Hi Polished Aluminum

[cheetoh]

What is the best way to polish Hi Polished Aluminum Parts without scratching the finish? How do you get scratches out? :eek:

[MidnightHour]

I would like to know this as well!

[forrest@mothers]

For starters, you need a metal polish with an extremely fine polishing media in it.



Then, a good quality microfiber towel.



Lots of folks have their favorite brands. I use our Mothers Billet Metal Polish and a MF towel.



Highly polished aluminum, like billet wheels and trim, are mar free with a program like this.

[schoi]

Bah... I actually have scratches / swirls in one of my rims. Glad I saw this - reminded me of needing to do some polishing next time.



And Forrest, you are a helpful guy. I can see why lots of people here like you.



(edit - reworded because of censor :o )

[everner]

I haven`t tried Mothers Billet Metal Polish, to say that Simichrome Polish is better. Back in my "Harley daze", I used Simichrome Polish to keep the aluminum parts looking like chrome.

[russ968]

I`d also try Wenol. For occasional cleanup I also use Nvr-dul which a wadding type metal cleaner with no abrasives. 100% cotton towels or MF in both cases of course. Be careful with the black residue from both these cleaners as they will stain and then are difficult to get out.

[Pats300zx]

I haven`t tried Mothers Billet Metal Polish, to say that Simichrome Polish is better. Back in my "Harley daze", I used Simichrome Polish to keep the aluminum parts looking like chrome



I really love Mothers Billet but after trying Simi-Chrome I think they are neck and neck. Both leave my polished metal looking great.



I have yet to try Wenol but have heard great things about it.

[jerry@robs]

Me too... I use Mother`s Billet or EO Billet for "fine" finishes

[rleven]

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26552

[chris0626]

What`s the difference between Mother`s Billet polish & Mother`s Mag/Aluminum Polish? I`ve used the Mag/Alum polish and found it very gentle -- great for adding a shine, but really didn`t do much if I needed to clean AND shine.

[Pats300zx]

Mothersâ„¢ Billet Metal Polish combines state-of-the-art cleaners with a cutting edge formulation, resulting in unmatched performance at any price. This powerful polish is gentle on your most delicate and intricate polishable metal surfaces.





Lynn,



I find that Mothers Billet is definitely better than their regular Alum polish. I am not sure if it has more cleaners etc but it does shine the metal alot better. Its a little more pricey but worth it.



http://store6.yimg.com/I/bike-depot_1746_2447677

[forrest@mothers]

Lynn - I`ll bring both to Brad`s, and you can see the difference.



On flawless aluminum, using our regular polish, you can see the scratch pattern where it was rubbed. With Billet Polish, you don`t see the scratch pattern.



Also, a 100% cotton towel will make the scratch pattern worse, which is why I suggest MF. Of course, your metal needs to be really fine to notice the difference.



russ - BTW, Nev`r-Dull is a non-abrasive product. But, it`s a mineral spirits based cleaner, not a polish. It`s fine for rubbing off surface dirt, but it won`t polish up oxidized metal or remove scratches, fyi.

[schoi]

Forrest, why is it that your billet polish originally had to be made by hand, in small amounts, and at very high prices? What`s so special?

[russ968]

Originally posted by forrest

russ - BTW, Nev`r-Dull is a non-abrasive product. But, it`s a mineral spirits based cleaner, not a polish. It`s fine for rubbing off surface dirt, but it won`t polish up oxidized metal or remove scratches, fyi.



Forrest, you`re absolutely correct. When I got these parts to a point where I liked their finish I use Nev`r-Dull on them to keep them clean in an attempt to not apply any additional scratches. Could I use your product to improve a few spots and remove the occasional microabrasion without adding more scratches?



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/11555intakebefore1.jpg

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/11555intakeafter1.jpg



Thanks,



Russ

[Jake11375]

Hey Russ,



Did you acheive those results by just polishing. If so that`s amazing! Looks like they`ve been plated. What products, method, machine (if any) did you use? Looks great!:xyxthumbs