How to Polish Metal

Aluminum

Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and its one of the easier metals to polish and get a bright shine. Aluminum, usually an aluminum alloy, is used to make wheels, trailers – including the vintage Air Stream trailers, diamond plate, engine components, and so on.

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For all its great qualities, aluminum oxidizes very easily. It's actually a defense mechanism of the metal: a light layer of aluminum oxide protects the underlying metal from corrosion. This aluminum oxide is functional but its not attractive, and that's why factory-polished aluminum is usually coated. (In this case, you need a metal polish that is safe on coatings, unless you plan to remove the coating. For stripping the coating, consult a professional.)

Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Aluminum Polishes are formulated just for aluminum and other uncoated metals.

If your aluminum is uncoated, you're ready to get started with an aluminum polish. Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Aluminum Polishes are formulated just for aluminum and other uncoated metals. They are incredibly effective at removing oxidation, tarnish, stains, and water spots. The Wolfgang metal polishes are a complete four-step system but you may not need all four steps, depending on the condition of your aluminum surfaces. The techniques here will work on any bare metals.

 

First, there's Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Aluminum Compound. If you have aluminum wheels or a trailer that has never been polished, ever, this is where you need to start. This is an aggressive prepolish that removes the oxidation and cleans the aluminum surface. It leaves a clean and somewhat shiny surface. The follow-up polishes are what really turn up the gloss.

To apply Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Aluminum Compound to a large surface, like a trailer, use a Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; 4 Ply 100% Twisted Wool Compounding Pad. The twisted wool strands give the pad the cutting power necessary to eliminate years of oxidation. Wipe the compound onto the surface with an applicator pad first to avoid sling. Work at a speed of - RPM (5-6 on your dual action polisher). Polish until oxidation and stains have disappeared. Wool pads are made to lint so wear proper eye protection and old clothes. Buff the aluminum with a towel. Polishing aluminum is a messy process so have plenty of towels on hand.

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Once you've used the prepolish, use Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Fine Aluminum Polish to enhance the shine. If the aluminum is only lightly oxidized, this may be your first step. Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Fine Aluminum Polish is a fine grade polish that continues to clean the metal but its main function is to burnish it to a glossy shine. Follow the same directions as above but use a 50/50 Wool Acrylic Pad on your polisher. (If you're going to use the Mothers PowerBall Mini or Flitz Polishing Ball, use a clean one.)

The aluminum should have a brilliant shine at this point. This next step is really for perfectionists, collectors, and car show enthusiasts. Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Concours Aluminum Polish is a very fine, gloss-enhancing polish that creates a fantastic, mirror-like shine. This is the icing on the cake. For most daily drivers, this might be considered excessive. But if you have to have the cleanest, brightest, most brilliant shine possible, this is the polish you need. Apply it with a fluffy, Electrified White Sheepskin Final Polishing Pad at a speed of RPM (4 on a dual action polisher). If using a PowerBall or Polishing Ball, work at RPM. Excellent results can also be achieved by hand polishing with a soft, clean microfiber cloth.

There's nothing like the gleam of just-polished metal and we'll tell you how to get it.

Use a 4 Ply Twisted Compounding Pad with your rotary to work in the compound.

Spread the polish on the surface
before turning on the polisher.

Polish between - RPM
(or 5-6 OPM on a dual action polisher)

Polish until your surface appears to be clean and glossy. It may take several passes to completely remove the oxidation.

Wipe the surface clean. Repeat the process if stains or oxidation are still present.

If you're using Wolfgang MetallWerk&#; Aluminum Compound on wheels, use Mothers PowerBall Mini or Flitz Polishing Ball at RPM on your electric drill.

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