Chemical polishing of SS

[toolman]

Does anyone know if you can chemically polish stainless steel (via dipping or spraying)?

The reason I ask is because I’m considering building a set of custom running boards with a top surface made out of SS “expanded” metal. You know the plate with the diamonds punched out then slightly twisted. I would like to have a polished finish to match the polished sub-structure.

Just need to find out if it can be done and if so, who can do it.

Thanks,
Eddie


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01 3500 QC, 4x4, ETH, 6sp, 4. 10 LSD, Loaded and blacked out
Isspro Boost/Pyro, Magtec, BD exhaust brake, Rhino liner
Custom gooseneck hitch/air spings

 

[gitchesum]

I just got a price of $320 for a set of running boards just like your describing. They're not SS but carbon steel, they could be chrome plated. They might give you a price break if you don't get them painted.

 

[LandShark]

Use grade 316 stainless steel. It tarnishes less than most other grades.

I lived on a yacht for 12 years and found that 316 required only 'touch up' a couple times a year, but other grades (318) required heavy duty cleaning monthly. I used 'Ospho' (phosphoric acid) which is available at most hardware stores.

 

[Bob Wagner]

high grade stainless steel can be electropolished commonly known as passivation

[This message has been edited by Bob Wagner (edited 01-16-2001). ]

 

[Bill Lins]

How about aluminum? Any way of chemically polishing it?

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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

[Little Bill]

I've used Palmetto Plating in Easley, SC, for electro-polishing stainless extruder parts. I was happy with the results. The part is set up as a sacrificial anode in a bath of sulfuric/phosphoric acids. The cathode is just mild steel. A low voltage DC current of 2-5 amps per square inch of part surfave is applied. The anodic reaction oxidizes the surface metal of the part to ions, which move toward the cathode. This process does aa excellent job of removing burrs and sharp edges, in addition to polishing the part. The polished appearance is different from what you would expect from mechanical polishing. If you go this route, I would suggest test polishing a piece of scrap expanded s/s before polishing the fabricated part, just to be sure you like the results.

This process only works on stainless steel. Anodizing aluminum has similarities but the oxides are left on the part to form a hard, protective coating.

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2001 QC SLT SWB ETH 6SP JRE Spa Fabritech Practical Solutions

 

[toolman]

Thanks all!

This is the exact info that I needed. Time to make some calls to local platers to determine capabilities and pricing.

Eddie

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01 3500 QC, 4x4, ETH, 6sp, 4. 10 LSD, Loaded and blacked out
Isspro Boost/Pyro, Magtec, BD exhaust brake, Rhino liner
Custom gooseneck hitch/air spings