURG, Pennsylvania, USA

Wide Belt Sander
on
Amazon

(affil links)

Hi, Joe. Try wetting the stainless steel and seeing what it looks like. If the appearance is satisfactory when wet, meaning that the dull burnishing is thin, often a clear coat like Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] can make it right. If it doesn't look good wet, I think you need to take the doors off and have someone local redo them with a Timesaver (large belt sanding machine).

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 12, 2008

adv.
Faded siding or trim? Everbrite might fix it without repainting

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: