How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Watch?

How to remove scratches from stainless steel watches? How to remove hairline scratches from watches? You may have this concern as you accidentally bumped your treasured wristwatch onto a rough or hard surface, creating hairline scratches or dents. And yes, it is extremely stressful, especially if the wristwatch is expensive or has sentimental value to you. However, the truth is that there’s nothing to worry about.

There are a lot of options you can exercise to remove those annoying and stubborn hairline damages. Most light scratches can be treated in your homes, while some more deep scratches may need the assistance of skilled craftsmen. Nonetheless, they’re very manageable. In today’s article, I’ll help you put your mind at ease and provide you some of the best solutions in how to remove scratches from watch metal. So without any further delays, let’s begin…

• Tools You Need
• Removing Scratches from Brushed Stainless Steel
• Removing Scratches from Polished Stainless Steel
• Removing Scratches from Bead Blasted Stainless Steel
• Removing Scratches on Straps

Tools You Need

Stainless steel is the most reliable metal alloy around. They are highly resistant to corrosion and durable that could stand the test of time. This may be the case—stainless steel is very affordable. Such characteristics are the main reason why many businesses today are using them in manufacturing appliances and technological devices. They also have a unique shine that makes them excellent for jewelry and accessories.

As wonderful as stainless steel is, most of them are prone to scratches. But the good news is that they’re very manageable depending on the severity of the damage and the type of steel you are dealing with. You may bring them to the service center if your watch has a warranty. Or, if you want to know how to polish stainless steel watch at home, then there are several tools you’ll need in removing those stubborn scratches—

• Abrasive
• Two pieces of muslin and satin buffs
• Tape
• Polishing cream
• Polishing cloth
• Cleaning agent or silver cleaner
• Gloves or finger cots

However, it’s highly advisable to bring them to a trusted watchmaker or watch scratch removal service if the wrist accessory has deep scratches. This is especially recommendable if you’re using a high-end or luxury watch. Again, most expensive watches have warranties, so instead of putting the matters in your own hands, you may just have to use the warranty to prevent further damage.

Removing Scratches from Brushed Stainless Steel

The term brushed stainless steel refers to the type of metals that is processed using a fine bristle brush on a belt. And then, a non-grease compound is applied to its surface to soften the metal. Stainless steel with brushed finishes tends to be prone to uniform and deep scratches. Under such instances, refinishing these metals and the service of metal craftsmen may be necessary. A specific amount of pressure has to be applied to get the right consistency and treat the damage

So how to remove scratches from brushed stainless steel watches? There are several ways you can do to restore the original shine of your wristwatch. Let’s take a look at them—

• Use a jewelry cloth and be gentle in polishing your stainless steel watch. You may need a specialized stainless steel scratch remover for this one, like a Silver Polishing Jewelry Cleaner.
• Use a fiberglass brush during the process. One example of such an instrument is the Eurotool Fiberglass Scratch Brush.
• For deep scratches, you can find some tools you already have at home, like Styrofoam Block that’s used in nail polishing. Each block must also be three inches long. Stroke the scratches lightly using the abrasive part of the tool.

So yes, that’s how to remove scratches from watch cases. Since the surface is a bit coarse, it may take time patience before you achieve the features you are aiming for.

Removing Scratches from Polished Stainless Steel

Polished stainless steel has a finer and shinier aesthetics compared to those that have a brushed finish. Also, they’re a little bit more resistant to scratch, but their looks could become dingy and unappealing once the damage becomes apparent. The good news is that you can easily manage these damages with the help of a few compounds you’ll find near your hardware store. Here are some simple hacks on how to remove scratches from polished stainless steel—

• You will also need the help of a jewelry cloth like the Silver Polishing Jewelry Cleaner in treating the finer scratches.
• For deeper scratches, use a polishing agent like the Eagle One Never-Dull Wadding Polish in addition to the jewelry cloth.

You may also have heard of using toothpaste as a method in treating those stubborn scratches. But can it really help? Some people testify that they do work. However, there’s no solid evidence to back it up as well. Anyway, if you’re curious about how to remove scratches from stainless steel watch toothpaste, the following are some of the common processes you can use—

• You’ll need paste-based toothpaste. Prevent using gel toothpaste. And then, wipe them using a micro-fiber cloth afterward
• Unlike a polishing agent, you can only them to the scratched area
• Squeeze a tiny amount of toothpaste and rub them gently onto the surface
• Leave them for a few minutes before you wipe the toothpaste

After removing the scratches, you might also want to explore some skills for styling your watch with a bracelet. Remember, gentle and small movements are key to preventing further damage.

Removing Scratches from Bead Blasted Stainless Steel

In the process of how to remove scratches from stainless steel watches, there are some exceptions you have to take note of. As the term suggests, these are types of stainless steel that have undergone abrasive or sandblasting. Such a process is more complex when you compare them to a brushed or polished finished. Therefore, it would be best to take the accessory to your local craftsman if it needs any service. Also, stainless steel watches that are processed through sandblasting are normally expensive. With this being said—you don’t want to induce further scratches on your watches, right?

Removing Scratches on Straps

Another concern most wristwatch owners have is taking care of its accessory components like the straps, aside from how to remove scratches from stainless steel watches. Most stainless steel watch straps are made of leather, and to properly take care of them

It is important to take note of the following to treat the damaging.—

• For light scratches, you can simply use leather oil or conditioner
• If they’re deep scratches, you don’t necessarily have to seek service immediately. You can use some products first, like the Chamberlain’s Leather Milk and Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
• If needed, you can also replace the old watch strap with a new one, such as the Juntan Stainless Steel Watch Strap. 

Also, bear in mind that you have to remove the excess oil after you’re done cleaning them. This is important because some oils have some chemicals that may react in a negative way if it has stayed on the leather for long. So that’s just about it! I hope today’s topic provided you with the information you need on how to remove scratches from stainless steel watches.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel Watch

The following are some of the commonly asked questions about how to remove scratches from stainless steel watches—