Dremel Polishing Instructions
The Dremel is an all-purpose mini-grinder sold in most hardware and home improvement stores throughout the United States. The tool consists of an electric motor with a projecting drive wheel to which all forms of attachment can be connected. An adjustable power knob allows for variable speed control. A Dremel can be used for polishing when the appropriate attachments are installed.
Instructions
-
-
1
Attach a cotton buffing wheel tip to your Dremel rotary tool. These tips are available in all sizes to fit different types of surfaces. Larger wheels are preferable for flat surfaces or those with limited surface detail. Smaller buffing wheel attachments are better suited for heavily detailed surfaces or those with tight spaces, corners or edges.
-
2
Turn on your Dremel rotary tool to the lowest setting. Open a container of metal polish and dip the buffing tip into the polishing solution. Tilt your Dremel sideways so only the edge of the buffing tip touches the polish. Slowly load the buffing tip with polish until the entire tip is lightly coated making sure to keep any spray from the tip within the polish container.
-
-
3
Increase the speed of your Dremel rotary tool to a medium setting and place the tip onto the surface you intend to polish. Start at one end of the surface and select a small area of focus. Apply polish to the area like you are waxing a car. Keep buffing until it disappears into the surface before moving on to the next small area. Load more polish on to the tip each time it becomes visibly empty. Continue in this manner until the entire surface has been polished. Parts of the surface with heavy scratches or other cosmetic damage may require more pressure, use a higher power setting or multiple passes with your Dremel. Repeat the process until the surface is sufficiently polished.
-
4
Remove any excess polish or residue by hand with your clean cotton cloth. Rub it along the surface making sure to turn to a clean patch whenever it becomes soiled with polish or dirt. If your polish is grease or oil-based, rubbing alcohol or another cleaning solution may be required to remove any residue. Check the directions enclosed with your polish to see if the use of a cleaner is required.
-
5
Note any areas which require additional polishing as you clean the residue from the surface. Use the same process to address these areas.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Painted surfaces like motorcycle rims or frames may require paint removal or cleaning with steel wool prior to using a Dremel for polishing. The more prepared your surface is the less difficult polishing will be.
Always wear eye protection when polishing or grinding with power tools of any kind.
Always wear protective nose and mouth coverings when working with or around fine particles or dust.
Ensure sufficient ventilation when working with toxic chemicals like some polishes.
The Dremel is not recommended for polishing chrome surfaces as it may scratch or dull the metal.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
