Hobbyists & Industry luminaries alike learn on every visit
(we earn from 'affiliate link' purchases)

Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

  The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025

-----

Oxidized Wheels

We have bought some old aluminum alloy wheels and would like to clean them up and polish them. I know semi companies use an acid to clean wheels.

Any idea on which acid and which strength it should be?

Peg G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Fairbury, Nebraska, USA
2001

Ed. note: yes, some companies clean aluminum with hydrofluoric acid, which is a very dangerous process since hydrofluoric acid frightens experienced professionals. But for real shine, alloy wheels must be mechanically polished and buffed, not dipped in a magic potion, Peg.

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: