Polishing Alloy Panels

[lomondbob]

Does anyone have any tips as to how best to polish the alloy engine bay panels? I wish to give everything a nice shine before the engine goes in. Also, any tips on removing slight scratches? Thanks.


Bob

[dave]

Originally Posted by lomondbob

Does anyone have any tips as to how best to polish the alloy engine bay panels? I wish to give everything a nice shine before the engine goes in. Also, any tips on removing slight scratches? Thanks.


Bob

Autosol is your friend.

[lomondbob]

Thanks Dave. That's what I thought. Just getting confirmation.


Bob

[dingocooke]

Shouldnt a craftsman have known that...hehe

Scratches that wont come out with polish (i.e most of them) use 400 grit emery and water, then finish with 1000 grit and water, followed by good ole solvol

[Neil O]

WD40 and a kitchen scourer (the green and yellow type). This gives a "satin" finish, alegedly.
I've done this on some of my ally bits, but you need to do a test piece first to see if you like the finish.

[dingocooke]

if you buy scotch brite (avail in various grades at your local DIY), its a bit more consistant than the old foam backed kitchen scourer, which can leave some deeper scratches that take some getting out later.

WD is Ok, but the idea of using water is to wash the abraded particles out of the abrasive, to stop them scratching the surface; they can stick a little using wd, and then you get more scratches...ok Im getting carried away now; Ill get me coat..

[ceejayjay]

I confess to thinking Autoglym was over priced for many years and used Autosol too ( its good ) but I tried Autoglym Metal Polish and the difference wa amazing. Solvol on the rear ally arch guards brought them up fine, but never to a sheen,- tried Autoglym and they shone like mirrors!! - nearer to chrome in look than plain ally.

[dingocooke]

The old motorcycle polishing trick, is to do the first polish with solvol, then polish again with solvol and water, big difference in effect; I think the autoglym stuff is finer, or perhaps more diluted, so you get a better finishing polish, but (maybe?) solvol is better for more heavily tarnished surfaces?
You have to polish woth solvol until the polish residue is jet black to get the best result too.

[craggle]

I found Mothers Mag and Ally polish to be very good for aluminium rims on my wheels. Less abrasive than Solvol and leaves a better shine.

You may want to invest in a polishing mop for a cordless drill if you have large areas to do.

Craig.

[dave.n]

Originally Posted by craggle

I found Mothers Mag and Ally polish to be very good for aluminium rims on my wheels. Less abrasive than Solvol and leaves a better shine.

You may want to invest in a polishing mop for a cordless drill if you have large areas to do.

Craig.

If I may add to this Craig............ Don't forget to mask any paintwork when using power tools and polishing agents. One touch and you will destroy a painted surface. I KNOW