Sanding a Stainless Steel Putter

The game of golf is physical, mental and social. Maintaining a properly-cared-for set of clubs is one way to keep your equipment in check and ready for play. Whether sanding down a well-used stainless steel putter or bringing new life to a vintage piece, restoring a bright finish to a golf putter can be done at home with the right set of tools and materials.

  1. General Cleaning

    • Prior to sanding down a golf putter to bring back shine and luster, you need to remove all surface dirt by thoroughly cleaning the putter. This is an essential first step because if you start sanding down a stainless steel putter while dirt is still embedded in the fine grained crevices of the metal, you will run the risk of creating additional scratches to the club. Clean the putter by using a damp soft cloth and wiping away all dirt and debris. Go back over the putter with a clean, soft cloth to dry and remove remaining dirt and dust.

    Surface Scratches

    • To remove surface scratches on stainless steel putters, use a fine grit sandpaper found at hardware or craft stores. Run your finger over the textured portion of the sandpaper to test for roughness of the paper before purchasing or using. A fine grit sandpaper will feel just slightly bumpy and not have raised bumps. To use the sandpaper on the putter, work in small, concentric circles while buffing out the surface scratches. Stop sanding after every few inches and wipe away the dust by using a clean, dry and soft cloth. Continue sanding the putter until scratches are no longer visible.

    Polishing

    • To add an extra layer of luster to your putter, while continually removing the minute, leftover small scratches, opt for a brass or stainless steel metal cleanser. The small micro-beading particles contained within the cleanser have polishing properties which will restore shine to the putter. Apply the cleaner using a soft cloth and work the polish in to the putter using small circles. Once the entire putter has been coated with the polishing compound, remove using a clean, soft cloth.

    Shine and Sheen

    • After sanding and polishing the stainless steel putter has been completed; adding an extra layer of sheen is accomplished through buffing. A soft, dry cloth or jeweler's buffing cloth can be used for this final step in the process. Buff the putter using small circles, making sure to buff all areas of stainless steel. Once complete, place a cover over the putter for proper storage and to protect the putter against additional scratches or damage.