Creating a mirror finish on aluminium can be a very nice final touch. This applies to both car bodywork and wheels, as well as standard equipment used at home. So how can you polish aluminium to create a mirror finish? Read our article and discover practical tips, as well as what tools you will need.
Creating a mirror finish on aluminium can be a very nice final touch. This applies to both car bodywork and wheels, as well as standard equipment used at home. So how can you polish aluminium to create a mirror finish? Read our article and discover practical tips, as well as what tools you will need.
Cleaning aluminium before polishing
Aluminium will need to be properly prepared before you can polish it. The surface should be free of any protective layers and dirt that could affect the end result. To do this you will need:
- varnish remover,
- a plastic putty knife,
- 600 and 2000 grit sandpaper,
- water.
You will also need tape or other similar material to protection any parts that you will not be polishing or could be damaged.
Start off by getting rid of the varnish, using a dedicated varnish remover. You will usually have to apply it to the surface and wait a few minutes. After this time, use the plastic putty knife to gently remove the varnish. If the layer does not come off, repeat the entire process.
Once you get rid of the varnish, you can proceed to pre-cleaning with 600 grit sandpaper. Remember to regularly soak it in water. You can then proceed to using the 2000 grit sandpaper in order to level the surface. After wiping it off with a dry cloth, the aluminium element is ready to be polished.
How do you polish aluminium?
Just like with stainless steel, for polishing aluminium you will need appropriate equipment and accessories. Creating a mirror finish will be impossible without them. You will need a polisher, polishing paste and a soft cloth (e.g. felt).
Polishers for aluminium
Cleaning and maintaining metal surfaces is relatively easy using various power tools. A polishing machine will significantly speed up your work. When choosing the right equipment, pay attention to whether you can adjust the rotation speed. Polishing aluminium should be done at a low speed. It is also important that the power tool is appropriate for lengthy use.
What about small aluminium elements that a polishing machine will not reach? A special grinder can be used in such cases. However, if you are worried that they might damage these elements, you can always polish small parts by hand.
Polishing pastes for aluminium
Aluminium polishing paste makes polishing such surfaces much easier. It can be applied directly to the workpiece or to a polishing cloth or pad.
There are two types of aluminium polishing paste on the market – solid and squeezed from a tube. Most specialists prefer the first type, but also sometimes use the second type for some smaller jobs. It is very important that the polishing paste is specifically intended for aluminium, which usually stands out by its green colour. Similar measures also apply to glass. Read more about polishing glass in our other article on this topic.
Aluminium polishing felt
The last thing you will need is a soft polishing cloth with excellent polishing properties, ideally made of felt. It can be used for both aluminium and other metals. Velcro felt pads are often used for this purpose, and you can also find cloths for manual polishing.
Polishing aluminium
Once you have cleaned the element and prepared the necessary tools, it’s time to move on to how to polish aluminium. The first step is to evenly apply the paste to the treated surface. If the manufacturer recommends applying it to a polishing cloth, then this is how it should be done.
At this stage, it is important to assess how much time you have. The more time you spend polishing the aluminium, the better the final effect, but remember not to apply too much pressure as this may damage the polished element.
Once you have finished, remove any excess polishing paste and degrease the surface. You can use isopropyl alcohol for this purpose. Also remember to properly protect the aluminium surface with a ceramic coating or a transparent varnish, otherwise it will oxidise and form a dull finish.
Vibration polishing of aluminium
Vibration polishing is a very popular method, especially on car alloy wheels. However, it requires the use of a special vibratory polisher, which uses special resin or porcelain fittings. An aluminium object is put into the drum of the device, and the vibrations cause the fittings to grind its surface. The whole process is much faster than using traditional methods, and the mirror finish lasts much longer.
How to polish aluminium to a mirror finish – summary
You should now know how to polish aluminium to a mirror finish. The job itself is not complicated, but requires some practice in order to protect the material from damage. If you do not want to use the service of professional, we advise that you make sure beforehand that you are up to the job.
Do you want to find out more about cutting aluminium? Read our other article for valuable tips on this topic.
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