Grinding
Grinding is normally the only method that can be used to remove defects and deep scratches. A grinding disc is usually adequate for treating defects of this type. The grinding methods used should never be rougher than necessary, and a flapper wheel is often sufficient for removing weld tint or surface contamination.

The following points must always be considered:
- Use the correct grinding tools - self-sharpening, iron-free discs should always be used for stainless steel - and never use discs that have previously been used for grinding low alloy steels. 
-  Avoid producing a surface that is too rough. Rough grinding with a 40-60 grit disc should always be followed by fine grinding using, for example, a higher grip mop or belt to obtain a surface finish corresponding to grit 180 or better. If surface requirements are very exacting, polishing may be necessary.
- Do not overheat the surface. Apply less pressure when grinding in order to avoid creating further heat tint.
- Always check that the entire defect has been removed.

Blasting
Sand and grit blasting (peening) can be used to remove high temperature oxide as well as iron contamination. However, care must be taken to ensure that the sand (preferably of olivine type) or grit is perfectly clean. The blasting material must therefore not have been previously used for carbon steel; not should the sand or grit be too old, since it becomes increasingly polluted, even if it has only been used for blasting contaminated stainless steel surfaces. The surface roughness is the limiting factor for these methods. Using low pressure and a small angle of approach, a satisfactory result can be achieved for most applications. For the removal of heat tint, shot peening using smooth glass beads produces a good surface finish and introduces compressive stresses which improve stress corrosion cracking resistance and resistance to fatigue.

Brushing
For the removal of heat tint, brushing using stainless steel or nylon brushes usually provides a satisfactory result. These methods do not cause any serious roughening of the surface, but do not guarantee complete removal of the chromium-depleted zone. As regards the other mechanical methods, the risk of contamination is high, and it is therefore important that clean tools that have not been used for processing carbon steels are used.