Aluminium cleaning / polishing

[STeveZ]

I started with aluma-brite. The frames look great with the wet aluma-brite on them but cloudy and splotched after rinsing and drying. Metal polish tends to give them a smooth finish but doesn't give them a uniform shiny appearance. Am I doing something wrong or is this as good as it gets? I can see why guys send these things off to get powder coated. I wonder if some type of slow speed mechanical polishing (dremel) might be effective? I'm hesitant to permanantly re-install these frames because I expected them to polish up much better. <br /><br />

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[JB]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

Do you have a bench grinder?<br /><br />Get cotton buffs for it and a couple grades of rouge.<br /><br />Take out any scratches or gouges with #400 or finer wet paper.<br /><br />Then buff them. White rouge first, finish with the red.<br /><br />I made pocket bux with an 8" bench grinder that way for several years polishing up engine and bike parts plus brass and copper ornaments I picked up at garage sales for pennies.

 

[tommays]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

A lot of time the orginal part has a Clear Anodized Finish and when its gone its gone<br /><br />JB has given you the best way to bring back the finish other than replaceing it<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[STeveZ]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

Thanks for the info guys. I tried a little 400 sandpaper and it was made a big difference. Assuming the anodized layer is gone after 20 years and a few passes with sandpaper and rouge what do I use to protect the finish from oxidation? I've heard lacquer and wax mentioned...

 

[MajBach]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

I feel like I just watched an infommercial.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

what do I use to protect the finish from oxidation? I've heard lacquer and wax mentioned...

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[dingbat]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

Coating and waxes will only work for a short time until the aluminum oxidizes which brings that milkly looking color back into play. <br /><br />I'd take them and have them re-anodized. For $40 or so they would look brand new for another 20 years.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

go to a truck stop and get "blue magic" aluminum polish.that is what is used on semi wheels to make them look like chrome.<br />ken

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Aluminium cleaning / polishing

JB has the best remedy.Once its polished with the rouge it will shine for a long time unless your in a salt enviroment.