That is only surface oxidation and is removable with a better abrasive than
steel wool.  Try 1000 grit paper.
If you are going to paint it, then rougher grits can be used but use your head
and lay off or you could go through the metal. This is not a hurry up job.
If you are going to buff it then anything rougher than 1000 grit finish is not a
good idea.  If you have 1200 grit laying around, then try that. Anyting finer
than 1200 is a waste of time for buffing preparation.

Bill, if it is some of the stainless that got burned in the fire you had,
you might get some Revere copper and stainless cleaner at the supermarket.
It comes in a sprinkle can like Ajax cleanser.  It will take blue color off
stainless by chemical and very mild abrasive action.  It even works pretty
well after welding 304 or 316 stainless.  Just rub it on with a sponge or
soft cloth.

Gary Ash
www.studegarage.com
'48 M5
'63 Wagonaire
'65 Wagonaire

From my machine shop experience in the old days, we NEVER used steel wool
(or steel brushes) when deburring or cleaning stainless steel, as the carbon
steel can become attached to the stainless, resulting in stainless which
appears to rust. Stainless steel wool is another matter.