How to Make Aluminum Auto Parts Shine
Aluminum auto parts can get stained, scratched and become dull from heavy use or weather conditions. Aluminum parts cannot be polished in the same manner or using the same materials as chrome or painted parts. Aluminum is a softer metal and takes specific steps to be polished to a high shine without causing damage to the surface.
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Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Oven cleaner
- Drill
- Sandpaper flap wheel
- Sandpaper (600, 1000 and 2000 grit)
- Water (hose or bucket)
- Clean cotton rags
- Two cotton polishing wheels to fit on drill
- Aluminum polish
Instructions
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Remove the parts from the vehicle or cover the surrounding painted surfaces with an old sheet or tarp. Spray the aluminum parts with oven cleaner and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Wipe the cleaner off with a clean rag and then rinse it with clean water.
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2
Sand one part with 600-grit sandpaper and water. Keep the part and sandpaper wet at all times so that the sanding buildup won't be rubbed into the aluminum surface. Sand the entire part to remove any pits, stains, scratches or buildup from the surface.
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3
Use the 1000-grit sandpaper and water to sand the entire part again, covering all of the scratches made from the 600-grit sandpaper. The 1000-grit sandpaper will remove the deeper sand marks and get the surface looking smooth. Go over the part a final time with 2000-grit sand paper and water. Allow the part to dry completely.
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Apply aluminum polish to the part and use a drill and cotton polishing wheel to go over it. Use the polishing wheel to apply the polish to the entire part. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes and then use a clean polishing wheel to go over the part again and remove the polish.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves for the entire cleaning, sanding and polishing process to protect your skin from chemicals.
