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Looking for step by step help on buffing aluminum

Well I'm a sort of a new at aluminum polishing and am looking for some tips on buffing the aluminum parts from my bike. I've tried to polish some before with unsatisfactory results. I don't know if my motor speed was too slow (1750 RPM) or using the wrong type of buffing wheels for the wrong stage. I've seen parts and entire frames polished so much that they looked like they were chrome plated. That's the look that I want. Best I've ever gotten was a satin finish. I was never able to get a high gloss to it. So if anyone reading this is bored and would like to help me out and give me step by step process of what type of wheel to use at what point and type of rouge to use, or recommend a good book on the subject, I'd really appreciate it. I currently have a 3600 RPM 8" buffing motor. Haven't used it yet.

Ed V [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
Hobbyist - Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
2003

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Ed:

Lots of info available for you regarding this subject. Go online and query buffing supplies. Some Companies are: Eastwood, TPI, etc. All have websites that can teach you a lot. Your hardest problem to solve will be how to keep the Aluminum shining after you buff because Aluminum will tarnish and dull very quickly if not protected. I have polished lots of Aluminum to a mirror finish and just wiping it off with a clean old t-shirt will scratch the finish--that's how soft it can be.

Hope this helps.

Bill Miller
- Shinnston, West Virginia
2003

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Hi, Ed. letter 800 is a great starting point; it's on exactly the same question and has lots of highly detailed response. Good luck!

Regards,

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

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Once the aluminum is polished, it can be protected with Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser]. There are some pictures of polished aluminum motorcycle parts that have been coated on the automotive page of the website. Everbrite will not yellow, crack, chip or peel.

Teresa Sedmak
Everbrite Coatings

Rancho Cordova, California

2003