How to Remove Clear Coating From Stainless Steel

Stainless steel isn't exactly stainless. Its chromium oxide coating resists "staining" such as rust and tarnish better than most metals. Certain environmental conditions such as salt air, however, can strip the chromium oxide away. A clear coating helps to put a barrier between the stainless steel and its environment. If the clear coating is no longer necessary, the right solvent will help you strip it away.

Thick rubber gloves
Acetone
Sponge
Bucket
Hose
Liquid detergent soap

Instructions

- 1
  Put on your rubber gloves.
- 2
  Moisten a sponge with acetone.
- 3
  Scrub the stainless steel to remove the clear coat. Keep a bucket of clean water nearby. Rinse the sponge as it accumulates dissolved clear coat. Wring it out, apply more acetone and keep scrubbing. Repeat until all of the clear coat is scrubbed away. For the best results, scrub from top to bottom, then make a second pass. This will give the acetone some time to dissolve the clear coat before you scrub again.
- 4
  Rinse the stainless steel with a fresh sponge and a bucket of cold water or a hose if possible.
- 5
  Scrub the stainless steel with a sponge and soapy water then rinse again.

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