Taking aluminum to autopian standard?

[TortoiseAWD]

Awesome results for using a rotary and paint polishes, but for metal polishing, they really aren't the right tools . . .

This is what would really make short work of the job:


See this site for metal polishing supplies: Buffing Polishing Supplies Buffing Wheels Compound Polishing Aluminum Polishing Kit - Caswell Inc.

Here for an excellent write-up on the basics of metal polishing: Introduction To Buffing and Polishing - Caswell Inc.

A more complete PDF: http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/Buffbook.pdf

IMO, you'd have better luck with a drill and buffs made for metal polishing:


And compounds that are intended for metal:


Caswell even makes a kit specifically for use with any drill that will take a 1/4" shaft (comes with an arbor adaptor, various buffs, bobs, and compounds): Caswell Inc. - Handheld Drill Buffing Kit

Good luck. I have a Baldor metal polisher out in my garage, but rarely have a chance to use it anymore. Metal polishing is just as addictive as paint polishing, but it's a much dirtier job. Regardless, my inner-primate likes shiny things . . .

Hope the links provide some help,
Tort

[Grouse]

Caswell I swhat i was going to try and explain over the phone. Really buffing should be done on a 3/4-1.5hp buffing machine. My first job was polishing jewlery for my mothers boss. So that is how i was introduced to caswell type products back in the 80's

[G35stilez]

Cool thread, Todd.

I've always liked using Flitz for most metal work.

If you look at the German Menzerna site, they *do* make metal polishes. They sell to the likes of Tiffany&Co for their polishing needs. I'm not sure if you could purchase some from that line, but it may be an option.

[BuffMe]

Caswell will certainly be getting approximately $55 from me very soon.

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Thanks Tort, I been thinking of the name of the company for these products and i couldn't remember it. It's bring old memories for me and i just remember how dirty one gets. And Todd from your pic's it's looking great, just keep at it for that perfect mirror finish your looking for.

[Jason M]

Yeah, that looks a TON better now!

[wannafbody]

also check out TP Tools & Equipment

[bryansbestwax]

what about the p21s multi polish?

[Escalarado]

ok fellas one of the best products I have found for polishing aluminum is called Way 2 EZ polish. I have billet aluminum wheels on all of my trucks and this is the most handy stuff to have around.h. I have used it on heavily oxidized wheels and it take very little time to bring the finish back. Search it out and let me know what you think about.

I hope this does not come across as spam, I don't have alot of posts (I just recently joined) but this is a great product that everyone I have shown it to has been impressed.

[Moutee]

Hey Todd,

For once, it looks like I'm giving you some advice. I used to polish metal far before I started with paint, and I did it the hard way (Sanding bare metal, starting from as low as 320 grit, working my way to 2000, and finishing with a polishing cream). That method worked well, leaving most parts I worked on looking like they were chromed. For the record, my go-to LSP (polishing cream) was always Happich Simichrome polish.

Like some others stated, Caswell Plating has a myriad of products for you to use, as well as a metal finishing forum. The members are knowledgeable, and there are several threads with step-by-step tutorials for you to follow. Hope this helps!

- Marc

[Frito Bandito]

Originally Posted by TH0001

Thanks for the tip. Are the mother's polishes abrasive?

I don't know for sure. I believe Mag & Aluminum is because is you use it by hand you usually notice polishing lines going in the same direction you were working in. If working by machine (Powerball on a corded drill for me) it leaves a better finish. If Billet is abrasive it's very mild since even by hand I never notice polishing lines.

[baseballlover1]

any updates todd? BTW We are picking up the shirts on tuesday. Ile call you that night and get your address.