fixing scratched rims

[roscoe]

I just got a 06 jetta 2 months ago all the rims are scratched from hitting curbs. I just put on winter tires and steel rims so im going to try to fix these aluminum rims.
Items i used are
Wolfgang MetallWerk Aluminum Polishing Kit for aluminum trailers, diamondplate, wheels, bumpers, and trim. Airstream trailer polish, metal polish,
Griot's Garage Professional Random Orbital 3 Inch Polisher, Random Orbit Buffer, Dual Action Polisher, 3" buffer 3"
3M Hookit Gold 3 Inch Discs P500A, finishing discs, feathering discs, abrasive discs
3M Hookit Finishing Film 3 Inch Discs P1500, hook-it finishing discs, abrasive discs
3M Trizact Hookit II Foam Discs P3000, foam sanding disc, 3M Tri-zact sanding discs, compounding disc 3000 grit
Lake Country Beveled Edge 3.5 Inch Pad Pack used the white ones
4 inch CCS Spot Buffs Orange Pads 2 Pack - LC-78-24400-2
Microfiber Wheel Detailing Towel, wheel buffing towel, all wheel towel, utility towel, shop towel

 

[tuscarora dave]

OK, so how did they turn out? Any pictures?

 

[roscoe]

before
this is the pics in order of process.

120 grit dry.

500 grit wet

1500 grit wet

3000 grit wet

this one has all the grits in order counter clockwise.

aluminum_compound put on with wore out 1500 grit disk

fine_aluminum_polish put on with wore out 3000 grit disk

aluminum_concours_polish put on with orange pad

concours_metal_sealant put on with white pad

in_polished_stage counter clockwise.

this is the original compared to the repaired rim

rim done

make sure to wipe rim clean between every step. this is my first try at a howto hope it will help out.

 

[tuscarora dave]

From what I can see in those thumbnails it looks like everything worked out well. Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[roscoe]

thanks they did turn out good. some of the scratches were about 2 mills deep.if you want to see the bigger photos go into gallery here

 

[tuscarora dave]

if you want to see the bigger photos go into gallery here

Oh thanks I would definitely like to see bigger pics. I'll see if I can't find them.:xyxthumbs:

 

[tuscarora dave]

They do look really nice. It's nice to see someone take the time to do such nice work. How many hours do you think you have in the project total?

 

[roscoe]

about 6 hours.

 

[slickooz]

Where can I see the larger pics, I can't find them.

 

[roscoe]

go to the gallery here and do a search for rims my name will be on them

 

[bgreer]

After your sanding, have you tried Jewelers rouge on a die grinder with a 4" firm cloth wheel...there are several different grades of rouge...after 3000 grit paper I'll start with #4 and finish with #6...seal it and it looks like chrome