Newbie stainless questions

[mrwhittle]

I'm making some parts out of 16 gauge (.0595) 304 stainless. They are about 3" wide and 15 " long. After polishing, they seem to get scratched very easily. Would there be any noticeable improvement in scratch resistance if I went to 316 stainless?

Also, is there a particular type or brand of coating I need to put on these immediately after polishing?

I appreciate any help you can give me!

Thanks,
Martin

[pickleboy]

Re: Newbie stainless questions

from my limited knowledge of metalurgy there is almost no difference in abrasion resistance between the 2 alloys you listed. there is mechanical property differences such as the amount of alloy materials. also 304 is common in general industries, and 316 is used more in lab and food industry. as for a coating, what are you trying to accomplish. most s.s. when polished will hold the shine indefinately unless scratched. if you just want luster then wax with a good quality wax or flitz polish.

[mrwhittle]

Re: Newbie stainless questions

pickleboy

I appreciate the information. As far as the "coating", I'm just wanting to put
something on them to keep fingerprints from showing up so bad. Do you think
a paste wax would be better, or does it matter?

Thanks,
Martin

[pickleboy]

Re: Newbie stainless questions

the best protection would probably be from flitz polish. it will seal and if finger prints show up they are easily buff off. in answer yes a paste wax would do fine also, i like turtle wax extreme.

[mrwhittle]

Re: Newbie stainless questions

Thanks again pickleboy, I'll try them both.

Martin