How to Polish Aluminum Wheels
Polishing aluminum wheels can seem like a never-ending job. For one, aluminum tarnishes when exposed to oxygen in the air. Also, road salts and other chemicals in the environment eat into aluminum. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to get your aluminum wheels in tip-top shape. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Easy-off oven cleaner
- Liquid hand soap
- Dish scrubber (teflon-safe type)
- 400 grit sandpaper
- Aluminum bright
- Clear car polish
- Rags
Instructions
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Rinse your wheels thoroughly with water. If possible, use a hose to remove as much dirt and grime from the wheels as possible.
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Spray "Easy-Off" oven cleaner onto your wheels while they are still damp. Allow "Easy-Off" to soak into the grime for at least 20 minutes. Use a Teflon-safe dish scrubber to scrub the wheels as clean as possible. If necessary, rinse your wheels and apply a second coating of "Easy-Off". Rinse the wheels thoroughly to remove the over cleaner.
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3
Sand your wheels once they are dry with a 400 grit sandpaper. (Perform this step only if there is pitting in the metal.) Depending on how deep the pitting is, this process may take a considerable amount of time. Unfortunately, sanding is the only method to remove pitting in aluminum wheels. If you have large areas to sand, or if the pitting is extensive, you may want to use a drill with a rounded sanding bit. If so, keep the bit moving at all times to avoid sanding gouges into the wheels. It is best to take off a little aluminum at a time, rather than try to take off too much too quickly. Rinse your wheels with water after the sanding process is complete. Wipe dry immediately with a clean rag.
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Wipe on "Aluminum Bright", as per the manufacturer's instructions. "Aluminum Bright" is available at virtually any auto parts dealer, many hardware stores and other major outlets. Buff your wheels with a clean cloth.
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Coat your wheels with a clear car polish. This will help to keep oxygen from reaching the aluminum and oxidizing it. Wiping on two coats of clear car polish is even better as this will keep your aluminum wheels looking newer longer.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not touch the wheels with your fingers, as oils on your skin can cause discoloration.
