On the other hand if your aluminum wheels have no coating you can afford to use a stronger aluminum polish. Polishing is the most important step in removing corrosion from aluminum wheels and the one where you need the most patience.
Avoid wool polishing balls on clearcoated wheels.
How to polish aluminum wheels. To polish aluminum wheels start by cleaning the wheels thoroughly. Next rub aluminum polish onto a small section of the wheel with a rag working in the direction of the grain. Continue adding polish in small sections so that it doesnt dry before you have a chance to work it in.
Then use a cloth-wrapped toothbrush to polish the hard-to. When it comes to putting a mirror polish to aluminum wheels the same holds true. Each step of the process brings the aluminum closer to a proud shine.
The number of steps required to bring an aluminum wheel to a mirror finish depends largely on the condition of the wheel itself. A good rinse and dry may be the one and only step if the. Here is a simple technique on how to polish and buff aluminum to look like chrome.
This procedure works well on alloy truck rims too. Start by applying the wheel polish using a clean lint-free cloth. Work in the direction of the grain and avoid rubbing in circles to prevent streaks.
Any polish designed for bare aluminum will work. You can find polishes at an auto part or retail store or online. There is a difference between cleaning bare aluminum wheels and coated aluminum wheels.
I will discuss each of them in the following section. How to Clean Aluminum Wheels. Aluminum is a soft metal and when cleaned and polished it will shine like chrome.
However the cleaning method will vary on the wheels condition. Oftentimes OEM aluminum wheels have a protective coating on top to prevent aluminum oxide. In the case of coated aluminum youll need wheel cleaners and polishes that are safe on coatings.
On the other hand if your aluminum wheels have no coating you can afford to use a stronger aluminum polish. This guide is intended for bare aluminum wheels. Administer aluminum wheel polish to the clean dry wheel.
Use an applicator a soft clean microfiber cloth or a power polisher wool polishing pad to apply the polish to the wheel. Apply enough polisher for the entire wheel or the amount directed in the instructions. In this aluminum polishing video you will learn how to polish aluminum parts look like mirror finishaluminum polish is very easyfirst of all i used paint r.
Would never have guessed that it would work this well Oven cleaner is still the best and cheapest - Here is the product link - httpsgooglerh3yf NO F. Video tutorial on how to polish aluminum with a mirror finish. As an example I am using a piece of aluminum square stock but I have used this method many times before on valve covers other aluminum engine components motorcycle parts throttle bodies carburetors and wheels.
Polishing wheels seems simple enough but one of the most commonly asked questions is how to polish alloy wheels for one but more importantly how do you de. One of the reasons why more and more people opt-in for aluminum wheels and why more manufacturers are using them on newer models is their corrosion resistance. Although they need to be treated with an aluminum wheels polish product from time to time they are still a more cost-effective option than steel.
Their level or. Polishing is the most important step in removing corrosion from aluminum wheels and the one where you need the most patience. Even though it may seem tedious it is vital that you dont rush this step.
If youre using a power sander start by applying your wheel polish to a wool polishing head. Polished aluminum wheels are polished rather than plated. The polishing process involves sanding the finish of the wheels so that the alloy is completely smooth and then polishing the finish with a polishing compound to bring out a brilliant shine.
A clear coated wheel requires a less aggressive polish than a bare aluminum alloy wheel. Use a Mothers PowerBall Mini to polish between spokes. Avoid wool polishing balls on clearcoated wheels.
XMT Intermediate Swirl Remover 2 or Meguiars Ultimate Polish are both good choices for clear coated wheels. They clean and polish clear coated wheels. Mix Dawn detergent with equal parts of water and clean the aluminum rims.
Sprinkle baking soda on the rough side of a damp sponge or green scrubber and run the sponge around the rims several times. The baking soda is slightly abrasive and in combination with the sponge will clean the grime from the aluminum rims.