Handsanding metal to mirror?

[The_Pastor]

I am new to sanding metal.
I have worked an old blade upwards through the grits, from 100, 150, 220, 320, 600, 1200, 2000.

The blade looks much better, but the 2000 grit leaves tracks in the metal, and does not give it a mirror finish.

How do I get that mirror finish on the blade, what do I use after 2000 grit?

 

[talibeard]

Usually when tracks re-appear when using a finer paper it means you didn't do it right one or more steps previously. Go back to 600 or even 320 paper and take your time. Don't use the paper dry either; when you use some grinding oil (or just olive oil) you won't create new scratches.

A nice test is to use some scotch between two types of sandpaper; when tracks appear you are not finished yet with the previous one! Good luck and patience!

 

[Undream]

After 2000, a metal polish is definitely recommended, whether it be turtle wax rubbing compound, Flitz, Maas, Mothers, etc..

Spend a decent amount of time hand polishing and it can bring that 2000 grit "haze" up to a more mirrored finish

 

[talibeard]

After 2000, a metal polish is definitely recommended, whether it be turtle wax rubbing compound, Flitz, Maas, Mothers, etc..

Spend a decent amount of time hand polishing and it can bring that 2000 grit "haze" up to a more mirrored finish

True enough but that won't get rid of re-appearing tracks.

 

[JoshD]

Look online fir a micro mesh kit. It is used in the aviation industry to remove scratches and hazing from plane and helecooter windshields. It is great on high carbon steel. It has sandpaper in it that goes up to 8000 grit. It will give a mirror finish to your blade.

Josh.

 

[mainaman]

you can get micromesh all the way up to 12k which is ~1micron size, then metal polish.
With Dremel I have gone up to 1500, then hand polish with Mother's and the finish is nice mirror with some haze from the sanding. As long as the scratch pattern is consistent and even you will get nice finish.
Another option is a tumbler with walnut media and rubbing compound, then switch to corn cob media and polishing compound. Tumbler might give you the best results in my opinion.

 

[Seraphim]

Also try using polish as a slurry while sanding with the higher grits...

 

[The_Pastor]

Thanks all:
I will look for that micromesh kit.

 

[danjared]

A nice test is to use some scotch between two types of sandpaper

I feel like alcohol is the last thing you want when handling potentially sharp things!