How to polish aluminum?

[number9]

I have a set of aluminum exhausts for the Ducati that I got with bike, however they are in pretty crappy condition. They exhibit that white crud look of oxidation, which I have had some success at cleaning up.

But even with that stuff gone, they still look "dull". Who can bring the tech on polishing these up to a nice shine? I have a bench grinder at home, so I can certainly pick up a polishing wheel to use on the aluminum exhaust if that's what works.

I've tried Mother's metal polish on them, and it works pretty well -- but I think I still have to do more prep work on the cans themselves, maybe some more wet-sanding?

Not afraid of elbow grease, I just wanna know what works. It doesn't have to be an award-winning sheen, but I would like to make it prettier without it costing $arm and $leg. Thoughts?

Before I started anything:



After using nasty-ass aluminum cleaner:



After wet-sanding with 600-grit paper:



After about 5 minutes' worth of polishing with the Mothers stuff:



But, I still have to fix this. It looks like it's deep, but it doesn't feel like it is. What should I do about it? Get a proper polishing & grinding wheel from 3M or somethin'?



Gracias, bitches.

[Supah Dave]

Wet sand until you get up to 2000 grit, then use a bench grinder or Dremel with a polishing wheel attachment. I suggest using Mother's polishing cream. I've made some parts look like chrome using this method. Just be sure to not press to hard against the polishing wheel or you'll burn the metal.

[number9]

Thanks Dave. Should I keep sanding from 600-grit and get progressively more fine, or should I start from something more coarse than 600?

[Supah Dave]

Thanks Dave. Should I keep sanding from 600-grit and get progressively more fine, or should I start from something more coarse than 600?

It depends on what the surface is like. I usually start with 800 and work my way up. The lower the grit you start with, the better it'll come out (to a point). The key is to take your time. Try 800. If after a couple minutes it still seems like the surface isn't getting smooth, drop down to a coarser grit.

[number9]

It depends on what the surface is like. I usually start with 800 and work my way up. The lower the grit you start with, the better it'll come out (to a point). The key is to take your time. Try 800. If after a couple minutes it still seems like the surface isn't getting smooth, drop down to a coarser grit.

Orright, I'll give it a try. Can I use a small electric sander, or do I run the risk of going too far too fast?

Also, when you say to use the polishing wheel on a dremel, should I put the polishing goo on the wheel (or on the exhaust) at the time? Or just do it "natural" and then only polish with goo by hand? Wow, there's a lot of puns in there.

[Supah Dave]

Sand it by hand. When you're ready to polish it, spread the polishing paste on one area at a time and then let the polishing wheel do its thing. Once the polish turns black, wipe it off, reapply and continue.

[number9]

Sand it by hand. When you're ready to polish it, spread the polishing paste on one area at a time and then let the polishing wheel do its thing. Once the polish turns black, wipe it off, reapply and continue.

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I owe you a

[Supah Dave]

No, you don't owe me a









































You owe me 2

[SVRACER01]

have you tried SIMICHROME? that shit will take off just about anything. i used it to take fried egg off my exhaust

[Supah Dave]

I've tried that before and it doesn't give as good of a shine as Mothers. Although it might be that my polishing technique is just best suited to using Mothers. I dunno, but it's what works for me.

[schleppy]

Here is a how to that was posted recently:
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts: Polishing Aluminum Wheels - Jalopnik

[number9]

Here is a how to that was posted recently:
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts: Polishing Aluminum Wheels - Jalopnik

Thanks! That was a good read...

[SVRACER01]

no but it will get that white stuff off of it

[number9]

no but it will get that white stuff off of it

Simichrome, you mean?

[SVRACER01]

yes, iwould try simichrome to get the oxidation off. if you are gonna polish it anyways then use some simichrome and a green scotch brite pad and get at it. then polish your little heart away. BTW.. polishing by hand sux!

[number9]

yes, iwould try simichrome to get the oxidation off. if you are gonna polish it anyways then use some simichrome and a green scotch brite pad and get at it. then polish your little heart away. BTW.. polishing by hand sux!

Thanks, I'll pick up a little jar of Simichrome and see how I go. And I'll try getting a 3M pad that I can attach to a drill, something like this.

[SVRACER01]

simichrome comes in a tube thats in a box that is yellowish gold with maroon on it.

[SVRACER01]

like this. Simichrome Online Sales
also im not sure where you will find it. i know i can get it at my dealership, but who knows down there. any body shop supply store should be able to get you what you need to polish. Sherwin Williams auto,Robbins, etc

[dhuze]

like this. Simichrome Online Sales
also im not sure where you will find it. i know i can get it at my dealership, but who knows down there. ......

Down where? Maine? I find it in most of the dealerships and some autoparts stores.

But to polish dull chrome that never had a shine you need to follow Dave'd advice.

[SVRACER01]

sorry most people on here are from mass and i just assumed he was too since i didnt bother to look.