Best Scratch Protection - Stainless Steel Barrel?

[Phil3]

I have two rifles with a brushed semi-gloss finish. One barrel is shown in the link.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/99P6AmyLUmPQav8w8

Stainless scratches soooo easily, despite being as careful as I can. I know the rifle is to be used, but is seems very vulnerable. Is there any coating or treatment I can do to improve scratch resistance? I like the stainless look, but if it it has to be a color, I can do that.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[geraldgee]

This is just an off-the-wall suggestion as I not aware of anyone ever trying this nor have I thought through the potential pitfalls, but is seems
to me that the wax used on bowling alleys would be pretty hard and provide a nice shine.

Good luck with it.

 

[NickB1075]

Cerakote, clear?

Nick

 

[JRS]

Cerakote, clear?

Nick

Cerakote shows scratches. Though it is not a paint, it's a coating. ROBAR would be the place to go.

 

[Toolbreaker]

Is there any coating or treatment I can do to improve scratch resistance?

Just for maintaining, 000 or 0000 stainless steel wool & a little oil? I use exta fine scotch-brite and WD-40 on one of my stainless barrels. It leaves a fine brushed (non-polished) finish.

 

[Phil3]

Just for maintaining, 000 or 0000 stainless steel wool & a little oil? I use exta fine scotch-brite and WD-40 on one of my stainless barrels. It leaves a fine brushed (non-polished) finish.

I tried using fine steel wool, but perhaps too fine, as it made no difference. I read it is unwise to use steel wool on stainless as bit of the steel wood can embed in the stainless and then rust, staining the barrel. Some metallurgical sources confirmed this. Stainless steel wood or Scotchbrite is recommended.

Did you hand rub the barrel in the direction of the barrel or perpendicular to the axis?

Phil

 

[cdhbrad]

I tried using fine steel wool, but perhaps too fine, as it made no difference. I read it is unwise to use steel wool on stainless as bit of the steel wood can embed in the stainless and then rust, staining the barrel. Some metallurgical sources confirmed this. Stainless steel wood or Scotchbrite is recommended.

Did you hand rub the barrel in the direction of the barrel or perpendicular to the axis?

Phil

Try “synthetic” steel wool, I use it to remove scratches from my Titanium framed bike that has a brushed finish. I have done the same with some of my Stainless barreled rifles. Try it on the underside of the barrel covered by the stock to get the look you want.

 

[Toolbreaker]

I tried using fine steel wool, but perhaps too fine, as it made no difference. I read it is unwise to use steel wool on stainless as bit of the steel wood can embed in the stainless and then rust, staining the barrel. Some metallurgical sources confirmed this. Stainless steel wood or Scotchbrite is recommended.

Did you hand rub the barrel in the direction of the barrel or perpendicular to the axis?

Phil

Length-ways, breech to muzzle. That seems to make the finish more consistent when doing it by hand.

It's not a very good photo, but my photographer isn't worth beans, either.

Edit: I can still see the factory finishing in the photo, but I had to really look close to see it on the barrel itself. I really need to fire that photographer...

 

[Phil3]

Length-ways, breech to muzzle. That seems to make the finish more consistent when doing it by hand.
View attachment 1064516
It's not a very good photo, but my photographer isn't worth beans, either.

Edit: I can still see the factory finishing in the photo, but I had to really look close to see it on the barrel itself. I really need to fire that photographer...

Thank you for sharing the photo. What color or grit Scotchbrite did you use?

Phil

 

[Phil3]

Cerakote shows scratches. Though it is not a paint, it's a coating. ROBAR would be the place to go.

I checked out ROBAR. That looks like a good way to go. I intend to find out more about this. Thank you for telling me about them. - Phil

 

[Toolbreaker]

Thank you for sharing the photo. What color or grit Scotchbrite did you use?

Phil

The gray pads. I'm not sure what Scotchbrite correlates the grit size to. If I had to guess, it would be around 400 or so.