Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: JeepWH on November 29, 2014, 02:20:15 PM

Title: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: JeepWH on November 29, 2014, 02:20:15 PM
Hi all, today i'm going to write a guide on how to hand polish watch cases at home. I just polished a SKX007 and very happy with the results. You can view the before condition of the watch here : http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,13901.msg119744.html#msg119744

Materials:

400 grit silicon carbide sandpaper
800 grit silicon carbide sandpaper
1500 grit silicon carbide sandpaper
Autosol metal polish
water
soft cloth
small piece of wood
magnifier

Procedure:

1) Gather all your materials

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001215_zpsba92dd0e.jpg)

2) Make a sanding block by wrapping a small piece of sandpaper on a small wood block around the size of a finger.

3) start with 400 grit sandpaper, sand the watch case in one direction. Work until all the original scratches are not visible and you have an even surface. Keep in mind the contours of the watch case. Sand lightly, this will take some time.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001196_zps84a35416.jpg)

4) now start using the 800 grit sandpaper. Again as above sand slowly but work in a slightly different angle as to the first part. For this step, wet the watch case before sanding, and keep wetting it as it dries. Work until you cannot see the marks made by the 400 grit sandpaper previously.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001198_zpse669d509.jpg)


5) Now use the 1500 grit sandpaper, and using the same method as above, working in a different direction to the last sanding.  Again, wet sand the case. sand until the marks from the previous steps are gone. You will have a quite reflective case at this point.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001203_zps369b2a47.jpg)

6) wash the case under running water. Dry properly. And now, you may start polishing using the Autosol metal polish.
Continue polishing until you achieve a mirror finish.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001210_zps5357f646.jpg)

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/WP_001209_zpsb187f783.jpg)

7) clean the case using soap and water and its done.

(http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/Jeep_watch/Hand%20Polishing/BF01_zps26a41e13.jpg)

Note: for brushed finish areas, just sand according to the original grain direction using 400 grit sandpaper.

Good luck.  :thumbsup:

(all the materials can be obtained at most hardware stores.)
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: rainbowfix on November 29, 2014, 03:49:19 PM
Great! Thanks for sharing.. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: Nutralife on November 29, 2014, 04:45:17 PM
Thanks for sharing. I was looking for this. Any idea how do we restore a brushed steel strap? 400 grit sandpaper works on all strap?
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: JeepWH on November 29, 2014, 04:50:39 PM
Thanks for sharing. I was looking for this. Any idea how do we restore a brushed steel strap? 400 grit sandpaper works on all strap?

You are welcome. 400 grit generally works on all brushed finish. However, its best that you try it on a small inconspicuous spot first to see if it matches.
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: ericys on November 30, 2014, 09:41:40 AM
Great step by step tutorial bro.
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: Calibr on November 30, 2014, 01:41:20 PM
Thanks for sharing.. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: Timeless on November 30, 2014, 02:55:56 PM
Great info!
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: JeepWH on November 30, 2014, 05:47:03 PM
Addition:

This process takes a long time, and you have to be extra patient. Work slowly and dont hurry, if not the results will not be good.
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: Spider boy on December 01, 2014, 06:45:52 AM
great info ! thanks for sharing !   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: mono on December 03, 2014, 06:30:54 AM
Thank you so much for sharing.
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: spacewalker on December 24, 2014, 06:55:42 AM
Hi. I don't know the brushed finish can be polish, may I know where to get those sand paper that you use? Can I get it from regular hardware shop?
Title: Re: How To: Hand Polishing Watch Cases
Post by: JeepWH on December 24, 2014, 07:24:01 AM
Hi. I don't know the brushed finish can be polish, may I know where to get those sand paper that you use? Can I get it from regular hardware shop?

Yup, you can get it in most hardware shops, or you can PM me, I hv alot.  :thumbsup: