How to Resurface Polished Aluminum Wheels

Polished aluminum wheels are used on factory vehicles and in aftermarket applications. Polished aluminum is shiny and has a similar look to chrome, but doesn’t have the mirror-like reflection of chrome, which many automotive enthusiasts prefer. The down-side to polished aluminum is that it gets scratched and pitted and the polished finish wears off to reveal a dull gray-colored wheel. It is possible, however, to resurface polished aluminum wheels in a few hours to reinvigorate that shiny, polished look.

Things You'll Need

• 000-grade steel wool
• Water
• Liquid rubbing compound
• Chrome polish
• Cotton towel

Instructions

1. Lay the wheels on a flat surface such as grass or cardboard. A cement surface will leave scratches or gouges on the back side of the wheels.

2. Sand the wheels with 000-grade steel wool. The fine steel wool won’t put deep scratches on the wheels, but it will remove the surface layer of the faded finish. Keep the steel wool wet with water while rubbing the wheels down.

3. Rinse the wheels to see what areas still need polishing. If the wheels need a more harsh solution, use the steel wool with a mildly abrasive liquid rubbing compound. Sand the wheels with the wool and compound and wipe them clean with a towel to make sure the surface is evenly sanded.

4. Apply aluminum polish to the wheels with a cotton towel. Rub the towel in small circular motions while applying the polish. Polish the wheels evenly and wipe any dried polish off with a clean cotton towel. Repeat this step to get a brighter finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Cracked aluminum wheels should not be refinished. Cracked wheels must be replaced.