Need Help With Polished Aluminum Rims

pcrjunkyamd

pcrjunkyamd

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2012
Messages
61
Reaction score
0
Hey guys i got a really good deal on these wheels but i cant get them clean any tips on what to do or what to use
IMG_20140918_201704.jpg

IMG_20140918_201656.jpg

IMG_20140918_201650.jpg

IMG_20140918_200000.jpg
Feed back please
 
Mothers aluminum polish might get some of it

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
 
If steal wool and some paste isn't cutting it,give a high-grit sandpaper a try.
P.S. I am not an expert. Be warned; this might make matters actually worse.
 
The nice thing about bare metal is you can work it with a light steel wool and then sand paper finer and finer until it's perfect and then polish it by hand or speed up the process with machines. You may have to just get real aggressive to knock everything off of it first and refine the finish from there.
 
I used light steel wool with mothers to clean up some chrome pitting on my Harley. Worked pretty good

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
 
Those wheels look like they were originally painted aluminum wheels coated with a clear coat. However, in various spots the paint and/or clear coat has worn away. In other spots, dirt/brake filings have been etched/burned into the paint and or bare aluminum.

So, those wheels have multiple issues going on. Part of the issue is the factory applied finish is toast & part of the issue is there is dirt embedded in the material.

IMHO those wheels would never look "good enough" for me without receiving an acid dip and a powder coating. While you can likely polish away the embedded dirt with a heavy aluminum polish or P21S MSR - the finish will still appear uneven where the bare aluminum meets what's left of the paint.

Another alternative would be to strip off what's left of the factory paint with some type of chemical paint stripper (although I am not sure paint stripper will work if they are powder coated - but I'm guessing the right paint stripper will), and then just go at the bare aluminum with a heavy aluminum polish, like P21S MSR. After that - follow up with a lighter metal polish.

If your going that route - be prepared. You have a lot of tedious work ahead of you.
 
swanicyouth said:
IMHO those wheels would never look "good enough" for me without receiving an acid dip and a powder coating. While you can likely polish away the embedded dirt with a heavy aluminum polish or P21S MSR - the finish will still appear uneven where the bare aluminum meets what's left of the paint.

Another alternative would be to strip off what's left of the factory paint with some type of chemical paint stripper (although I am not sure paint stripper will work if they are powder coated - but I'm guessing the right paint stripper will), and then just go at the bare aluminum with a heavy aluminum polish, like P21S MSR. After that - follow up with a lighter metal polish.

If your going that route - be prepared. You have a lot of tedious work ahead of you.
Click to expand...


I have to agree, you're going to be putting A LOT of time and effort into a project that is at best only going to yield minimal results that you will have to constantly have to stay on top of ... bare aluminum oxidizes FAST. I would be more inclined to price out having them professionally cleaned (dipped) and powder coated.
 
Buschshineproductsdotcom video and products to strip clear coated aluminum wheels.
Oven cleaner, think EZ OFF, to strip powder coat.
 
these are Eagle 077 Polished Alum. Wheels dont think there where cleared also have a powdercoat available i want keep the polished look and then hit them with some sharkhide. dont want coat them in i dont have to it wont fit the cars overall look
 
Is your applicator or towel turning black when using the metal polish?
 
Out of curiosity, what was a "really goof deal" for these wheels?
 
I love wenol and polishing attachments on the dremel... I would guess 2-4 hours per rim just to begin...
 
1. Use an acid based wheel cleaner and elbow grease to clean most of that crap off.

2. Use a medium cut aluminum polish on your test spot.

3. Check test spot results.

4. If more cut is needed then use a heavy cut aluminum polish. Check test spot results.

5. If heavy cut gives best result in cutting phase, then you will probably have to repolish with a medium to fine cut polish for ultimate clarity.

My two cents.













 
You have an etching problems. Those wheels will yield very minimal looking results and a lot if labor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top