Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Polished an aluminum + stainless wheel; the stainless is now rusting

2005

I polished an aluminum motorcycle wire wheel that was hard anodized with stainless steel spokes and nipples. I removed the anodising from the rim by chemical means, then sanded, then polished the aluminum with a hand held buffing wheel and brown tripoli rouge (polishing/buffing compound) [affil links]. Since the wheel was already assembled, I had to fold bits of sandpaper (which if I remember was aluminum oxide)into strips to sand in between each nipple. Most of the stainless steel nipples got abraded right where they meet the rims surface from the hard edge created by folding the sandpaper into 1/4" strips. NOW there's red rust on the stainless nipples... Did I embed the surface of the stainless with the oxides from the paper to cause the rust? If so, can it be removed with some gel type remover that I could keep off the aluminum? I don't care if I have to buff the rim again, but did the tripoli compound do that? I need some advice (obviously).

Thanks in advance,

Martin Cattani
lettering & sign designer - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Embedded non-metallic abrasive won't cause a problem.

Is it actually stainless steel, or is it nickel and/or chrome plated carbon steel, and you have removed the protective nickel and/or chrome layer?

Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
2005

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There are a number of ways that you could have caused the rusting in the process. IF they are plated nipples I agree that you sanded off the plating and the steel underneath is rusting.
If they are really stainless steel then you embedded iron into them somehow in the process of buffing the aluminum.
If they ARE stainless steel you can remove the rust and not damage the aluminum by using jelled products based on citric acid. Call us if you need help.

If they are not stainless you will have to replate the nipples.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2005

Hmm, I just know they were sold to me as stainless steel, not sure if they're plated. Any tell-tale signs to the naked eye as to the difference?

Martin Cattani
lettering & sign designer - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2005

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Well just an update. I used a citric acid product called Barkeepers Friend [on eBay or Amazon] with a toothbrush after I determined that they were not chrome, but actual stainless steel. It removed 90 percent of my problem, but there are a few stubborn areas that remain as a black type of scale. Do I have to get that off as well? I rinsed in distilled water too. Thanks guys for all the help.

Martin Cattani
lettering & sign designer - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2005

YOU CAN TRY USING A MAGNET TO SEE IF IT STICKS. IF IT DOESN'T YOU PROBABLY HAVE STAINLESS STEEL.

BARBEY RICHARDSON
plating shop - DUNCAN, South Carolina
2005