How to Polish Aluminum on a Buffer Wheel
A good polish on an aluminum wheel is all that is needed to bring the metal back into top condition. Sometimes all an aluminum wheel needs is a good wash with soap and water. But other times, it might need polishing with a buffer wheel. Depending on the type of aluminum you're working with, you'll have to decide what method will work best for the metal. Otherwise, polishing aluminum on a buffer wheel will be the most appropriate way to return that original shine to your wheel.
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Things You'll Need
- Power ball buffer wheel
- Mini-power ball buffer wheel
- Aluminum polish or metal polish compound
- Cotton
Instructions
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Check the aluminum wheel to see whether it is coated or uncoated. Coated aluminum will only need a good wash with soap and water. Abrasive materials, such as a compound, will damage the metal. If the aluminum is uncoated, then it will hold up under a polishing with a buffer wheel. Dab a cotton swab with aluminum polish and rub it against the metal. If the swab turns black, the aluminum is uncoated.
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Look at the aluminum surface of the wheel. If it reflects light, then it is still in good condition and will only need a rinse and dry with soap and water. While the metal might feel smooth, the surface can still be rough, especially when it impacts the way light reflects off it. So if the metal is dull, then a buffer wheel will be needed to get it back into good condition.
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Wipe a coarse compound or aluminum polish on the wheel. Spread the compound on thoroughly, making sure you reach the recesses in the wheel or any other difficult-to-reach areas.
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Polish the aluminum with a stiff buffer wheel, using the coarse compound or aluminum polish to smooth the rough edges in the metal. Make certain that you apply the right amount of rpm and pressure on the surface. Too little pressure will scatter the compound, while too much pressure will burn the aluminum.
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Polish the wheel thoroughly, making certain that you work on the deep recesses in the wheel as well. For these hard-to-reach areas, use a mini-power ball. Mini-power ball buffers have a 3-inch diameter foam that are designed specifically to reach tight areas around the lug nuts.
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