Removing acidrain etching from aluminium trims.

[gigondaz]

I detail lots of Audis for a local dealer, as well as Beemers and Mercs that feature anodized aluminium trims. The most serious problem is acid-rain etching that is impossible to remove using hand-application of most DIY products.



I`ve mentioned my method below before and have attached it here for your convenience. This time, I`ve photos to show everyone.



We did a quick and dirty demo job on a Merc R-350 just to prove a point.

Camera couldn`t accurately capture the severity of the acid-rain etching, but it was bad. Mainly due to lack of washing and neglect.



Owner claimed that these etchings were there 6mths ago!









Quick and dirty demo job.





Results.

Totally clear, looks new, and ready for layers of REJEX for long term protection.







Method:

1. Carefully mask all surrounding areas (paint and glass) next to the chrome or aluminium trim.

2. Put a few drops of Megs 85 Diamond Cut onto the trim and spread it using fingers.

3. Small wool pad, Makita rotary speed 3-4, very light pressure.

If you cant get decent results, upgrade to Megs 105 or even the super abrasive Farecla G3.

4. Finish down with foam pad with Megs 205.

5. Protect with a durable LSP (FK1000, Rejex, Coli 845 etc)

[offcenter]

Nice work! Thanks for posting that.

[D_Nyholm]

That looks like a 7 or 8 inch pad. That is small?? And speeds 3-4 would be moving pretty fast on a larger (for me) pad? I use 5.5" or 6.5" pads and only have a few 8" pads that I rarely use (lack of experience). Any suggestions on typical pad choices? Does this only work with wool or would a suitable foam pad do the job?

[gigondaz]

That looks like a 7 or 8 inch pad. That is small?? And speeds 3-4 would be moving pretty fast on a larger (for me) pad? I use 5.5" or 6.5" pads and only have a few 8" pads that I rarely use (lack of experience). Any suggestions on typical pad choices? Does this only work with wool or would a suitable foam pad do the job?

Ideally, you shd use a small wooly pad.

But once you get the hang of it, and with proper masking, you can use any sized wool pad...`tho smaller is certainly better.



Foam cutting pads might not be "strong enough" if the etching is too stubborn.

[D_Nyholm]

Ah! Ok, thanks for the input!