Waxing aluminium

butchdave

New member
Bit of a theoretical question for me at the moment, but I know some people who have alloy bodied cars (no paint). Currently they simply polish them on a regular basis - any ideas or recommended products for a more durable finish - wax/ polymer etc?



For an example of what I mean

IMAG007A.JPG
 
Wow... that certainly is different! :bow



I have little clue about how one would go about polishing such a thing, but I imagine you could wax it almost the same as if it were painted. People do it all the time with their polished aluminum/chrome wheels.
 
Personally, I'd stay away from applying a wax to polished aluminum.



The carriers have a bad habit (at least some of the brands I've tried) of staining the aluminum.



If you do choose to go that route, a paste would be better than a liquid.



Most aluminum polishes leave a polymer type barrier behind to slow oxidation. That would be the correct product for the application.
 
When I did aircraft for a living we polished with a German product similiar to Semichrome and protected with a product called Once. It was a wipe on wipe off product, green liquid which protected and cleaned.
 
You might want to check my posts on polishing an aluminum heat shield with Klasse & Zaino .. do a search here.
 
At the local airport, I've seen them use Nuvite(sp?)or Rolite(sp?) to polish the aluminum with wool pads mounted. They mentioned using low speeds so they wouldn't heat up the aluminum and discolor it. Might want to check if there is a plasticoat like they used on Airstreams.
 
Yes, Rolite! My sales rep at Lake Country details planes on the side. He is a huge fan of the Rolite polishes on aluminum. I believe AP300 is one of their aluminum polishes. Here is the contact info for Rolite: 800-253-6466 or roliteco@execpc.com



If you need any help, shoot me a PM and I will do what I can.
 
forrest said:
Personally, I'd stay away from applying a wax to polished aluminum.



The carriers have a bad habit (at least some of the brands I've tried) of staining the aluminum.



If you do choose to go that route, a paste would be better than a liquid.



Most aluminum polishes leave a polymer type barrier behind to slow oxidation. That would be the correct product for the application.
(Files this away for future reference....) :)



I've noticed that a lot of metal polishes seem to have that property (according to them or users). Now I know why.
 
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