Aluminum polishing

mleroy1989

mleroy1989

New member
Have a quote coming up to detail a semi for a car show. I'm comfortable with accepting this job except for one part: the aluminum.

This truck has aluminum wheels and fuel tanks. I've done small sections of aluminum with a power ball/flitz and metal polish with decent results. In searching for a better and more efficient solution I found "Airway buffing pads" coupled with "Rouge bars."

This combination is completely new to me and extremely interesting! The pad is used on its side to polish and product is applies by running the wheel against the Rouge bar.

I'm definitely interested in investing in this combination to run on my Dewalt rotary. Does anyone have experience with this or anything similar? The results I've seen look spectacular with much less effort than I would be capable of.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Is it raw polished aluminum or clear coated aluminum ?

If its just polished aluminum, then red rouge on the proper wheel with the right wheel polisher that can get deep into the wheel easily, will do right if you know how to do it, and you really need to wear a mask..

How about looking up the Eastwood company and see if they have any articles on polishing aluminum, etc.. They also sell all the products needed to polish any metal as well.
Good luck !
DanF
 
Bare aluminum, although I will do test spots as always to confirm.

I've been looking into more techniques and processes and stumbled upon the company called Highway Shine. I called and spoke to Andy who helped me get set up with what I would need for this project and was very helpful.

I'm excited to start learning this new skill!
 
mleroy1989 said:
Bare aluminum, although I will do test spots as always to confirm.

I've been looking into more techniques and processes and stumbled upon the company called Highway Shine. I called and spoke to Andy who helped me get set up with what I would need for this project and was very helpful.

I'm excited to start learning this new skill!
Click to expand...
Andy is an awesome guy. Never met him but just talking on the phone. Ive got stuff from him. What stuff did you get? I got a DC Super Shine kit.
 
I haven't ordered yet, still nit picking my order. I'm considering the DC kit and the highway custom 2 step package. I'm not brand particular but am very impressed with DC Supershine and do get comfort from the menzerna name.

Anything you'd suggest I add if I went with the DC package? The material I'm working on may need a lot of work and I don't know how aggressive the kit would be.
 
I didnt use my stuff a whole lot yet. I cant get the results that I want. If you get the heavy cut kit you should be good. And pick up a two inch extender so it puts the wheel farther away from the buffer. The kit should have everything else you need unless you want to sand first. Or you could check out Evans Polishing and Detailing from Wisconsin. He does AMAZING polishing. I thing he uses Maverick rouge. I have not used their bars but I might try them next. DC super shine has a lot of good videos on youtube and I think evan has some too. Hope that helps
 
Thanks for the advice. Do you think your having trouble obtaining great results because the kit isn't aggressive enough for the condition of the material you're working on or not sanding? Or are you having trouble finishing down after its cleaned up? I anticipated sanding first which from what I've read would go 320 progessing up to 1000 then fast cut wheel with compound followed by finishing Rouge. I plan on getting the extender as well.

I'll have to find Evans videos and check it out.

Thanks again.
 
Well I got kit today. I went with the Zephyr 4 stage kit and a set of goblets. Andy seemed confident this kit would be sufficient for my needs and I'm excited to get started! Practicing first of course!

Luckily I have a multitude of neglected aluminum rims to work on and help establish a process, they're all just attached to firetrucks.
 
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