Removing light scratches on a brushed case

[CamB]

Anyone have any advice on what to use? I have a couple of scratches around the lugs of a brushed case. What would you use to smooth them out?

[Seriously]

Scotchbrite pad (of suitable ferocity)

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_f...brite&_sacat=0

[scottjc]

Super fine diamond paste applied with a cotton bud.
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[geoffbot]

Anti-scratch spray

[Der Amf]

Super fine diamond paste applied with a cotton bud.
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Do you then have to be careful to follow the grain of the original brushing?

[scottjc]

Do you then have to be careful to follow the grain of the original brushing?

Yes, but if you only rub very lightly then it shouldn't be a problem.
To be honest it brings a frightening amount of grime off the surface so you'll probably continue over the whole watch.

[Rusty]

I have used the purple and grey one with good success on bracelets.
I personally would be careful using it on a case as it is hard to get it right. It's easy to round off corners, it won't look the same as the other lugs, You end up having to do the rest of the case. Oh the horror!
Depends on the watch too, It works well on my Oris TT1 as you can get straight runs on the lugs and its a big tool of a watch.
I would not go anywhere near a Rolex case or like.
Bright sunshine will show up mistakes terribly.
Just my thoughts though.
Rusty

[CamB]

Super fine diamond paste applied with a cotton bud.
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What micron level are we talking here ?

[Nokie]

If using diamond paste, I would stick to a high number (Less abrasive first), like 2.5-3.5 microns and work you way down to something more abrasive like 1.00 or .50 if needed, etc.

If using a scotchbrite pad, again start with a milder to fine finish like a grey or white pad, and work your way down to a purple or green pad if you need more abrasion.

The golden rule when correcting stainless steel, paint, plastic, exotic metals, etc is always start with the least abrasive compound first and if that does not work, move on the the next most abrasive compound and so forth....

The biggest mistake most make is trying to use something too aggressive on the first try, when a medium to fine grit would produce the same results.

Lapping with diamond paste requires a few passes usually to begin with, using even steady pressure and smooth overlapping strokes that ALWAYS go with the grain of the metal.

My other hobby is car restoration and trim and stainless correction uses the exact same procedures and methods that you can use on correcting 316L stainless on most watches.

[scottjc]

What micron level are we talking here ?

I use 1.0-0.5 micron, 20,000 mesh diamond paste.