The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Aluminum rim cleaners

I wanted to know if there is anything that I could clean Aluminum rims that have salt damage done to them?

Mark C
cleaning aluminum rims - Brockport, New York, U.S.
2004

---

To clean and brighten aluminum rims simply apply hydrofluoric acid which is made for aluminum brightening.this is readily available at most auto part stores.use due care and rubber gloves ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] as this acid is very aggressive on skin.

Anthony Hopcraft
auto yacht aircraft detailing - St Augustine, Florida, USA
2004

---

I'll second that 'due care'. Hydrofluoric acid scares the bejeezes out of professional metal finishers.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

---

I have a hard time believing one can buy hydrofluoric acid in an auto parts store.. it must be diluted, or included as a constituent in a product, me thinks/hopes? That stuff will eat right through your skin, and continue to the bone. I would try using "Mothers" polish, but I'm not sure if it would remove the salt corrosion.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho
2004


2" Grinder [affil link to Amazon]

---

I've used Mothers and it works Great. The only problem is that it takes such a long time, and work. I think I'll try hydrofluoric acid one time. I'll let you all know how I think it works.......THANKS !

Joe Miller
- Fargo, North Dakota
2005