Golden Side Pipes Be Gone!

[Papa]

My polished stainless steel pipes have started to get a golden tint to them over time -- nothing new to this group. When I bought the pipes, I also bought a container of Compound 302 based on recommendations from many others. I used it for the first time yesterday and was shocked at how easily and completely it restored my pipes to their original luster.

Before:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153286&d=1631460606

After:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153287&d=1631460606

This result took literally less than five minutes to achieve. Simply wipe the Compound 302 on the pipes (be sure to wear gloves) and rinse with water. After wiping dry, apply a little metal polish (I prefer Mothers Metal Polish) and buff to a shine.

[Doug er]

Great advise, Thanks!!!!

[daberry]

It is truly amazing stuff.

[mburger]

I personally don’t mind the yellow. It’s the dark blues and yellows that don’t look good to me. I’ve never used 302. Think it would remove that darker discoloration?

[Fman]

I personally don’t mind the yellow. It’s the dark blues and yellows that don’t look good to me. I’ve never used 302. Think it would remove that darker discoloration?

Yes, I think it would. This stuff is pretty amazing, it is actually designed to remove welding discoloration on stainless. It might bring everything back to new condition (if you still want yellow pipes) so just be aware when you use it. Definitely also wear rubber gloves and use in a well ventilated area.

[mburger]

Yes, I think it would. This stuff is pretty amazing, it is actually designed to remove welding discoloration on stainless. It might bring everything back to new condition (if you still want yellow pipes) so just be aware when you use it. Definitely also wear rubber gloves and use in a well ventilated area.

I’m going to give it a try - thank you!

[edwardb]

I've been using Compound 302 on my stainless pipes since it was recommended on here some years ago. It truly is amazing how it turns the SS pipes back to their original color. Several comments. It is only for SS. I've seen several ask if it would work on other metals. Although I haven't tried it, I doubt it. It works by a chemical reaction with the SS. Not abrasion like most metal cleaners. So keep that in mind. Following up with a metal polish, as was originally posted, is perfect and really finishes it off. Using it with proper protection is also good advice. Finally, be careful where you store it. I had mine in my metal storage cabinet above my workbench. I noticed some rust on the shelf and looking closer also on the inside of the door. Clearly it has fumes that are destructive. Even with the lid on. I moved it to an open air area on some wood garage shelves. Probably wouldn't store it indoors.

[cob427sc]

It's been around in the bike world for a long time. I used it on some really blue SS pipes on an older Honda 750. It took 2 coats but by the time I was done they looked like new.

[JohnK]

As a former volunteer emergency first responder, I'm always curious what's in stuff. I looked up the MSDS (https://amp.generalair.com/MsdsDocs/JW302S.pdf) for Compound 302. It's a 10% hydrochloric acid paste :eek: so yeah, wear PPE and don't put it on anything you don't want stripped.

[daberry]

It will absolutely remove the blue/purple. Mine were nearly black and now are like new.