How to get your stainless to shine

[dtavres]

baby oil. wipe on buff off. cheap and water beads lovely.

Seriously? Baby oil?

So... wash, dry, squirt on some baby oil and rub it off/in? That's it?

How long does it last?
Does it pick up dust easily?
Can I put the car cover on once it's dry?

[Michael]

Seriously, try this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rockit-Oi...4FEFB3165A4586

It has nano technology which does many things. It's good at polishing babys too.

[Redsquall]

I'd like to know this as well - what is the longest lasting, shiniest and reasonable amount of work solution?
Thanks

Seriously? Baby oil?

So... wash, dry, squirt on some baby oil and rub it off/in? That's it?

How long does it last?
Does it pick up dust easily?
Can I put the car cover on once it's dry?

[FLYBOY]

Getting rid of the Grain entirely


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[Stainless]

Getting rid of the Grain entirely


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Looks like a big job! What approach are you taking to get rid of the grain on yours?

[Rich]

There's a thread about mirror-finish stainless treatment for the D with almost 70 posts in it HERE.

Initiated by Flyboy.

Looks like a big job! What approach are you taking to get rid of the grain on yours?

[Michael]

The only thing about mirror polishing is your panels need to be damn straight. No waves, no imperfections. Mirror polishing will amplify the slightest X in a hood or the smallest distortion around the mirrors or locks. It will showcase it so much that anyone who sees it will be all "Goodness! They left that one in the oven too long! Bet he got it at a discount."

[Patrick C]

The only thing about mirror polishing is your panels need to be damn straight. No waves, no imperfections. Mirror polishing will amplify the slightest X in a hood or the smallest distortion around the mirrors or locks. It will showcase it so much that anyone who sees it will be all "Goodness! They left that one in the oven too long! Bet he got it at a discount."

This. No car has flawless enough panels to pull this off perfectly.

[David T]

The main reason for the graining is that it tricks the eye so you don't see all of the minor imperfections, fingerprints, dust, etc. Keeping a mirror finish looking good is an enormous effort. That's why on elevators, escalators, and such you almost never see a mirror finish. When you do they often will protect it with a clear coat of some kind of paint or sealer. My company did a lot of public housing work and elevator work and we used grained S/S and what is called "ridigized" S/S. Kind of like diamond plate with ridges or bumps. It doesn't need paint, and doesn't corrode. Is easy to clean. On a car, having a mirror finish can make the car hard to see or a blinding light. Not exactly what you want (not very practical and very high maintenance). Last point, if you get wet leaves on it they must be removed IMMEDIATELY! They will stain the surface and it is difficult to remove. Even on a grained finish they will stain but on a mirror finish it will be even more obvious and harder to remove. It does look stunning though.

[FLYBOY]

I have NO X on mine and Front has been done for 2 years now and it’s still as shiny as ever. I do nothing to it except wipe it down (not often)
Agree it is hard work but
Kinda disagree on flaws I actually have a door that has been hit and one can barely see a simple dimple in it yes even shined mirror finish

So what’s my secret to degrain....well, I confirmed with Nicholson
Here it is:

Hard Work

So my method is:: all silicon carbide sandpaper 400 dry approx. 200 4 inch swipes back and forth then another 200 4 inch swipes with 400 grit wet sand with bar keepers friend. Then I repeat that process with 600 grit dry and then wet again then move on to the same process with 800, 1200, 1500, 2000 dry and wet!
Needless to say it is tiring
After the whole will be done I’ll do a diamond paste with 3000 but I haven’t got there just yet maybe by July I think I’ll be done.
Couple hours here and there at night.
I’ve noticed twice now if I don’t take my time with the 600 grit because it is the most critical to get out the lines then have to go back to that step and repeat everything all over.

So far spend bout 150 hours and only 1/2 done.


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