Newbie

DWIGHT BARTLETT

New member
Greetings from a first timer. I have never been on an online forum so please excuse any breaches of etiquette for a few posts.
I have an interest in finding more about polishing raw aluminum since I am at that stage in the build of an alloy bodied 1930 Model A speedster. I have purchased a Porter Cable 7424XP polisher and the attendant pads (Lake foam)
and would like advice on how to use. I have also purchased Blackfire coarse aluminum polish. Am ready to begin,but I sure would like to hear some do's and don'ts before I get too far in to cause untold damage.
Thanks
 
DWIGHT BARTLETT, Welcome to Autopia: the land where cars become nice, shiny, and swirl free!

If you find yourself going on the forum at 3 AM, don't worry. This is normal Autopian behavior.

If you find yourself wondering what new threads are being posted, don't worry. This is normal Autopian behavior.

If you find yourself wondering when new product reviews are coming up, don't worry. This is normal Autopian behavior.

If you find yourself ordering far more than you ever thought you would need, don't worry. This is normal Autopian behavior.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the forum. Break out a cold one if you want, as there is a LOT of good information here.

WELCOME!

Oh and food's on the table:

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Dwight glad to see you are here. Pick these guys brains. As always I'm only a call away.

If we can get Todd on here he will know the ins and outs of the Blackfire line.

John
 
Thanks for the welcome messages! Is anyone out there doing aluminum polishing? I have the materials, but am unsure of the steps to follow to get to a mirror-minus level finish. For example,
What pad should I start with? I am using the BF mid compound.
How do I know when to clean or change pads? I know it sounds stupid, but I've never done it before. The only polishing I have done got me a very dirty pad (wool) amost instantly with the aluminum turning black just as fast. It doesn't seem right to have to change pads every 2-3 minutes.
How do I clean the pads properly? Must they be completely dry before reusing?
Basics, basics, that's what I'm looking for.
 
Welcome aboard! Let's see some pictures of that project. Sounds interesting! Sorry I can't advice on polishing aluminum but I am sure others can and will.
 
Thanks for the welcome messages! Is anyone out there doing aluminum polishing? I have the materials, but am unsure of the steps to follow to get to a mirror-minus level finish. For example,
What pad should I start with? I am using the BF mid compound.
How do I know when to clean or change pads? I know it sounds stupid, but I've never done it before. The only polishing I have done got me a very dirty pad (wool) amost instantly with the aluminum turning black just as fast. It doesn't seem right to have to change pads every 2-3 minutes.
How do I clean the pads properly? Must they be completely dry before reusing?
Basics, basics, that's what I'm looking for.

posting these questions in auto detailing 101 with get you the responses you need.. sorry I can't help you directly :(
 
BLACKFIRE Metal Polishing System is designed to deliver the best results when buffed with an Acrylic Wool Pad on a rotary polisher. This product like works awesome and will deliver the look your looking for.

BLACKFIRE Heavy Cut Aluminum Polish

BLACKFIRE Fine Cut Aluminum Polish

Level 1, 6-1/2 inch Pre-polishing Wool Pad

Level 2, 6-1/2 inch, Metal Polishing Wool Pad

BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Aluminum Show Polish

BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant

These products will be where your looking for DW.:welcome:
 
Thanks for the welcome messages! Is anyone out there doing aluminum polishing? I have the materials, but am unsure of the steps to follow to get to a mirror-minus level finish. For example,
What pad should I start with? I am using the BF mid compound.
How do I know when to clean or change pads? I know it sounds stupid, but I've never done it before. The only polishing I have done got me a very dirty pad (wool) amost instantly with the aluminum turning black just as fast. It doesn't seem right to have to change pads every 2-3 minutes.
How do I clean the pads properly? Must they be completely dry before reusing?
Basics, basics, that's what I'm looking for.

I believe Andrew has been doing a little polishing on a DeLorean as of late. You might send him (AndrewBigA) a PM. He might also have a thread on it.
 
Thanks for the welcome. Question on blackfire aluminum polish - how do I know when I have gotten the most I can get from a load on the pad? And second, what polisher (7424xp) speed should I use?
 
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