Tech: Buffing/Polishing (Satin or Mirror finish)

Buffing/Polishing (satin or mirror finishes)

We are one of the few shops left that offer full-service polishing and buffing services. Experience the artistry of our hand polishing and buffing services. Our skilled craftsmen deliver a flawless finish, enhancing the shine and smoothness of your products. Perfect for automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications, we ensure superior quality and meticulous attention to detail.

Buffing and polishing are essential processes to achieve different surface finishes on metals. Typically, buffing and polishing services can produce many levels of finishing, from rougher-looking matte and satin finishes to a highly polished mirror-like surface.

Polishing services, and what each is used for:

Buffing:

This process restores the shine and smoothness of metal surfaces, including stainless steel, cast (solid) brass, copper, bronze, aluminum and others.

Process includes:

Cleaning: Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly using mild detergent and water, vapor degreasing, or other method to thoroughly rid the surface of contaminants.
Prep Work: For rough or damaged areas, we consider using a grit range of 80 to 120 to level the surface. to an even, consistent starting point. Our experts always use the least abrasive method to achieve the desired effect.

Buffing jobs require the use of buffing “kits” that can consist unique wheels and premium buffing compounds. Gradually we’ll work our way to achieve a mirror-like surface to meet a customer’s specification. Each set of “tools in the kit” is different for each job, depending on the customer’s finish specifications and needs.

Color Buffing:

Is done to enhance brilliance. Often the final stage and uses a rouge (ultra-fine) compound with a fresh untreated white airway buff to perfect the finish.

Polishing for Mirror Finish (Mirror buff):

After initial buffing, the mirror buff process requires the use of finer and finer grits in conjunction with appropriate polishing compounds. The selection of buffing compounds depends on the type of metal being polished. The result achieves a glossy, mirror-like surface on metals. This is a time-consuming process requiring highly skilled operators.

Remember, the process varies based on the metal type and desired finish. Whether you’re aiming for satin or mirror, proper buffing and polishing techniques make all the difference!

Hand Buffing and Polishing Services available from Reliable Plating

Hand buffing and polishing are essential processes for achieving different surface finishes on metals, including stainless steel.

Certain buffing and polishing tasks can be done with smaller hand-held machines, where special attention to specific surfaces is required or when we have a piece too large to be held safely against a buffing machine.

At Reliable, we also use large, stationary industrial buffing machines where the operator will hold the customer’s part against the polishing wheel. Most of our polishing operations are done by this method.

The ART of Hand Buffing:

Buffing restores the shine and smoothness of metal surfaces, creating a highly polished finish.
Process starts by cleaning the surface: We begin by cleaning the surface with a chemical cleaner or abrasive to initiate a consistent surface.
Prep Rough Areas: If the piece has significant mottling or rough edges, we will consider using a grit range of 80 to 120 to level and smooth the surface. Before moving to the next step. This step ensures we have a consistent starting surface.
Buffing process: Use of unique buffing wheels, pads, cones, and premium buffing compounds. And like sandpaper, buffing compounds have different abrasive levels. Choosing the proper compounds allows us to create the perfect finish from brushed, to satin, to a mirror reflection.
Polishing for a Mirror Finish (“Color” Buffing): For a mirror-like finish, it takes an experienced hand, and eye, to achieve the desired shine and reflectivity. Patience and attention to detail are crucial during hand buffing and polishing.