Using Blackfire Metal Polishing System to create a mirror finish on aluminum

Todd Helme said:
Charles- I used Norton papers I picked up at Home Depot. The 400 grit was able to level out most of the deep stuff. On a couple of VERY ROUGH spots are started with 220 grit and followed those areas with 4000. I went from 400 grit (Norton) to 600 grit (Norton) on just the bad areas. Then I sanded the entire piece with 1000 grit Meguiar's Unigrit. This is, of course, if my memory serves me correctly.

One one spot I sanded from 1000-1500-3000, but once I started compounding I realized that BLACKFIRE Heavy Cut Aluminum Compound had more than enough power to level the 1000 grit marks on this particular metal so the additional sanding was pretty much a waste of time.
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Thanks Todd! :yourrock
 
I think that I will try this system on my Fishser Marine Al. fishing boat....its 23 years old...and is discolored from sitting in the water....will not pressure wash off...I will take the motor off and turn upside down to start with...
 
FourEyes45 said:
I think that I will try this system on my Fishser Marine Al. fishing boat....its 23 years old...and is discolored from sitting in the water....will not pressure wash off...I will take the motor off and turn upside down to start with...
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Do you have experience with a rotary polisher? I think you will be STUNNED at the results. If you do this you have to post the before/after/results!!! :D. :yourrock
 
FourEyes45 said:
Todd ---I only have the Flex 3401 and the GG 6" I do plan to take before and after pictures.
Thanks
Walt
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Hi Walt. The system works well on a DA polisher but does require a little extra buffing. Let me know if you have any questions and I will be glad to help.

Cannot wait to see!

Todd
 
Awesome work! I have been using blackfire products for a few years now and have just about everything you guys make. I'm going to jump on this system ASAP!!
 
He calls it a system but it's not one in the manner of all the pieces in one kit. The sysyem is actually the different products all used together.
 
I'm glad I saw this thread. I have some stainless steel that will need a lot of work. I'll have a lot of questions for you Todd!

This will also help me polish and protect my new stainless exhaust system I plan on purchasing for the Magnum.
 
Wow! Outstanding results Todd! This is a very useful thread full of great info, subscribed. I don't polish a lot of metal but if I do come across something I will absolutely check back here before starting. Thanks everyone! :)
 
rwright said:
Wow! Outstanding results Todd! This is a very useful thread full of great info, subscribed. I don't polish a lot of metal but if I do come across something I will absolutely check back here before starting. Thanks everyone! :)
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No problem Richard, I hope all is well!
 
CT3 said:
I'm glad I saw this thread. I have some stainless steel that will need a lot of work. I'll have a lot of questions for you Todd!

This will also help me polish and protect my new stainless exhaust system I plan on purchasing for the Magnum.
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You can reach me on the forum, PM (I prefer forum questions be posted here though so it can help other members), cell phone or through Autopia. I'll be looking forward to the results!
 
Todd Helme said:
You can reach me on the forum, PM (I prefer forum questions be posted here though so it can help other members), cell phone or through Autopia. I'll be looking forward to the results!
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Let me just start with this question: How would I remove caked on tar and road debris off of stainless stell exhaust tips that doesn't seem to come off with chemicals? Is this even possible? I've tried tar removers such as tarminator etc, but I have no idea how long this stuff has been on there. Blow torch possibly?

(this is on a truck with the exhaust exiting behind the rear wheels)
 
CT3 it depends on what finish you are wanting to achieve. If your wanting a brushed look like a lot of stainless is do all the same steps from my earlier post and stop with the amount of brushed look you want or continue with all the steps and polish to a mirror finish. The process is the same no matter if your doing alloy, brass, stainless, copper or what ever. Just some finish out easier than others just like soft clear coat verses ceramic.
 
CT3 said:
Let me just start with this question: How would I remove caked on tar and road debris off of stainless stell exhaust tips that doesn't seem to come off with chemicals? Is this even possible? I've tried tar removers such as tarminator etc, but I have no idea how long this stuff has been on there. Blow torch possibly?

(this is on a truck with the exhaust exiting behind the rear wheels)
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Have you tried steel wool or a fine scotch brite in combination with the cleaner?
 
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