Gday guys from Down Under :0) Im starting up a business cleaning and polishing trucks and cars.Does anybody know the best way to clean and polish Aluminum gas tanks and bullbars? (ill be needing to get into nooks and crannies too-the best tools/buffers to fit into small spaces to polish?)Best polisher and polishing wax or liquid polish to use? Ive heard good things about the Porter Cable polishers. Best buffing tools/pads/woolies to connect onto the polisher to do the best job without the swirls? Any help would be great.thanks guys. Migsy :xyxthumbs
Need advice polishing Aluminum
- Thread starter migsy
- Start date
I have some experience with the Mother's Powerball, and it may be worth looking into. I'm pretty sure they make a mini one now too, which would be better for getting into tight spots. It took me a lot less time to polish out my 4 aluminum 17s using the power ball than by hand. Their power Metal polish did a great job for me.
I think that you will need a variety of polishes and applicators. I have both of Mother's Pwerballs and really like them. They can get into most tight places. They attach to an electric drill. I have also used my Porter Cable on large flat surfaces. It does a great job. You can get 4 inch pads for the pc that give you better control in small areas. Finally you may have to hand polish in some places.
I have used both Meguiars polish and Mother's regular polish and billet polish. IMO they all work the same. S100 has a new water based polish that is supposed to make polishing much easier. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on my list of things to do.
After I polish aluminum. I apply a couple of coats of NXT.
If the aluminum is clearcoated, treat it like paint. Do not use the metal polishes.
Good luck.
Tom
I have used both Meguiars polish and Mother's regular polish and billet polish. IMO they all work the same. S100 has a new water based polish that is supposed to make polishing much easier. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on my list of things to do.
After I polish aluminum. I apply a couple of coats of NXT.
If the aluminum is clearcoated, treat it like paint. Do not use the metal polishes.
Good luck.
Tom
I have a Mothers Powerball, but I'm not sure about the durability. If you hit a sharp edge it really rips it apart. I have a local company make me these custom wool buffers that work in a drill chuck. They are shaped like an icecream cone and are great for getting tight spots and wheel spokes. I might start selling them.
When you apply the aluminum polish just keep working it, even though it turns black.
When you apply the aluminum polish just keep working it, even though it turns black.