How would you buff this?

[KingOfUproar]

So a buddy of mine gave me this piece of metal work:

 

Long story short his wife didn't think it was as cool as he did and she said no go for it being in the house. Lucky me. Now what I am planning on doing is polishing it, then clear coating it and putting it on a piece of wood painted black to hang it by and make it contrast. But how would you guys go about getting the bit of rust off of it and giving it a good finish. I figured with this kind of being somewhat polishing related you guys might have some suggestions 

 

I think what I am going to try is scotch bright pads, possibly on the drill if I can find an adapter, I also have a metal polishing attachment that goes on the drill but that could take a lot of work being that the piece is about 3 foot by 2 foot. And another idea I had was using a metal brush/ brush cup attachment for my drill and polishing it with that. After I think I will be using a metal polish and then clear coating it to prevent rust in the future. 

 

I am open to suggestions to try and see what I can make look best so I can get this piece hung up in my man cave. Thanks in advance!

 

 

[1911A1]

If you want it shiny you can use progressively finer abrasives and go as far as you like.Or scuff with a scotchbrite pad to get a satin finish.Another easy way to get a cool finish on metal is to use a rotating pad of some sort,the scotchbrite you mentioned would work well.With the disk spinning touch the piece in about 50% overlapping spots until you cover the whole piece.You can go in even rows or just randomly.gives sort of a spot finish.Try whatever you decide on an area on the back first to see if you like it.Be careful around the fine details with a machine that it doesn't catch and bend a piece.

 Have fun 

Edited August 14, 2017 by 1911A1

[falcaineer]

Never used them, but why not Metal Polish #1 and #2 with MF pads?

 

 

And you didn't necessarily ask, but what about adding some LEDs between the metal and (planned) black background? 

[Chonke]

Looks like the anterior dorsal fin has a big scratch. Everything else should be able to buff out with some elbow grease, even the surface rust. However, if adams metal polishes dont work, id try a big box store brand instead. Ive noticed they are more abrasive, then you can finish off with metal polish 2 if you want. But definitely start off with metal polish first and work your way up to the scrubbing. 

 

They also sell scratch kits that are made to buff out scratches on sinks and similar stainless steel appliances. Those might work too. 

 

Keep in mind that the larger the pad, the more prone it will be to get damaged by the metal. Id use 4" pads on a drill attachment. 

 

 

Also, im not sure what type of steel you have, but make sure if you coat it, you use something designed for your metal. Some clears can trap in moisture or oils and make it rust from the inside. Even if its stainless steel. I think theres a special chemical they coat all the marine steel and hardware in pools with, but im not sure what it is. 

 

And lastly, depending on how you mount it to the wood, remember that wood contracts and expands. So keep that in mind if its a really snug fit. Make sure to post some pics of the progress.

[KingOfUproar]

Thanks everyone! I went with a matte finish and I bought a lot of supplies before starting but only used a couple. The scotch brite pad took and gave me the finish I was looking for. After the scotch brite I took compressed air to it and cleaned it all off. After that I put mineral spirits on a rag to get rid of any finger prints then dried that and clear coated it.

 

This picture is when I was waiting for the mineral spirits to get completely dry:

 

I have 3/8 inch spacers that I am going to put around it to give a bit of a shadowy look between the board and the steel. And I am still torn between a super dark stain, or a matte black paint for the backer board.

 

Progress is being made, and I think it is looking pretty good so far. I am hoping to have this all finished by this weekend! I will be sure to keep this thread updated.

[Chonke]

How about like a dark walnut stain? That way it keeps the wood grain patterns that paint would hide. Just an option, but either way will look nice!

[KingOfUproar]

How about like a dark walnut stain? That way it keeps the wood grain patterns that paint would hide. Just an option, but either way will look nice!

 

I think I decided last night that I am going to take a torch to the wood and give it a kind of charred look, while keeping some of the grain in it. I have a dark walnut stain on a table and it wasn't quite dark enough, but I think this will look really good if I can do it correctly. 

[Rich]

Very nice.  Looking forward to seeing the finished product. 

[Chonke]

How about like a dark walnut stain? That way it keeps the wood grain patterns that paint would hide. Just an option, but either way will look nice!

The torch will be pretty cool. Ive never done that, but ive seen some projects that look really good. Does it need a layer of protection over the burns or does it just stay that way?

[KingOfUproar]

The torch will be pretty cool. Ive never done that, but ive seen some projects that look really good. Does it need a layer of protection over the burns or does it just stay that way?

 

I think I will torch it and spray a coat of matte clear coat over it just to make sure it stays protected.  

[KingOfUproar]

Just a quick update on this for those who care   I got the backer board for it cut last night, torched, and stained. I had to do the stain because the 2 colors contrasted too much. All I have to do now is get the hangers on the board, and get the steel screwed to the wood. I am excited to see this on my basement wall in the next day or two! 

 

This was with just the wood burned:

 

And after the stain:

 

And lastly a preview of what the two will look like together:

 

I cannot wait to get the steel screwed to the wood with the spacers. I think that the depth will give it some great dimension and shadowing.