Aluminum polish question !
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn WI
Aluminum polish question !
I went to a car show and a guy was setup with over a dozen aluminum soda cans....he had the bottom polished to well that it looked like a mirror...
I mean polished ! it was clearer than chrome...and this was on an aluminum
CAN ! :eek: not "billet aluminum" but an ordinary CAN ! :eek:
anybody use a product like this ? I am looking to redo some trim and my rims and would like to use a decent product....
If I got my rims like those cans it would be " :cool: "
thanks guys,..
I mean polished ! it was clearer than chrome...and this was on an aluminum
CAN ! :eek: not "billet aluminum" but an ordinary CAN ! :eek:
anybody use a product like this ? I am looking to redo some trim and my rims and would like to use a decent product....
If I got my rims like those cans it would be " :cool: "
thanks guys,..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,206
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From: WANTED: '68 rear valance with b/u light assemblies IM, e-mail, or PM me here. Thanks!
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ylose)
Use a buffing wheel and compound designed for aluminum. If you have light scratches in the trim wet sand the area with a 1000 grit paper before buffing. You won’t get chrome-like trim if you don’t use a buffing wheel.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (63Banshee)
After polishing any aluminum apply flour [the type you cook with] to a clean cloth and rub it ,,,you will be pleased when you are done ! :cool:
[Modified by ram82fire, 12:57 PM 11/19/2001]
[Modified by ram82fire, 12:57 PM 11/19/2001]
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: beach fl
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ram82fire)
ram82fire.....could you add a little more info. on the "flour" treatment? I'm not sure I understand the connection. My wife, who by the way is in charge of the wheel detailing on our vette, uses Wizards wheel polish. She swears by this product and has tried just about everything on the market today. The finish on the wheels could be used for shaving, the reflection is so good. But, we have never heard of the flour idea. Sounds messy, as in getting in the slots of the wheel or on the tire. Just curious......Rick
BTW...do you bake at 350 for 20 mins. :)
BTW...do you bake at 350 for 20 mins. :)
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: West Orange New Jersey
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ylose)
Ylose, I have spent tons of money on all these aluminum washes that were a waste. I wanted to get a mirror finish just like the finishes I saw at shows. I even thought of removing the aluminum wheels from my car and spending one-grand on new ones. Finally, a guy at a show suggested I try a product called Satin Gloss aluminum polish. My rims now look brand new. This is the best product I have ever seen!!!! To order this product from the manufacturer, call 1-800-240-0347. Let me know if you try it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ylose)
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin Rapids, WI USA
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ylose)
There is a reason all those guys at the car shows use aluminum cans. It is a cheap/soft grade of aluminum that polishes easily. Just like the gimmick of squirting lighter fluid on their fresh wax, lighting it and showing no damage. Any wax will do that. The trick is that the heat from the lighter fluid goes up away from the suface. You can even touch the "burn" spot with your hand right after it is put out. It has nothing to do with a miracle wax. As far as the polish goes, it may very well be a great product. I just don't like gimmicks. Ask them to demonstrate the product on an item(wheel) that they are promoting it for. Then you will really know.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 27
From: Northeast South Dakota
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (Magnum '82)
I use Mothers aluminum wheel polish and am happy with it. You can get it anywhere. I agree that to get the perfect shine you need to use a buffing wheel.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: spring city pa
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (tangee-vette)
Rick as everyone knows after polishing,the problem is the removal of the polish residue [black crap] that shows up on your rag . Just polish and rub out as usual ,then cean it up with the flour. It simply removes the rest of the polish that remains. It is cheap and very easy to remove and gets the last of the polish residue . Just try it you will be pleased ! The black crap gathers light , its removal provides a very reflective surface .It works with mothers , etc etc etc !Polishes are all the same,,,, fine abrasives,they all work good this just is a detailers trick! And you cant beat the price.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: beach fl
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ram82fire)
ram82fire.......thanks for the follow-up. The wife says she'll give it a try but will probably have to wait til' spring. I'm not sure if a better job can be had. However, she does it not me, so I'll let her be the judge. Thanks again, Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (ylose)
I've had great results using a paste polish called "SemiChrome" It's designed to polish aluminum and stainless. I use it on my car's trim and my Harley rims. Buffing it makes parts shine like chrome. Available at parts stores everywhere. Just my.02 :cheers:
[Modified by Silvr77, 6:25 PM 11/21/2001]
[Modified by Silvr77, 6:25 PM 11/21/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (Easy Mike)
Semichrome works great. I use it on my Harley, too.
Someone in another forum I frequent recommended clear powdercoating. Anyone familiar with the process, cost and durability of the finish? Also, can you point to any examples (pics) online?
Someone in another forum I frequent recommended clear powdercoating. Anyone familiar with the process, cost and durability of the finish? Also, can you point to any examples (pics) online?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Aluminum polish question ! (Biker)
I use Wenol Polish. Picked it up at Carlisle a couple of years ago. It's been around a long time (made in Germany) and I get real good results with it.
