Acid wash stained my stainless steel?

Never let those morons put acid on your truck. Acid had one purpose only. To burn the crud off aluminum tanks and wheels right before cutting and polishing them.

 

Did you try rubbing it with super fine steel wool, or which ever coarseness that may match the original finish?

 

Stainless steel can be polished out just like aluminum. It takes a different jewelers rouge, one that's a little harder.

 

I would not use steel wool at all on the stainless it will scratch it up and be super hard to get the scratches out. I would try like cleaner wax. Meguriers is good! It could be that your stainless is a lower grade material and does not hold up as well as say 304. I know Road Works uses 2 different grades unless you spec the 304. Had a problem similar to yours.

 

Are you sure it's not just hard water marks? I'd try a little bit of Limeaway just see.

 

If it is polished stainless, I agree, if it is brushed stainless it is widely accepted as proper treatment for removing surface stain or scratches.

 

It's spelled Meguiars, cleaner wax it worked for me. If you use anything too coarse it will scratch the finish and then you will be really unhappy. Wash the surface so you do not scratch it with the dirt on it. If you have a buffer use a soft wheel with white rouge.