Polish Stainless Steel Countertop with 120, 600, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Stainless steel countertops can lose their sleek appearance over time due to scratches, stains, and dulling. This guide shows how to restore shine using a sanding sequence of 120, 600, and 3000 grit sandpaper for a professional-grade finish.

Why This Method Works

120 grit removes deeper scratches and imperfections. 600 grit smooths the surface and blends repair areas. 3000 grit produces a reflective polish-ready finish.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 120 grit (100-pack), 600 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (100-pack)
• Rubber sanding block or orbital sander
• Spray bottle with water + mild detergent
• Microfiber towels
• Metal polish (optional)

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Remove major scratches. (100-pack)
• 600 grit: Refine and smooth surface. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Polish to a satin-reflective finish. (100-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep the surface. Clean the countertop thoroughly with mild detergent and water, then dry.
2. Initial sanding. Wet sand with 120 grit sandpaper to remove deep imperfections and level the surface.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 600 grit sandpaper to remove coarse sanding marks and blend repairs.
4. Final polish sanding. Use 3000 grit sandpaper in straight passes for a satin or semi-gloss finish.
5. Optional metal polish. For a mirror finish, apply stainless steel polish after sanding.

Special Considerations

Always sand in the direction of the grain to avoid creating visible cross-scratches.

Pro Tips

• Use consistent, even pressure when sanding to avoid low spots.
• Change sandpaper when clogged to maintain cutting performance.
• For curved edges, hand-sand with a flexible backing pad.

Aftercare

• Wipe spills quickly to avoid staining.
• Use cutting boards to prevent new scratches.

FAQs

• Can I skip 600 grit? No—600 grit ensures the transition between coarse and ultra-fine sanding is smooth.
• Will 3000 grit make it mirror-like? Yes, especially with a follow-up polish.
• Is wet sanding necessary? Yes—it reduces friction and prevents metal overheating.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and bring your stainless steel surfaces back to life.