Say Goodbye to scratched stainless

Written By Archie Wilson

How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel: A Beginner’s Guide

If you own a yacht, work as a deckhand, or simply love everything about yachts, chances are you’ve come across an annoying scratch on a piece of stainless steel. While there are plenty of methods to fix it, not all require expensive tools or expert skills. In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple, beginner-friendly technique to restore your stainless steel without the need for power tools or fancy machines. Let’s get that flawless shine back!

What You’ll Need:

  • Wet & dry sand paper (80, 120, 240, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000grit)

  • A bucket of water

  • Rags

  • Sanding block (depending on the surface)

  • Autosol polish (or other metal polishing compound)

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Start by cleaning the area you want to repair. Use water and a rag to remove any dust or dirt, ensuring a clean working surface. Keep the area wet throughout the process this helps reduce friction and prevents further damage.

Step 2: Start Sanding

  • If the scratch is deep, begin with a lower-grade sandpaper (e.g., 80, 120, 240).

  • Sand in a back-and-forth motion, always following the direction of the surface.

  • Keep the sandpaper wet at all times to prevent heat buildup and additional scratching.

Step 3: Work Your Way Up

  • Once the scratch has been removed with the lower grade sandpaper, move to a higher grit (e.g., 400, then 600, and so on).

  • Repeat the process, ensuring each new sandpaper grade removes the scratches left by the previous one.

  • Continue sanding progressively up to 3000-grit for the best results.

Step 4: Polish to Perfection

  • Apply a small amount of Autosol polish to a soft cloth and buff the area in circular motions.

  • This will remove any micro-scratches left by the 3000-grit sandpaper and restore the shine.

Step 5: Inspect and Repeat if Necessary

  • If scratches are still visible after polishing, go back to 3000-grit sandpaper and repeat the process.

  • Continue polishing until you achieve a flawless finish.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove scratches from stainless steel and maintain a sleek, polished look. This method is simple, yet highly effective—perfect for yacht owners, deckhands, or anyone looking to keep their stainless steel in top condition.

Tips and tricks

  • Only go back and forward do not go in circles.

  • Make sure the surface is kept wet throughout the process.

  • Spend more time on the lower grades to ensure all scratches are removed.

  • Works best on marine grade stainless.

  • Use a block sander if it is a flat surface.

  • Don’t rush it be sure to remove the scratch at the lowest grade.

Archie Wilson