Stainless steel can be different. After all, it consists of several different metals. The basis of stainless steel is iron, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, and this is not the whole list. Resist the corrosion of this steel helps chrome, which is also present in its composition.
What prevents steel from rusting
When chromium interacts with oxygen, a protective film forms on the surface of stainless steel, and it is this that protects the alloy from the effects of an aggressive environment.
The degree of corrosion resistance of steel will depend on the amount of chromium.
For example, in the manufacture of refrigerators, an alloy with an average chromium content (10-17%) is used. But if the device is constantly in contact with water or subjected to temperature stresses, then an alloy with a high chromium content of up to 26% is used here. Such appliances include washing machines and dishwashers, sinks, cooker hoods, hobs and kettles.
Where can I polish?
In order for the alloy surface to be beautiful and even, you need to polish the stainless steel. Nowadays, there are many companies whose specialization is this particular procedure; they tidy up various products from this alloy. But, it turns out, you can polish stainless steel at home.
Of course, if you need better work, it is better to turn to specialists for help. For example, a polished square stainless steel pipe will look much more effective after factory processing than after home.
Any company that specializes in polishing will easily perform this procedure.
How to handle steel
How to polish stainless steel to a mirror shine? Here is a list of everything you need:
- polishing paste;
- circles of felt or felt;
- wood glue;
- grinding wheels with different grit;
- sandpaper or stone;
- Bulgarian.
The main stages of the process
The process takes place in several stages. First you need to perform a rough cleaning. Further, a circle with a fiber base and an angle grinder are used. But just this procedure can be skipped, provided that the surface of the product is already quite smooth.
Grinding wheels follow. The surface needs to be processed several times, while each time the size of the abrasive should decrease.
If there are no such circles, then they can be done independently. To do this, you can use a felt circle or felt. With a spatula, it is necessary to apply carpentry glue to it, and then rub it on the abrasive chips.
This operation will make the surface of the steel perfectly smooth. In no case should roughness remain. After polishing it will be much more difficult to close them.
At the next stage, polishing paste and felt wheel are used. Here it is better to consult a specialist, since a specific paste is needed for a certain brand of alloy. Of course, it is best to use diamond, the grain of which is suitable for the metal intended for processing. Finishing polishing is carried out until there is not a single visible defect left. A polished stainless steel pipe should look just perfect.
Stainless steel in everyday life
No kitchen is complete without stainless steel appliances and interior details. This is not surprising, since it is this alloy that is sufficiently strong and durable, especially since it does not need special care. Of stainless steel, dishes, cutlery and stoves are often made, since this metal has a sufficiently high thermal conductivity.
But there are some drawbacks to the stainless steel: with regular use, it noticeably dims. The kitchen is losing its luster. In order to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to periodically polish the stainless steel. There are many different ways to solve this problem. An important point in this procedure is the correct selection of polishing agents for stainless steel.
When cleaning steel products, in no case should you use bleaching or abrasive products. Also, do not use metal sponges and brushes with hard bristles.
There are several alternative polishing methods.
Olive oil
This method is just for those who are thinking about how to polish stainless steel at home. Tarnished dishes again begin to shine, like new. You only need oil and rags, it is desirable that they are from a soft cloth.
- First of all, you need to moisten a rag with oil.
- Using this fabric, it is necessary to apply oil to the product so that it is completely covered with an oil film.
- Then you can proceed to polishing, tightly pressing the oiled rag to the metal.
- To prevent steel from becoming dull again, excess oil is removed with dry towels or napkins. They need to rub the surface until the product is completely dry.
Flour polishing
For polishing metal products, you can still use flour. With its help, it is good to process flat surfaces, such as a sink or pan.
- The product is sprinkled with flour, so that there are no gaps at all.
- Flour should be distributed evenly.
- Using a dry cloth, polish the surface in circular motions.
- Further, the flour is very easy to remove from the surface.
Mechanical way
Some devices and fixtures have hard-to-reach areas. This is where the question arises, how to polish stainless steel to a shine. There is a way, but you will have to spend a lot of time and make every effort.
You need to get a piece of felt and abrasive paste. Apply a paste to the fabric and polish the surface until the metal becomes bright and shiny.
Chemical polishing
Most often, this method is used when you need to clean small items. The main thing is that polishing takes a little time and is done very simply. Below are some recipes for solutions.
Recipe 1
It is important to observe proportions. Composition: 230 ml of sulfuric acid, 70 ml of hydrochloric acid, and 40 ml of nitric acid. The rest is water.
For one liter of solution, you need another 5 g of sodium chloride, 5 g of acid black dye and 10 grams of wood glue.
The resulting liquid must be heated to 70 degrees Celsius and lower the part there. The product can be left in solution for a maximum of half an hour.
Recipe 2
Orthophosphoric acid will be needed, it should be 20-30 percent of the total volume. Hydrochloric acid (3-4%), nitric (4-5%), methyl orange (1%). The rest is water. The solution should be at room temperature, keep the product in it for no longer than 10 minutes.
Recipe 3
The acid content is indicated per liter of solution. Acidic orange dye - 25 g, sulfuric acid - 230 g, hydrochloric acid - 660 g. Heat the liquid to seventy degrees and keep the metal in it for no more than three minutes.
Polishing rules are given below:
- Metal must be cleaned well before polishing. Then place the product in the solution. It should be remembered that only distilled water can be used here.
- During the procedure, the solution must be constantly stirred, only in this case the chemical reaction will take place 100%.
- When the right time has passed, the part is removed and washed well with running water. After this, the product must be well rubbed with a cloth soaked in polish.
After this treatment, all roughness is eliminated.
It is not enough to polish the stainless steel correctly, it still needs to be cleaned regularly.
Sink cleaning
Often spots remain on the sinks - this is a calcareous coating. It is very easy to remove with acetic solution. Dilute the acid one to five and wipe the surface with it, and then rinse with running water. To give the metal a bright shine, the surface must be rubbed in a circular motion.
Plate cleaning
There are spots from sauces, fat and burnt food. They will have to be cleaned with a special tool for polishing steel. Be sure to remove the tena before cleaning. Polishing agent is best used after wearing gloves. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns on the skin of the hands. After the procedure, it is advisable to rub the surface well with a dry cloth.
Hood cleaning
This is not an easy task. But quite doable. In order to prevent dirt and soap from staining the stove, it is better to cover it with newspapers or old towels.
To clean the hood, you can use a specialized tool or prepare the solution yourself. You will need bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice and water. The product must be rubbed gently so as not to damage the surface. It is enough that the solution remains on the hood for several minutes, after which it must be washed off with clean running water. Next, you need to polish the surface well with a dry rag. After this procedure, the hood will shine like new.