How to Polish Bare Aluminum
Bare aluminum can oxidize over time causing it to look dull and discolored. Aluminum can be cleaned to remove oxidation and polished to create a shiny surface. Regular polishing of aluminum will protect the aluminum from future oxidation and will help keep the aluminum shiny.
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Things You'll Need
- Aluminum cleaning compound
- Aluminum polish
- Automatic rotary polisher tool
- Wool bonnet for rotary polisher
- Sheepskin bonnet for rotary polisher
- Cleaning cloths
- Cleaning detergent
Instructions
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1
Clean the aluminum surface with water and a cleaning detergent.
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2
Dry the aluminum surface with a clean cloth.
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3
Apply a dab of aluminum cleaning compound the size of a quarter on the aluminum surface and use an automatic rotary polisher fitted with a wool bonnet to buff the aluminum. For small surfaces, use a clean cloth instead of a rotary polisher. Work on a small area at a time, applying more aluminum cleaning compound as needed.
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4
Wipe excess aluminum cleaning compound off the aluminum with a dry, clean cloth.
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5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 a second time if oxidation remains.
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6
Apply a dab of aluminum polish the size of a quarter on the aluminum surface and use an automatic rotary polisher fitted with a sheepskin bonnet to polish aluminum. Use a clean cloth instead of a rotary polisher for small surfaces. Work on a small area at a time, applying more aluminum polish as needed.
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7
Wipe excess aluminum polish off with a dry, clean cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Excess cleaning compound or polish can be scraped off wool and sheepskin bonnets using a stiff nylon brush.
Aluminum is a soft metal that scratches easily. Do not use abrasive products on aluminum.
