The key to successful mirror polishing lies in systematically reducing surface roughness through progressive refinement. This requires moving sequentially from coarse abrasives to fine polishing compounds—a process demanding precision at each stage, not haste.

Gather these materials before beginning:

• Wet/dry sandpaper in multiple grits (120, 240, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, and 2000 grit)
• Polishing compounds (coarse, medium, and fine grades)
• Polishing wheels (cotton buffing wheel and wool pad)
• Safety equipment (safety goggles, work gloves, and dust mask)

1. Initial Grinding: Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove deep scratches and oxidation. Keep the surface wet and sand in unidirectional strokes to prevent cross-scratches.

2. Progressive Refinement: Methodically work through higher grits (240 → 400 → 600 → etc.), thoroughly cleaning the surface between grit changes. Alternate sanding directions 90° with each new grit to effectively monitor scratch removal.

3. Polishing Stages:
- Coarse polishing: Use cotton wheels with coarse compound to eliminate micro-scratches
- Intermediate polishing: Switch to wool pads with medium compound for enhanced reflectivity
- Final polishing: Apply fine compound with cotton wheels for mirror shine
Maintain moderate wheel speed and consistent pressure to prevent heat damage.

4. Final Cleaning: Remove all polishing residue with a microfiber cloth.

Perfect results demand meticulous attention throughout the process. Each stage builds upon the previous one—compromising any step will visibly affect the final quality. With patience and proper technique, even first-time polishers can achieve professional-grade mirror finishes on stainless steel surfaces.