Polishing Trim Question

[swirlygirls]

Hi all. The metal trim around my table is shiny trim except where it's grungy and scratched. I want to polish it up but the fine wire brush I've used on exterior trim takes away the "shiny." What else can I use for this? I imagine there's nothing I could use that would both take away the scratches and leave it shiny but I hope I'm wrong. Thanks in advance for your sage wisdom.

[schweetcruisers]

You have to remove the scratches first, which dulls the surface. Then you have to polish to restore the shine.

[universalexports]

I would hit the scratch with some fine sandpaper, 600 grit or so, then 0000 steel wool,

you should really try steel wool, it will both polish and shine and is quick, I was very suprised at my results, then hit it with a drill and buffing wheel with polishing compound for a mirror finish. but if the scratches are deep I would use sandpaper first.

here are a couple of examples of things I have done. steel wool is certainly amazing.

[pathfinder3081]

Be careful throwing the power tools to this stuff. I would say first, do the 10 minutes scrub with some steel wool and "turpentine".
If you have some deep scratches your gonna have to learn and live with them or replace the whole thing. IMO
Once you get a nice shine with the wool and turpentine I really don't' think that other will notice.. Besides, scratches and wrinkles add a little character.

[johnv]

If you decide to just replace the trim, and you also have Amazon Prime, you can get a nice 8 foot piece of trim for $19 shipped:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSIJEE/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00

This is what we used on our countertop and the dinette table.

John