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Chemically polishing aluminum motorcycle parts

My name is Bob Bleakley I am the owner of a motorcycle parts distributor in Barrie Ontario, I would appreciate it if someone could till me if it is possible to chemically polish aluminum motorcycle parts. The problem I have with physically buffing the parts is that some of the parts are of a very irregular shape and it is difficult to get at all the surfaces.Also the heat created by buffing is sometimes a problem. Any information about how to do this or where to get it done in southern Ontario would be extremely helpful. Thank you to anyone who can help.

Bob.

Bob B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Barrie, Ontario Canada
2000

Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).

Bob - Yes, aluminum can be chemically polished with a "bright dip". Some heat is generally required though, and an acidic solution is used. Good Luck.

Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
2000

August 29, 2008

Hi, gentlemen.

I can't disagree with you, Dan, except that "bright dipping" is not just hot and acidic -- it's probably the second foulest operation metal finishers must do, with a boiling hot solution of nitric acid that fumes wildly with mustard colored toxic gases, demanding full enclosure in a garage style exhaust system, and double walled type 316L stainless steel tanks :-)

Letters 800, 1831, and 10917 go into substantial detail about aluminum polishing and may be of some help, Bob. Good luck!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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