polishing aluminum

[saxrulez]

So I went to harbor freight today and picked up a cheap aluminum polishing kit. 2 pads, 2 compunds.

I am making progress on polishing the windshield frame, but it is very very slow going.

How should I be going about this?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: polishing aluminum

Easy......GOOD LUCK!

 

[saxrulez]

Re: polishing aluminum

Ugh.

This just isn't quite playing out like it had in my head!

Lots of places I cant even get my drill to actually put any sort of pressure on b/c of the angles. I successfully barely improved one edge.

NOT HAPPY.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: polishing aluminum

I would not spend the time...... I would sand it, prime and paint. Regardless of what you do....... it just does not last and I just leave mine alone

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: polishing aluminum

Are you SATURATING the cloth wheels with the compound? It takes quite a bit of compound to get good results. Also they make a MULTI Kit kit for $17.99

I used it on mine with GREAT results.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: polishing aluminum

What order did you use the compounds in?

I may have to give that kit a try next. The 2 completely round wheels arent helping me get into a lot of places. I probably wasnt using enough compound. Definitely wasnt saturating the wheels in it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: polishing aluminum

Check out this video. They use a 7" Grinder BUT.... You'll see the process and the colors of compound to use and in what order.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1164770405431

 

[sublauxation]

Re: polishing aluminum

Can you use a dremel type tool with a polishing tip for the tight spots?

Oops. beat me to it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: polishing aluminum

Yep, Dremel works Great for tight spots. Bob IS right Polsihed aluminum DOES take maintenance. But for me it's worth it.

 

[sasto]

Re: polishing aluminum

Once polished, I use Woody Wax. Leave it on. Holds up well for me in saltwater.

 

[rickryder]

Re: polishing aluminum

I have been polishing aluminum for years on Harleys.... try 1500 wet/dry sand paper then step up to 2000 then 2500. After that use Mothers aluminum polish and finish with Never Dull......It will look like chrome when done.