How to Polish Metal

Metals are often selected for their aesthetic appeal as much as their mechanical properties, and a little extra shine can go a long way in enhancing their overall appearance. In these cases, the metal needs to be polished to attain the desired look. But how exactly do you achieve that desired gleam? There are several different ways to polish metal and certain considerations that need to be evaluated prior to selecting a polishing method. Let’s get started learning how to polish metal pieces into stunning showstoppers!

Why Polish Metal?

Polishing metal is often done for aesthetic reasons. Polishing improves the surface quality of the metal and makes it more lustrous, which is often desired for display pieces or artwork. This is often accompanied by buffing the metal, which leads to a true mirror-like finish.

Another reason for polishing metal is to remove surface contaminants for critical applications. Polishing achieves this by eliminating the variations and contaminants on a metal surface. Even if not visible to the naked eye, unpolished metal surfaces are full of these variations and contaminants that can be undesirable in certain situations.

Polishing can also reduce the risk of corrosion by reducing the size and number of crevices on a metal surface that could promote corrosion. In metallurgical evaluation, metals are often polished because it is the best way to observe their crystal structures, discontinuities, and defects under a microscope or other observation device.

How to Polish Metal?

The polishing process typically starts by rapidly rubbing a metal surface against a coarse grit abrasive material. Once a metal has been polished thoroughly by a specific grit size, the process should be repeated with a finer grit size. This repetition is performed several times until the desired level of polish is achieved.

The abrasive material used on the polishing wheel depends on the material type and its hardness. Softer metals like copper and aluminum may require silicon carbide for polishing, whereas harder materials like alloy steel may require aluminum oxide. Often, a liquid is used during the polishing process to prevent excessive heat due to friction from occurring.

How to Polish Bronze Metal?

To polish bronze metal, you will need a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, mild dish soap, and a bronze polish specifically made for metal. Mix the dish soap with warm water in a bucket or sink. Gently wash the bronze object with soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the surface.

After you have washed off any dirt or grime, rinse the object with clean water and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Now, it’s time to apply the bronze polish. Squeeze a small amount of the polish onto another clean cloth or sponge and rub it onto the bronze surface in a circular motion. Continue rubbing until you notice the tarnish starting to lift and the metal shining through.

How to Polish Galvanized Metal?

​To polish galvanized metal, you will need a soft cloth, white vinegar, water, a mild detergent, and a metal polish designed explicitly for galvanized metal. Begin by wiping the surface with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt or debris. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution. Dip the cloth into the solution and gently scrub the metal in circular motions. This will help remove any stubborn stains or built-up grime.

Next, rinse the metal with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Be sure to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming. Once dry, apply a small amount of the metal polish to the cloth and buff the galvanized metal in circular motions. This will help restore its shine and protect against future tarnishing. Finally, wipe off any excess polish with a clean cloth.

Ways to Polish Metal

The simplest way to polish a metal is to apply the abrasive material to the metal surface by hand. However, this is generally not an efficient solution for large-scale polishing operations and can cause a lack of quality and consistency. To be more efficient and enhance quality, the rubbing motion during polishing is usually done by mechanical methods. There are several tools that can be used to do this. One way is to mount a polishing disc to a handheld power tool like a drill or angle grinder. Another way is to use a belt sanding machine. Lastly, in metallurgical applications, polishing is usually done on special pieces of equipment known as polishing machines that are essentially turntables with abrasive papers attached to them. Whatever method is used, the abrasive material is continuously changed to finer and finer grit sizes until the polish is satisfactory.