Stainless Trim

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Nov 3, 2004 | 02:26 PM

weymouth

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Stainless Trim

Stainless Steel Trim

My company manufactures parts for the household door and window industries. One of the new ‘hot’ finishes that my customers are looking for is a brushed stainless steel finish. This would be used on matching door entry hardware, sills, kick plates and hinges. The samples sent in were pieces of stainless windshield trim, with a brushed finishes. They ranged from lightly scuffed to what looked like an assault with #40 grit. It got me thinking (quiet out there!), since I really don’t like chrome…

Could I rub down my windshield and other stainless trims on the truck, with fine grit or scotch bright, to leave an even satin finish instead of the bright chrome? Of course, I know I CAN do it, but does anyone know how the scuffed trim pieces will hold up?

Nov 3, 2004 | 06:36 PM

66fdtrucknut

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From: Eastern Shore, Md.

As long as your sure it's stainless. Stainless will hold up. That scratched finish is call a #4 finish, the mirror finish is a #8, then there are varying degrees between them. You can use med.-fine scotch-brite, wet sand or both to get the desired look. Just don't use any steel based product (steel wool, steel wire brush etc.) or it will rust. I'm a welder/ fab. and work on boats for a living and work with stainless alot. I hope this helps.

Nov 3, 2004 | 08:35 PM

triton_2002

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From: South Texas

Like 66fdtrucknut said, make sure its stainless not chrome.

Nov 4, 2004 | 08:32 AM

weymouth

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OK, it's the windshield trim on an '89 F150C. Chrome or Stainless? I'm guessing that a magnet would stick to a chrome finish whereas not to stainless trim?

Nov 4, 2004 | 08:42 AM

daimon1054

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From: Broussard USA

Put a magnet on it, if it sticks it is chrome. If it is chrome and you scuff it all you will do is expose the copper underneath or give it a dull cloudy look.