Polished Al parts-keeping the shine

[iceman69510]

I have polished a few aluminum items for my car, engine bay usage in particular. Anyone have recommendations to keep them shiny? Clear coat paint? I don't want to have to get my hands in there to work on them later.

Thanks.

 

[14u2nV]

Clear coat works great, just make sure you clean it very well before painting, and if it's in a hot spot, make sure the clear can take it. Burnt clear won't shine very well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[number3]

Eastwood Diamond Clear Metal Aerosol

 

[JNR]

regular car Wax will keep the shine, if you don't want to clearcoat...

The secret to polishing is smoothness of the material, then applying a compound either by hand or with rouge/machine...they make different rouges and buffing wheels based on the stage you're at and material you're using...

The nice thing about stainless vs. aluminum (for polishing) is it keeps the shine, although it likes to be done so by abrasives...

 

Quote:
Eastwood Diamond Clear Metal Aerosol



+1

 

[steve]

Listen to the King of Bling and his heir to the throne. I've seen both their cars and they know WTF they're talking about. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

Aluminum = Mothers Polish

 

[number3]

That is what I use, Geoff, but you need to apply it regularly.

 

[atc250r]

I've actually gotten better results with "Blue Magic" than I got with Mother's. I've also seen some amazing results from a product called "White Diamond". A buddy of mine helps a guy who does custom cycles and polishing for a living and the guy swears by White Diamond. I need to do the wheels on my truck since apparently American Racing doesn't put ANY sealer on their polished AL wheels, mine looked like crap after the first snow/salt they saw.

John

 

I just finished a full polish job on my Zook. I used Mothers and it came out great!
But I'll try the Blue Magic to see how it fairs against Mothers...

 

[atc250r]

I don't think you'll be disappointed in it. It comes in a tube like toothpaste does.

John

 

Quote:
I have polished a few aluminum items for my car, engine bay usage in particular. Anyone have recommendations to keep them shiny? Clear coat paint? I don't want to have to get my hands in there to work on them later.

Thanks.



Mind if we see some of these 'polished aluminum items'?

 

[iceman69510]

Sure, come on over. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Actually, they are not fully polished yet. I'm only talking about the fuel rail and the bov at this point. I do have a nice billet FPR though. When I get the work all done and begin assembling the engine package together, I plan on taking some pics. So you will have to wait until then. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Hertz]

I'm failing miserably at getting the bling.

I think everything is getting painted black now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif