Wheel acid on polished aluminum is fixable?

[DutrowLLC]

I just spoke with a chemical supplier today who informed me that wheel acid can be used on aluminum (the wheel acid actually was labeled "Aluminum Cleaner" which I thought was weird). He said its best not to use it on polished aluminum, but if a mistake is made, you can just polish it back with aluminum polish or something?

I was under the impression that wheel acid permanently stains polished aluminum and that you can only use it on chrome wheels and maybe clear coated wheels if you're brave.

Am I misinformed?

Thanks!

Chris

[gtpaul]

Depends on how severe the etching is. If it was concentrated and sat on the wheel for a long period of time, chances are it's beyond fixable. I've been able to fix light staining but it only sat for a few seconds.

[Gumball]

gtpaul is correct. Thats why you wont find any acid cleaners in my shop. Too risky.

[backwoods_lex]

I've lessened etching on aluminum wheels before after hours of polishing, but that was it.

Gotta love those aluminum wheels that look exactly like the clearcoated version. The lesson I learned from a set was to always perform a small test area first. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, and you shame it (or whatever George W. says).

George W. Bush quotes

[JonP]

I threw out all my acid wheel cleaners years ago when I mistakenly used it on a clear coated wheel and it stained it. But I was able to polish it right out like nothing to it.

[advs1]

well usually acid is not safe for any clear coated wheels, even chrome. i wouldnt use acid on anything either. i would rather use elbow grease and get them clean the old fashion way. i use CG citrus based wheel cleaners.

[weekendwarrior]

Originally Posted by advs1

well usually acid is not safe for any clear coated wheels, even chrome. i wouldnt use acid on anything either. i would rather use elbow grease and get them clean the old fashion way. i use CG citrus based wheel cleaners.

Where can you buy elbow grease?

I actually had someone ask me that a few years ago when they asked me what I used to clean something, and I told them elbow grease.

[WCD]

We never use HF acids anymore. Look up the stories and you will most likely make the same conclusion. I don't think too many municipalities will allow it as well- even if you contain the run off.

If a wheel is that bad, we use our steamer.

Years ago my employee used HF acid on some wheels- Porsche. The more they stained, the more he sprayed!!!

I had to hand polish all four wheels. They came out fine so I was happy not to buy him a new set and he was really pleased. So it can be done, but in light of what we know about the stuff, just stay away from it. Some users do it correctly with the right arm length gloves, masks, and attire, but too many have no idea what it's doing, but will someday!

Personally knowing three large chemical manfacturers, and neither will make HF, tells me something. These are companies that have their own chemists and make the stuff- not private label like 90% of what you see. If their chemists advise against its use, it's a pretty easy decision for me. One less thing on my shelves and one less thing for my young children to get into by accident.

If you use HF acid, you should have it locked at all times!! You are opening up a bigger problem than stained wheels if you have it exposed and accessible to others.

Rob Regan

[Lefteris.]

HF can get a little scary if you leave it on too long, but damn does it do wonders on those caked up BMW wheels

[Holden_C04]

Originally Posted by weekendwarrior

Where can you buy elbow grease?

I actually had someone ask me that a few years ago when they asked me what I used to clean something, and I told them elbow grease.

..........

[DutrowLLC]

Originally Posted by WCD

We never use HF acids anymore. Look up the stories and you will most likely make the same conclusion. I don't think too many municipalities will allow it as well- even if you contain the run off.

If a wheel is that bad, we use our steamer.

Years ago my employee used HF acid on some wheels- Porsche. The more they stained, the more he sprayed!!!

I had to hand polish all four wheels. They came out fine so I was happy not to buy him a new set and he was really pleased. So it can be done, but in light of what we know about the stuff, just stay away from it. Some users do it correctly with the right arm length gloves, masks, and attire, but too many have no idea what it's doing, but will someday!

Personally knowing three large chemical manfacturers, and neither will make HF, tells me something. These are companies that have their own chemists and make the stuff- not private label like 90% of what you see. If their chemists advise against its use, it's a pretty easy decision for me. One less thing on my shelves and one less thing for my young children to get into by accident.

If you use HF acid, you should have it locked at all times!! You are opening up a bigger problem than stained wheels if you have it exposed and accessible to others.

Rob Regan

Hmmm, yeah, you might have me convinced... I'm really enamored with the way it melts off any level of dirt perfectly, maybe I was blinded by that.

What kind of steamer do you use? If used improperly, does it also run the risk of damaging wheels? Is there anything special you do with it, or does it literally clean with purely hot steam?

Thanks!

Chris

[DutrowLLC]

Originally Posted by weekendwarrior

Where can you buy elbow grease?

I actually had someone ask me that a few years ago when they asked me what I used to clean something, and I told them elbow grease.

I get mine at the 7-11, costs go by the hour though.