Keeping Stainless Shiny

[Dod42]

I have now got my wax for the boat and cleaner for the non-slip, sealant for the teak, etc, but I am looking for a recommendation for what to use on the stainless to keep it protected and shiny.

What works, and maybe what doesn't. I don't want to spend forever polishing, but it is a nice new boat and it would be nice to keep it looking that way.

Ideas?

[delmarrey]

Stainless scratches easily so good luck with what ever you decide on. To keep it like a mirror it takes strong chemicals or a lot of elbow grease with rouge/polishing compound.

There are several good products out there that will remove rust that starts to form on the surface. And the more acidic the better it works. Even lemon juice and an electrical charge has good results. But that's taking it to extremes.

It's just like that new car, just keep'r up until the glamor wears off then it's time for just general maintenance and you'll still be happy. nothing lasts forever.

[Dod42]

Is there anything like a "Stainless Wax" that seals and protects?

[robert sailor]

There are all kinds of products for SS including using a standard paste wax but nothing beats a good fresh water rinse after each sail. If you are talking about SS before/after long passages, thats a different subject.

[delmarrey]

A good car wax would work if you keep after it in short order. The problem being is when one polishes SS it blackens and that gets on the gelcoat. Taping off edges gets old real fast.

Anything that is out in the weather takes a beating, with the exception of window glass. But even that, in time , takes a toll.

This is the stuff I use with good results.>>> http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Rest...s=3m+stainless

[laika]

I've found my best results with Collonite #850 and #845.

Here's probably a daft question, but what's the lifetime for decent quality 1' SS tube that's kept up and not allowed to rust or pit? At what point does keeping the exterior nice and shiny start to just hide rust and weakness on the interior walls?

[robert sailor]

Good quality stainless steel kept clean above the waterline and open to oxygen will last indefinitely.

[katsumi]

We use Purple metal polish, works well. Bit hard to find here. Also Autosol or Flitz for stubborn marks use bronze wool if you can find it.

[BriaF]

Have you considered PAINTING it ?
I know I can hear the laughter & cries.

Nyalic is a clear coat designed to protect raw metals !!!!
It has a life span 5yrs plus
Clear coat uv resistant will not yellow
Will hose or wipe clean leaving a gloss finish
May not last this long on handrails ?
Also good for paint or gelcoat.
Extends the life of paint by protecting it.
Easy to apply
Fairly expensive
In my opinion worth it
Don't believe me GOOGLE it

May I suggest that NOW is the best time to do this
While your boat is new
Do the all the gel coat as we'll
You won't have to pay people to polish it
Just hose and wipe down

PS No connection or interest in this product
Except as a user of NYALIC

[Prairie Chicken]

The stainless on our 26-year old Beneteau has always been well maintained & still looks great.

[donegalbreeze]

I use a stainless steel polish and finish apply this leave it to dry and buff it off with a dry cloth. finish the stainless steel off with a cloth with a very light coating vesalene on it . I do this twice a year
john

[Vasco]

For the last few years I've been using spotless stainless. It's easy to apply and works well. No effort. And it passivates (whatever that is )
Home - Spotless Stainless Removes Rust, Protects Stainless Steel

[casual]

Bar Keepers Friend will remove rust marks . How to prevent them from returning is the big question I have not been able to answer in 40 years.

[indodream]

You can achieve a mirror polish effect with Autosol. Rub it with a cloth or a toothbrush to reach difficult spots, like screws or rigging threads.
I tried several products during the years, i find also effective the 3m Gelcoat restorer wich leaves a protection film on the steel after you buffed it.
So far Autosol seems to be the best, consider we have to polish a 72 ketch with lots of steel few times over the season...
I wouldn't use anything too abrasive or aggressive if the SS is new...
Enjoy your polish time!

[1affiah]

Flitz metal polish works well for small areas, also, Mothers makes a line of polishes and special buffing tools for auto wheels. What ever you do, don't use anything such as steel wool, steel wire brushes, sand paper or emery cloth previously used on steel, etc.
Anything with carbon steel or cs residue will imbed particles in your stainless and bleed rust streaks.
Larry