Common misconceptions regarding metal polishing | Limat | 04.12.09


There are various methods for polishing metals and some are more effective than others; but there is, however a tendency to generalize the different methods, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

Perhaps the most common misconception is that stainless steel is at no risk of corrosion. While stainless steel is rust-resistant to a degree and takes longer to corrode or chip, it can be damaged by other metals or exposure to extreme temperatures . For this reason, stainless steel too must undergo polishing, with electrochemical polishing – or electropolishing – being the most effective method.

A second misconception is that all polishing methods are equal – i.e. produce the same results. Different polishing methods use different tools and materials in order to create resistance to oxidation and corrosion, to strip away grime etc. The differences in the methods' execution leads to varied polished results. 

Polishing protects the metal's finish. Wrong. While the advanced methods of metal polishing offer surface and finish protection, some polishing methods may result in premature surface corrosion. Polishing metals using substances such as ammonia may cause cracks on the metal's surface, making it more vulnerable and causing it to lose its luster. That is where  electrochemical polishing makes the most pointed difference when it comes to stainless steel: unlike other polishing methods, which deliver short-term results, electropolishing actually prolongs the lifespan of stainless steel surfaces.

Another common error is the belief that polishing metal should be done using creams instead of liquids. Extensive testing has proved that using liquids for electropolishing is far more effective; and while cream-based electropolishing leaves small fissures across the metal surface, all liquids leave behind is a thin layer of dust that can be easily cleaned. 

The final and most common misconception is that polished metal surfaces must be sealed. Sealers, lacquers and varnishes tend to lose their color over time, as well as crack or become porous, especially if the metal is exposed to moisture. In stainless steel, the electropolishing process renders the need for any varnish obsolete, as it keeps the surface shiny and protected against corrosion.