How to Polish Car Rims

Today's automobiles use a wide variety of wheel rims and covers to add a distinct look to each car model. Many of these wheel covers and rims are expensive accessories. It pays dividends to keep these in showroom condition to present your automobile's best appearance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• General purpose cleaner/degreaser
• Can of Fine Aluminum Polish (16 oz.)
• Can of Aluminum Contours (finishing) Polish (16 oz.)
• 3 each 3-inch and 5-inch wool polishing balls
• Electric drill
• Electric drill buffing cloth wheel
• Can of DP wheel wax
• Hose
• Several clean, lint-free rags
• Clean terry cloth towel

Wash Rims to Remove Residue

1. Do not attempt to clean wheels while hot. Allow wheels to cool before cleaning.

2. Spray degreaser over entire surface of rim paying particular attention to rim recesses and difficult to reach places such as spokes and lug nut recesses. Use small brush (toothbrush) to apply degreaser to recessed areas of rim.

3. Allow degreaser to work for one to two minutes, and wipe off residue and brake dust using clean rag.

4. Reapply as necessary, allow two minutes and wipe clean. Do not allow degreaser to dry on rims.

5. Wash rim with soap and water, rinse and dry with towel.

Polish Rims

6. Select polish compound that is appropriate for the metal being polished. Some polishing compounds are safe for all metals while others are limited to specific metals and are too harsh for others. Chrome polishing compounds, for example, are too harsh for use on aluminum or painted rim surfaces.Metallwerk Fine aluminum polish is safe for aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, brass, copper and magnesium surfaces.

7. Using a clean, lint-free rag, evenly spread a thin coat of Metallwerk Fine aluminum polish over the surface of the rim and allow to dry.

8. Use 5-inch wool buffing balls inserted into electric drill to buff rim surface until free of oxidation and damage done by brake dust and accumulations of grime. Buff until haze is removed. If necessary apply a second coat of compound and rebuff.Use 3-inch wool balls to buff tight spots.

9. Use a clean rag to apply a coat of Aluminum Contours polish and allow this to dry.

10. Using cloth buffing wheel mounted on electric drill buff rim to a high gloss finish.

Add Protective Wax

11. After all buffing steps are complete, spray liquid DP wheel wax (or equivalent) over each wheel surface.

12. After two minutes wipe rim surface with clean, lint-free rag.

13. Using second clean rag, buff surface to high gloss shine.

14. Wash wheel rims with clear water only twice a week.

15. Reapply wax every other week to maintain polished rim appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to polish one wheel rim at a time. Do not attempt to polish all four wheels at once as the polish will dry to a hard finish and may present problems removing.
• If possible work in shade.
• Be sure that the polishing compound used is compatible with the metal surface being polished.
• Do not use metal polishing compounds on painted or coated rim surfaces.
• If polishing near a painted surface cover it with plastic and tape as polish may damage adjacent areas.