If you have some stainless steel jewelry that could use a little polishing. In this article, I will teach you how to polish stainless steel jewelry to a mirror finish. It’s straightforward to do and only requires a few simple supplies. So, whether your jewelry is new or old, please give it a fresh shine by following these steps!
Stainless steel is a type of steel combined with chromium and nickel. Since it’s made from a blend of these two metals, it has properties that make it ideal for use in jewelry. For example, stainless steel jewelry doesn’t tarnish or rust easily and is less likely to irritate the skin than other metal types. Also, because stainless steel is quite malleable, jewelers can shape this material into durable pieces without much difficulty.
A Detailed Guide on How to Polish Stainless Steel Jewelry to a Mirror Finish
Method 1: Using Toothpaste
What You Will Need:
- 400 to 1000 Grit Sandpaper
- Toothpaste, baking soda, salt, or any other abrasive compound
Step 1:
The first thing you want to do is start by sanding the ring with 400 grit sandpaper until it’s smooth. Sand in small circular motions and continue until all of the grime from your fingerprints gets washed away.
Step 2:
Now, get a cotton cloth or an old t-shirt and grab your toothpaste. In a circular motion, apply the toothpaste to the ring and polish it. Use a cotton cloth to speed up this process to go over it quickly. Continue doing so until you have a bright shine on your stainless steel jewelry. If any scratches are left behind using this method, repeat step one using 800 grit sandpaper instead of 400 grit sandpaper. Finish step 3 after completing step 1 or 2.
Step 3:
Now that you have a shiny stainless steel ring, it’s time to protect it from rusting and blackening. Get a cotton cloth and apply some clear nail polish for jewelry to the ring until your stainless steel ring is completely coated in it. This will help prevent any air from oxidizing quickly. You can also use clear nail varnish instead of regular clear nail polish if you want a more robust coating on the ring.
Method 2: Using Baking Soda
What You Will Need:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Water
Step 1:
Using baking soda and water, create a thick paste. Apply the paste over your stainless steel ring and scrub the ring vigorously to remove any dirt or grime. You can also use toothpaste instead of baking soda if you would prefer. Rinse off the soap with warm water and allow it to dry out completely. Repeat step 1 if there are still any fingerprints left behind.
Step 2:
Once your stainless steel ring has wholly dried, dip a cotton cloth into some rubbing alcohol or vodka and gently wipe away any remaining baking soda on the jewelry. This step ensures that all of the chemicals from your homemade solution have been removed from the ring.
Step 3:
After that, apply some clear nail polish to the stainless steel ring and allow it to dry completely before wearing your jewelry again.
Method 3: Using Dish Soap
What You Will Need:
- Stainless steel jewelry
- Dish soap (recommended: Dawn dish soap)
Step 1:
Get a cotton ball or cloth and apply some dish soap onto it. Rub the stainless steel ring with the detergent until it becomes covered in soapy bubbles. Don’t allow the jewelry to sit in the water for too long, as this will cause streaks to form instead of a smooth shine. Rinse off any remaining soapy residue using warm water and dry it with another cloth. Repeat step 1 if there are still any fingerprints left behind.
Step 2:
Dip your finger into some household oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil, then gently rub it over your stainless steel rings until they’ve become completely coated in a thin layer of oil. How long you should leave the jewelry in the oil is dependent on how large or small your jewelry is, so make sure to follow these time guidelines:
- A quarter-sized drop of oil should be enough for 2-3 rings. If your ring is more significant than a quarter, then adjust the amount according to its size.
- For bracelets and necklaces with multiple links, you will need approximately one teaspoon of cooking oil per 4-5 individual pieces.
Step 3:
Using a cotton cloth or old t-shirt, gently wipe away any remaining cooking oil from the stainless steel jewelry until there are no streaks left behind and they shine brightly as before! Repeat step 1 if there are still any fingerprints left behind.
Method 4: Banana Peel
What You Will Need:
- A banana peel that has some brown spots on it but is not entirely withered
- Rubbing alcohol or vodka
Step 1: Gently wipe your stainless steel ring with some banana, covering the entire thing in the natural oil inside the peel. How long you should leave your jewelry in depends on how large or small it is, so follow these time guidelines:
- A quarter-sized drop of oil should be enough for 2-3 rings. If your ring is more significant than a quarter, then adjust the amount according to its size.
- For bracelets and necklaces with multiple links, you will need approximately one teaspoon of cooking oil per 4-5 individual pieces.
Step 2:
Allow your jewelry to sit in the banana peel for up to 15 minutes, depending on its size. When the time limit has been reached, take your jewelry out and rinse it off under some warm water. How well this method works for your piece of jewelry is very dependent on how long you allow the banana peel to sit on the surface. If you want a darker shine, repeat step 1 with a fresh banana peel.
Step 3:
Finally, dry your stainless steel ring using a cotton cloth or old t-shirt, and you’re good to go! Repeat step 1 if there are still any fingerprints left behind.
You Can check it Out to Prevent Hair Dryer from Tripping Breaker
Conclusion
If you want to keep your stainless steel jewelry looking its best, follow these simple methods on how to polish stainless steel jewelry to a mirror finish to achieve a mirror finish. By polishing your jewelry regularly, you can protect it from scratches and tarnish and ensure that it looks great for years to come.
