
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Polish Aluminum on curve surface
2000
How can I polish Aluminum or Aluminum Bronze into mirror finishing for curved surface? Like spherical shape?
Since this is only a scinece project, is it possible to get the mirror finishing by hand polishing?
Eric Leong- Stony Brook, New York
2002
Yes you can obtain a mirror finish even on a curved surface. You will need to get several grades of sandpaper, I usually start with 80 then go to 200 then 400 then 800, finally 1200, then I use an aluminum polish such as Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish [affil link]. I know it sounds crazy to use sandpaper, but I have done wheels, turbo housings, intakes, and other aluminum parts with great success. There is almost no limit to the smoothness, but bear in mind even a small surface (valve cover) can take all day!
James K windland- Washington, West Virginia, USA
