Polishing aluminum to look like chrome? You may have seen this on a motorcycle or in your car, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, polishing aluminum is an art form and takes quite a bit of work. This article will take you through the steps necessary to polish your aluminum so it looks just as shiny as chrome!
Polishing aluminum to a mirror shine is basically a 3 step process:
First, use a degreaser to clean the surface of the aluminum. This will remove any built-up dirt or grease and allow the polish to work more effectively.
Second, apply a metal polish to the aluminum. Work it into the surface with a cloth or brush until it starts to shine.
Third, buff the aluminum to a brilliant shine. Use a cloth or buffing wheel to achieve the best results.
Polishing aluminum can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right products and techniques, you can achieve amazing results. Just take your time and be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful chrome-like finish. Good luck!
Cleaning/prepping the aluminum
Before you begin polishing your aluminum, it’s important to clean and prep the surface. Remove all dirt, grease, and wax with a degreaser or solvent. You may also need to remove any paint or other finishes that are covering the aluminum. Use a stripper or sandpaper to get the job done. In addition, you might be interested in good paints for aluminum.
Sanding the aluminum
The first step in polishing aluminum is to sand it down. You can use a power drill with a wire brush attachment, or you can use sandpaper. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles while sanding, as aluminum dust can be harmful if inhaled. Start by sanding the entire surface of the aluminum until it is completely smooth.
Next, sand the edges of the aluminum until they are sharp and pointed. This will help create a smooth edge when you polish the aluminum.
Finally, sand any areas that have been scratched or damaged. Be sure to remove all of the scratches and blemishes before moving on to the next step.
Cutting/Polishing the aluminum
Cutting and polishing aluminum is not as difficult or expensive as it may seem. Most people just don’t know how to do it. Keep reading for some great tips on cutting and polishing your own pieces of aluminum at home!
Small Polishing Jobs
If you have a small aluminum polishing job to do, using a home kit or even just some household items can get the job done. Here are a few ways to polish aluminum using things you might have around the house:
Use toothpaste and a soft cloth to buff out light scratches and blemishes on your aluminum.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water, then apply it to the aluminum and use a soft cloth to buff it in.
If you have some vinegar handy, mix it with some salt to make a polishing solution that can work on light oxidation or tarnish.
You can also try using lemon juice or olive oil as a polish.
Larger Polishing Jobs
The larger the better. If you are polishing a large surface, it would be much easier to do so with sanding disks rather than by hand. You can purchase smaller sanding disks at any home improvement store or online tool retailer for about $30-$40 per pack of ten discs. Remember that these will wear out quickly and should be replaced as soon as they begin to lose their effectiveness.
To use the discs, first set your drill to a medium-high speed and attach it to an extension cord that is at least 12 feet long so you won’t be constricted by its length. You can also purchase a battery power drill if you prefer using one of those over the corded option.
Next, soak the sanding disc in water for a few seconds and then attach it to the polishing pad. Apply a moderate amount of pressure while you are polishing and keep the drill moving in circular motions. Be sure not to press too hard or you will damage the surface that you are trying to polish.
FAQs
How do you make aluminum shine like chrome?
When aluminum oxidizes, it forms a barrier that seals the metal from further oxidation. To make aluminum shiny again you have to get rid of this layer by polishing or machining away the surface layers until the original shine is restored. When polished properly, aluminum becomes incredibly reflective and looks almost like chrome! It’s very easy to polish aluminum, and you will be amazed by how easy it is to get that mirror-like finish. Here are the steps you need to take:
Before polishing your aluminum, remove any rust or dirt from the surface using a wire brush or sandpaper. Next, use an aluminum polish like this one. Spray some of the polish onto a cotton cloth and rub the aluminum in a circular motion. You can also use an orbital polisher if you have one – just make sure that it’s specifically designed for aluminum. For best results, let the polish sit on your metal workpiece for about five minutes before buffing it off with another clean cotton rag (be careful not to scratch or damage the surface while doing this). If the aluminum is still not shiny enough, repeat the process until you are happy with the results.
How do you make aluminum shiny?
Aluminum can be polished to look like chrome. The process is not cheap, but it does require minimal equipment and knowledge. The most important part of the process is to use the right polish.
There are a few basic steps that you need to take in order to get started:
- Clean the aluminum surface with soap and water
- Dry the surface off completely
- Apply a chrome polish to the surface and rub it in until it starts to disappear
- Buff the surface with a clean cloth
- Repeat as necessary
While it is possible to do this process at home, it will take some time and effort. If you are not happy with the results, you can always take the aluminum to a professional polisher.
How do you polish chrome at home?
There are a few ways to polish aluminum at home in order to achieve a chrome look. One way is to use a metal polish, such as Brasso, on a soft cloth. Another method is to make a paste out of baking soda and water, and then rub it onto the aluminum with a soft cloth. Finally, you can use a commercial aluminum polish, such as Alumadite. Whichever method you choose, be sure to rub in the direction of the grain and buff until the aluminum is shining.
Can aluminum be polished to mirror finish?
Polishing aluminum to a mirror finish is possible, but it takes some time and effort. First, you’ll need to clean the surface of the aluminum thoroughly. Next, use a metal polish to buff the aluminum until it has a shiny finish. Finally, apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the finish.
Does Toothpaste polish aluminum?
Aluminum-polishing toothpastes have ingredients that actually remove the oxidation from the surface of your metal, revealing a very bright finish underneath. Aluminum polishing pastes include mild abrasives that help buff out some of the pitting and dullness on your metal while cleaning it.
What’s the best polish for aluminum?
There are a few different types of polish that can be used to achieve a chrome-like finish on aluminum. One popular option is Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish, which can be found at most automotive stores. This polish is designed to remove oxidation and corrosion from metal surfaces, and it leaves behind a shiny, polished finish. Another option is Brasso, which is an aluminum polish specifically designed for polishing chrome. Brasso can be found at most hardware stores and home-improvement centers.
Does vinegar clean aluminum?
No, vinegar does not clean aluminum. It can be used to neutralize the effects of acidic road chemicals like deicers and cleaners though.
Useful Video: How to Polish Aluminum to a Mirror Finish without Power Tools or Sand Paper!
Conclusion
Polishing aluminum to a chrome-like finish is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the steps in this guide, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish that will make your aluminum parts look like they came straight from the factory. Happy polishing!
