How do I polish a used keg?

[Belgian Samurai]

Hi,

(Moderator, please move this thread to correct forum if I've posted in the wrong place.)

Does anyone know how to clean/polish/buff a keg to make the stamped info more legible? Is it even possible?

Thanks,
Belgian Samurai

 

[DBhomebrew]

homebrewfinds has an article on cleaning/restoring used kegs. Give them a look see.

https://www.homebrewfinds.com/2020/11/rebuilding-reconditioning-homebrew-kegs.html

 

[Belgian Samurai]

homebrewfinds has an article on cleaning/restoring used kegs. Give them a look see.

https://www.homebrewfinds.com/2020/11/rebuilding-reconditioning-homebrew-kegs.html

Excellent! That is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!!

 

[day_trippr]

Look at the "Similar Threads" list as well as there is at least one fairly comprehensive corny keg polishing process somewhere on HBT.
I used it....once...and that keg still looks like a mirrored cannister. But I decided the time needed was better spent on other endeavors...

Cheers!

[edit] I believe I followed a post by @Bobby_M on polishing kegs.
Sadly, all of the forum runner changes over the years that trashed so much valuable information got to this thread, too...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/polishing-your-keg-is-more-than-a-clever-euphemism.54025/

 

[Bobby_M]

Picture intact here Polishing Stainless

 

[day_trippr]

Nice pickup, Bobby. Thanks!

 

[Belgian Samurai]

Thanks, everyone! Cheers!

 

[Deadalus]

I am pretty sure it was Bobby's instructions I followed but I don't think you will find the polishing sticks at Lowes. Harbor Freight sells polishing sticks and I used the green and black ones. I think the black one before the green. Also, they may not have those exact finishing pads. I am pretty sure I used these and there was a much thicker more aggressive black one but it takes a serious amount off and I only used that for the worst scratches. This was for my keggles, I bet the black pad I am thinking of would take the writing off. I've always wanted to do my kegs but I've never really had the time. It wouldn't take nearly as long as a 1/2 barrel keg I'd expect. Some kind of stand to hold it would be useful. I used the frame from an old hamper that was made out of pvc to hold the 1/2 barrel keg it was a rectangular box.

 

[Belgian Samurai]

I am pretty sure it was Bobby's instructions I followed but I don't think you will find the polishing sticks at Lowes. Harbor Freight sells polishing sticks and I used the green and black ones. I think the black one before the green. Also, they may not have those exact finishing pads. I am pretty sure I used these and there was a much thicker more aggressive black one but it takes a serious amount off and I only used that for the worst scratches. This was for my keggles, I bet the black pad I am thinking of would take the writing off. I've always wanted to do my kegs but I've never really had the time. It wouldn't take nearly as long as a 1/2 barrel keg I'd expect. Some kind of stand to hold it would be useful. I used the frame from an old hamper that was made out of pvc to hold the 1/2 barrel keg it was a rectangular box.

Thanks for that detailed info! I've thought about that mirror finish and I'm impressed by it, but since these dispensing kegs are never really seen, I decided to go with Bar Keeper's Friend, a scotch bright pad and 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper. I may have been able to skip the sandpaper step altogether.

Here is a before and after. (Albeit, not the same keg when I took the picture, but the same result.)



Cheers!