Removing Scratches - The Firearms Forum

Bubblehead · 02-06-2011, 11:02 AM

I have a stainless steel S&W 686 revolver. I have some scratches in the side plate cover and was wondering if they could be removed by polishing, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

John

gunplumber · 02-06-2011, 12:16 PM

If it's brushed SS you might use 4-600 paper with hard backing to remove the scratches unless they are real deep. I have done that to several SS guns.

johnlives4christ · 02-06-2011, 02:17 PM

if your gun is polished but not high polished use some course synthetic steel wool through progressively finer synthetic steel wool then use some buffing compound on a soft mop, or by hand with a t shirt. use progressively finer compounds until the finish you get matches the finish on the rest of the gun. if you go to far and make it too shiny all you have to do is go back to the previous stage

Shooter45 · 02-06-2011, 02:43 PM

Go lightly with a green Scotch Brite pad.

Helix_FR · 02-06-2011, 06:01 PM

I've done entire guns with the same deal. 1000 grit wet sandpaper and then use a low speed buffer with stainless rouge. Do not get heavy on the buff, it will gaul the finish. Smiths have no particular buff pattern so change the angle frequently so it looks like the original finish.

02-06-2011, 11:02 AM	#1
Bubblehead V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pioneer, CA Posts: 480	Removing Scratches I have a stainless steel S&W 686 revolver. I have some scratches in the side plate cover and was wondering if they could be removed by polishing, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, John __________________ There are only two types of ships: Submarines and Targets. -->

02-06-2011, 12:16 PM	#2
gunplumber V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 370	Re: Removing Scratches If it's brushed SS you might use 4-600 paper with hard backing to remove the scratches unless they are real deep. I have done that to several SS guns.

02-06-2011, 02:17 PM	#3
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Removing Scratches if your gun is polished but not high polished use some course synthetic steel wool through progressively finer synthetic steel wool then use some buffing compound on a soft mop, or by hand with a t shirt. use progressively finer compounds until the finish you get matches the finish on the rest of the gun. if you go to far and make it too shiny all you have to do is go back to the previous stage

02-06-2011, 02:43 PM	#4
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: Removing Scratches Go lightly with a green Scotch Brite pad.

02-06-2011, 06:01 PM	#5
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,624	Re: Removing Scratches I've done entire guns with the same deal. 1000 grit wet sandpaper and then use a low speed buffer with stainless rouge. Do not get heavy on the buff, it will gaul the finish. Smiths have no particular buff pattern so change the angle frequently so it looks like the original finish. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com