[Mman]

How would I touch up the stainless slide on my colt. Appears to have a brushed finish and some areas have taken on a gloss look. Short of bead blasting what can be done? Thanks

 

[bjg-1911]

Try 320 paper or emory on a flat sanding block...use one uniform stroke on the slide flats from front to back or visa versa...just don't stop in the middle of the slide...
Later-BJG

 

[SamColtFan]

MMan....
Not sure what kind of look you want, but I've used 400 paper with break free and gotten very good results on the flats. Give the flats a coat of oil, then as bjg-1911 said, go in one direction with one straight stroke several times, lightly, until you get the desired results. Wipe off the oil, polish the flats with Flitz, give it a light wipe down with oil and you'll have a nice even sheen. I've used this method to remove slide stop scratches on the slide and it works like a charm.
Regards,
Sam

 

[John Harrison]

The gray Scotch-Brite pads (try an auto body supply house or Brownells) gives the same brushed texture as most factory brushed stainless finishes. Use light pressure and keep the motion in line with the length of the slide, going end to end.
Good Luck,
John