Polishing rough cast aluminium

L

Lowejackson

New member
Many of the aluminium parts in the engine bay are stained. I have tried using various degreasers which help make the metal cleaner but do not touch the stains.



From searching the best option seems to be to use a buffing machine and various grades of rouge(?). I have no idea about metal polishing so any help would be useful.
 
If the casting is rough, you'll have to remove the grainy texture with sandpaper before using metal polishing compounds (emery, tripoli, rouge, etc) . . . at least, you will if you're trying to end up with a smooth, shiny surface. If you just want to clean the stains without removing the texture from the casting, I don't think a buffing wheel and compounds will do what you want. The polish will get deposited into the grain of the casting, sort of like wax residue on textured plastic trim, if you get my meaning



For some good info on metal polishing, check here: Caswell Plating (metal polishing manual).



Tort
 
I have had great success with Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish. If it is Rough you will have to sand down to make smooth and shiny....Check my sig pic for this.



-Nick
 
Polishing will not achieve that. I am wondering the same for the inlet manifold on my 205 gti, just wont come clean. Polishing will just smooth it.



How about coconut blasted? Less harsh than sand or shot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top