Exterior Stainless Steel Panel Refinishing + DIY Metal Ceramic Coating

netcatz99

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I am currently trying to fix my narrow section of the door panels like this, I followed your instructions with the custom pads. I can’t seem to get some of the shine off one of the doors. Do you use a random orbital for this or a straight rotary?
I used the random orbital attachment that came w/ the Flex polisher. Use a clean maroon pad as it's lower grit. If you're not able to take the shine off... it may be a clogged and/or a higher grit pad.

Can you post up a picture of the area that you're trying to fix? Thanks!
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I used the random orbital attachment that came w/ the Flex polisher. Use a clean maroon pad as it's lower grit. If you're not able to take the shine off... it may be a clogged and/or a higher grit pad.

Can you post up a picture of the area that you're trying to fix? Thanks!
so it is hard to justify from a picture, but if you can tell it has a little bit of a shadowy tint/gloss on the surface. I did the other door afterwards and it turned out completely fine. i could’ve potentially over buffed it or something? what pattern do you buff it with and how fast do you have it?

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so it is hard to justify from a picture, but if you can tell it has a little bit of a shadowy tint/gloss on the surface. I did the other door afterwards and it turned out completely fine. i could’ve potentially over buffed it or something? what pattern do you buff it with and how fast do you have it?

image.webp
I used medium speed setting on the flex polisher and made slow steady passes. What kind of pads are you using? Did you clean the pads or have spares?
 

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I used medium speed setting on the flex polisher and made slow steady passes. What kind of pads are you using? Did you clean the pads or have spares?
I made custom 7447 (maroon) /7448 (grey) pads with velcro like yours.

first, I lightly hand buff the surface in circles with a piece of maroon pad, then buff with the maroon using orbital, then the grey using orbital.

I may need to change the pads out more frequently while doing this? The front panel looks completely fine so I would assume maybe the pad has just been too dirty. I do worry about overdoing it, what are your thoughts on that?
 

netcatz99

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I made custom 7447 (maroon) /7448 (grey) pads with velcro like yours.

first, I lightly hand buff the surface in circles with a piece of maroon pad, then buff with the maroon using orbital, then the grey using orbital.

I may need to change the pads out more frequently while doing this? The front panel looks completely fine so I would assume maybe the pad has just been too dirty. I do worry about overdoing it, what are your thoughts on that?
Since the pads are small, they can easily get clogged. Try washing them or use a new one. If the maroon pads aren’t working, may need to step down to a 3m tan pad which has lower grit and then go back to maroon ones to have a consistent finish. Make sure you aren’t putting a lot of force on the polisher… let the pad do its thing.
 


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does this work?

Since the pads are small, they can easily get clogged. Try washing them or use a new one. If the maroon pads aren’t working, may need to step down to a 3m tan pad which has lower grit and then go back to maroon ones to have a consistent finish. Make sure you aren’t putting a lot of force on the polisher… let the pad do its thing.
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Yes, make sure you tape up/protect the trim and areas you don't want sanded.
after multiple attempts, I just cannot get this right, it just ends up looking scratchy at the end every time. The polisher could just be way too fast? I tried every variable of options. Do you run the polisher across back and forth or in just one direction? I appreciate all your advice thank you!
 

netcatz99

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after multiple attempts, I just cannot get this right, it just ends up looking scratchy at the end every time. The polisher could just be way too fast? I tried every variable of options. Do you run the polisher across back and forth or in just one direction? I appreciate all your advice thank you!
I run it back and forth in that small area @ slow to medium speed. After using the tan pad, step down to maroon and run a couple passes till you see less scratches and then finish off w/ the grey pad.

Can you share some pics after using the tan pad?
 

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I run it back and forth in that small area @ slow to medium speed. After using the tan pad, step down to maroon and run a couple passes till you see less scratches and then finish off w/ the grey pad.

Can you share some pics after using the tan pad?
This is what it looks like currently after trying a full round with the tan pad first… then just now tried another round of buffing with maroon and grey pads.

I can restart again with the Tan pad first then show you a picture it you think its ok for me to continue trying this


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netcatz99

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This is what it looks like currently after trying a full round with the tan pad first… then just now tried another round of buffing with maroon and grey pads.

I can restart again with the Tan pad first then show you a picture it you think its ok for me to continue trying this


IMG_7264.webp
No need to go back to tan, keep using the maroon till the surface is less scratch and then finish off with the grey.
 

netcatz99

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Then step down to grey to remove the maroon scratches.

What kind of polisher are you using?
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