polishing aluminum
10-26-13, 06:15 AM
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polishing aluminum
Wondering how you guys get the aluminum parts cleaner looking??
Rob B
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10-26-13, 06:17 AM
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Mothers.
10-26-13, 06:24 AM
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If you find the short answer unsatisfying, or have parts with significant abrasion, pitting, and/or deep scratches, or which turn out to be in need of de-anodization, the long answer is pretty masterfully summed up here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...lishing-Thread
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...lishing-Thread
10-26-13, 06:38 AM
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Some people may not agree with my methods, but I've had great results. I use oven cleaner to take off the clear coat. For a medium shine I use mothers aluminum polish with 000 steel wool. Then buff with a towel.For show quality shine I use my buffer.
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10-26-13, 08:14 AM
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Though once the finish is off....you have to polish it a lot more often as it dulls pretty fast (oxidizes) Regularly cleaning it before the finish gets trashed will give you a lot longer life, but dealing with heavy spotting and scratches...it does get to a point that it looks better to take it all off.
10-26-13, 08:50 AM
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If you are not using a buffing wheel and compound you're working too hard.
Last edited by Grand Bois; 10-26-13 at 08:56 AM.
10-26-13, 01:35 PM
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Simichrome works great for basic surface polishing, and doesn't require a buffing wheel.
https://www.amazon.com/Simichrome-390...ichrome+polish
https://www.amazon.com/Simichrome-390...ichrome+polish
10-26-13, 04:46 PM
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Of course, many aluminum parts are anodized and the usual cream polishes are not really meant for, and won't polish, anodized parts.
Warm water and soap to clean them well and then something like Maguiar's cleaner wax makes them look pretty good.
10-26-13, 06:13 PM
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I am going to polish up the canti brakes , derailer, and cranks on my 1986 Fuji.
The bike is clean, just needs taken apart and shined a bit....
The bike is clean, just needs taken apart and shined a bit....
10-26-13, 06:14 PM
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Something happened after I bought this older bike............. I keep scouring "CL for more....
10-26-13, 06:25 PM
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Um....yup....you get ONE good deal, the next thing you know, you have a garage full of projects, half of which don't even fit you....but was SUCH a good deal! ;-)
10-26-13, 09:51 PM
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Yep, if I remember correctly, Mothers Aluminum polish. You would not believe the black oxidation that keeps coming off then...suddenly..shiny aluminum bling all over your bike. But you will have to do something to keep it shiny - Alu just loves to oxidize and be dull, just like your co-workers.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
10-27-13, 04:52 AM
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Wasn't there a thread about polishing Aluminum?
10-27-13, 09:37 AM
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I've been using Nu Finish Car Polish for aluminium.
Last edited by LesE; 07-05-17 at 01:31 PM. Reason: Updating link to image.
10-27-13, 02:40 PM
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10-27-13, 10:07 PM
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Simichrome works great for basic surface polishing, and doesn't require a buffing wheel.
https://www.amazon.com/Simichrome-390...ichrome+polish
https://www.amazon.com/Simichrome-390...ichrome+polish
I used Simichrome on everything when I was building my Cimarron... those crazy Germans make good stuff... and... virtually no elbow grease needed plus the stuff shines beautifully and keeps its shine for a good long time! A buddy of mine challenged me to document each step of the build and I'm glad I did but I forgot to take photos of the "Deerhead" derailleurs as they were dull and black with oxidation and filth. I did all the parts plus others not pictured and I still have a little bit left, well worth the $10.99 I paid for the tube of polish!
Last edited by neo_pop_71; 10-27-13 at 10:11 PM.
