Tough water spots on brushed aluminum wheels

[Lance Mark]

here's what I did so far

washed them with Reset
dried them
gave them a liberal coating with Mother's Aluminum wheel cleaner (first time I've tied it) scrubed them with the grain using a microfiber cloth
rinsed them, dried them
tried chem guys heavy duty metal polish applied and wiped it down
tried again with Nev'R dull
tried again with 3D water spot gel

at a glance, they look way better, but when I put an inspection light on them, they are cloudy with water spots

suggestions?

***sorry meant for this to go in the ask questions section

 

[2black1s]

I assume this question is relative to the trike you are currently detailing. Harley does a lot of stuff right, but bare aluminum wheels on many models is not one of them.

What it takes to maintain bare aluminum wheels is way beyond the knowledge base of the general public.

Bare aluminum wheels oxidize so readily that they take constant upkeep to keep that oxidation at bay. And water spots like you are dealing with will etch into the soft aluminum in a heartbeat.

The only way to get the water spots out 100% would be by sanding until the etching depth has been removed (just like removing them from clearcoat) and then polishing... But that will destroy the original brush finish.

With all that you have done to this point, I'd have to say that they are as good as it gets. This is one of those cases where the defects can be improved upon, but not completely eliminated.

The only other thing I might try that you haven't already done is an aluminum paint prep cleaner - Something like this...

View attachment 75713

 

[Lance Mark]

I assume this question is relative to the trike you are currently detailing

they look way better, and its the inspection light that really brings out the haze and water spots

I'm moving on, and If I'm being honest, they look so much better, I'm sure he'll be happier with the outcome than I am....i'm being a little picky

I appreciate you chimin' in my friend, one of the more helpful fellas here and always solid advice

 

[chilly]

The only time I ever had to deal with a similar situation was on a VERY expensive aluminum bicycle frame that had some mystery spots on it that no chemical would get out

I ended up using a Scotch Brite abrasive wheel to eliminate the stains and duplicate the brushed finish to the point if you didn't know it had been monkeyed with you would have never picked up on it

The owner was super happy and immediately had the frame clear coated with Imron paint