Removing scratches from metalwork

[dirtbag]

Hi - I have picked up a Werder Lightning rifle
Looking closer at some parts I can see that someone at some stage has been at it with some sandpaper.
I can see horizontal scratches across the rear site base and the reciever.
There are not many nor deep, but they bother me !

I am just wondering if there is a safe way to reduce these scratches please ?

Thanks

[greenshoots]

depending on finnish i use a set of womens file boards to remove scratches on my watches steel bracelet brings it up as new a set of 3 can be had for a £1 theres a couple of how does on web

greenshoots

[Les]

You can try increasing grades of wet-or-dry paper, starting at 600 then 800 > 1000 etc.

[WelshShooter]

You can use fine paper and wet it (I have used 1,000 grit SiC paper wetted, works fine) and finish off with 0000 steel wool. But I think we need to see the extent of the scratches you have and if it's worth doing the aforementioned. Has the metal been treated, e.g. painted, blued? If it has, then you could possibly end up making the finish look worse. Polishing abrades the surrounding material to reduce/remove the perception of the scratch, so that's something to keep in mind.

[dirtbag]

You can use fine paper and wet it (I have used 1,000 grit SiC paper wetted, works fine) and finish off with 0000 steel wool. But I think we need to see the extent of the scratches you have and if it's worth doing the aforementioned. Has the metal been treated, e.g. painted, blued? If it has, then you could possibly end up making the finish look worse. Polishing abrades the surrounding material to reduce/remove the perception of the scratch, so that's something to keep in mind.

Hi pictures attached, I have added a coat of perma blue to see if it hides it, not really.

[greenshoots]

if you have already gone at it with perma blue you have nothing to lose have a go at it

greenshoots

[dirtbag]

Thanks all very much for your help.

Had a go and managed to get the scratches out by the methods you suggested.
The pictures don't really do justice, as I am gradually changing the sandpaper, and just need to finish off with the wool.

Looks much better than it did.