Removing Scratches In A Brushed Metal Finish

[Kappy]

What could be used to try and remove a few very small surface scratches in the brushed metal on the center console? I didn't know if fine steel wool would work, or would be too abrasive, and there isn't anywhere to do a test spot.

When I got the car there was some damage that looked much worse than the scratches I have now. The dealer was able to correct it, but I don't know what was used, and the work wasn't done on site.

These are stock photos, not actual pictures of the scratches.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Nissan_console.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/71439)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Nissan_Console_2.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/71438)

[jamesboyy]

If you have the real metal finish then you cannot fix those defect's you are better off replacing those part's, and yeah you could use something like a scotchbrite to try and fix the problem but you will only make it worse cause it will leave a shiny spot you see the metal is not really brushed it only look's like that from when it went through it's sanding process in the factory

[Znig22]

This is a tuff one. I would say there is no way.

[HD.Detailing]

they sell vinyl wrap in brushed metal

[BobbyG]

You could try masking the section then lightly sand with 400 or 600 grit wet dry paper. You may find you'll need to either blend the area or redo the entire piece to make it even out. Sand in straight lines, never in circles or a cross hatch pattern.

Be sure that the piece isn't clear coated, otherwise you'll have more work to do...

[Kappy]

If you have the real metal finish then you cannot fix those defect's you are better off replacing those part's, and yeah you could use something like a scotchbrite to try and fix the problem but you will only make it worse cause it will leave a shiny spot you see the metal is not really brushed it only look's like that from when it went through it's sanding process in the factory

The shine is what I was afraid of using the steel wool.


This is a tuff one. I would say there is no way.

Somehow the dealer managed to remove several scratches that were a lot worse, unless the entire console was replaced, which I suppose is possible.


they sell vinyl wrap in brushed metal

Thanks for the idea, but at this point the scratches are so minor I'd rather live with them since the vinyl might not match all the other trim.


You could try masking the section then lightly sand with 400 or 600 grit wet dry paper. You may find you'll need to either blend the area or redo the entire piece to make it even out. Sand in straight lines, never in circles or a cross hatch pattern.

Be sure that the piece isn't clear coated, otherwise you'll have more work to do...

Thanks for the suggestion but I don't think I'd want to try this unless I had a practice area. There doesn't appear to be a clear coat, but thanks for the warning.

[Crispy]

If they are real brushed aluminum they can be fixed using radial sanding discs. 3M makes a 3" one in I think it's in 100 grit (the white one) you can use on a drill . It takes a bit of fitness to get the proper finish, but it is invisible when finished. I would clear coat after to preserve and protect.