Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Re-polishing aluminum

2002

Dear sir,

We recently tried a cleaner to clean the diamond aluminum checker plate on our engine but did it improperly and it left runs marks on the aluminum. How do we go about repolishing the metal to bring back the original shine or is it to late? Should we try aluminum navel jelly with steel wool? Help us please.

Thanks,

Jim Siniawski
W Homestead Vol. Fire Co. - W. Homestead, Pennsylvania, USA

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Not familiar with what exactly you are doing or referring too; however, I am familiar with polishing materials. It sounds as if you might have some kind of etch problem. If that is the case, I think you have to buff that out because of surface variation. I would consider a non-woven wheel for the application, but cotton wheels might work also. Again it depends on the surface variation. You might be able to accomplish some reasonable finish using the method you suggested, but it may still leave a dull finish. A lot has to do with the size or grade of #0000 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon].

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2002

I am looking for info on polishing my aluminum checker plates. When I polish them with a green bar I am getting lots of black stuff on the plate that is very hard to get off. What do I use to get it off before I go to the next step using a softer rouge. How much stuff do I put on the wheel is there a problem if you have too much or not enough. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Jim Henson
- Ottawa, Ontairo, Canada
2002