cagie

A couple of people have asked me how I polished aluminum to get a high gloss, so i put together a short series of videos and images to hopefully help out some.

First, to note, the aluminum on Motorcycles is usually coated with a clear protectant like urethane. It is difficult to get off, but with persistance it can be removed and the result can be like chrome. It all depends on your determination and effort.

I appologize for the video quality, I am not a professional , but hopefully you'll get the idea.

Another hint is to grab a small piece of scrap aluminum and practice. Aluminum is soft and can be gouged out and scratched pretty easily.

One final word before sending you off to the "classroom". When using any power equipment, know the safety precautions of that equipment and follow them. Wear eye and hearing protection.

Off to the classroom: http://lonestargrafix.web.officelive.com/polish.aspx

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

Kelty Rebel Rider

[QUOTE=cagie;12318]A couple of people have asked me how I polished aluminum to get a high gloss, so i put together a short series of videos and images to hopefully help out some.

Thanks for posting that Cagie, I will have to go into town to see the video... dial up 24,000 doesn't work..lol

Kelty Rebel Ryder

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TJBLonghorn

Pretty informative. Did you say what kind of polish compound you were using?

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cagie

Technical term for the compunds are; Black Emery (most abrasive), Brown Tripoli (medium abrasive), Red Rouge (fine abrasive) and White Rouge (finishing compound).

Also note: something I did not do in the video, mainly because I was only doing a small piece for demonstration, was to change out the wheel for each type of compound. Doing so avoids cross contamination of abrasives and give a better finish. So that means when you go to the store to buy wheels, get one for each stage of polishing. If you are only going to do Red Rouge, then you would only need one wheel...

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

michaeldavis77

what did you use to clean the wheel?

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cagie

I was just using a wire brush to get any clumps of compound and metal off the surface. (WARNING: be very careful using this technique, the wheel may grab the brush. always work away from you and leave clear space around you for escape purposes.) You won't get it 'clean'. Remember, best practice is to use one wheel for each type of compound. I just got in the habit of marking the wheel so I would remember.

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

flitecontrol

Cagie: Don't know how I missed this earlier. Do you clear coat when done to preserve the finish? If not, how long does the shine last?

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

cagie

NO I personally don't clearcoat. I have just been using MacQuires (sp?) Alum polish which helps to delay oxidation. I just buff everything off once a week or so and it stays clean and shiny.

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

flitecontrol

I'm too lazy for that. Sounds like time I could spend riding! Think I'll clear coat if i ever get around to polishing things.

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

DNC

Nice, informative video.

I'm headed to the tool store this weekend!

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