Polishing aluminum on a buffer wheel

Polishing aluminum on a buffer wheel

Polishing aluminum on a buffer wheel : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

Most people take pride in polishing their car's aluminum parts by hand. But learning to use a buffer wheel and guide it skillfully to bring a shiny finish to those parts is a skill worth developing. While using a machine to polish may seem daunting to some, there are several suggested ways to do it without too much worry.

• Before you start polishing, determine whether the aluminum part really needs a buffer wheel. A quick way to check is to inspect the metal's surface. A smooth surface reflects light nicely and requires only soap, water, and a round of hand buffing. A non-smooth surface, with barely any bounce of light, is the kind of aluminum that needs a buffer wheel.
• Note whether the aluminum is coated or uncoated. Uncoated aluminum is best polished with a buffing wheel, unlike coated aluminum. Coated aluminum usually needs only a hand wash with soap and water, since it is made to be more resistant to dirt and grime.
• Keep safety in mind. Because a buffer wheel moves at high speeds and is pressed against a dirty metal surface, it is quite likely to launch small debris and particles. Safety goggles and gloves are very important. It also helps to have plenty of old clothes that can serve as cotton rags when needed. When working with the buffer wheel, always shut it off when you focus on anything else. Never leave it running unattended.
• Tripoli is a common polishing compound used to restore the shine of aluminum. It is a hard substance, however, so make sure the wheel's rotation throws any debris away from you. Apply the compound to the object first, before switching on the buffing wheel. Then, with the buffing wheel running, carefully bring the object close enough for the buffing side to contact the wheel, without pressing the wheel too hard against the object. Add Tripoli whenever desired.
• Do not mistake the buffing stage for the polishing stage. Buffing tends to make metal look duller, with whitish streaks all over its surface. When you finish with the buffing wheel, shut it off and use a clean cloth to wipe away excess polishing compound, then begin polishing the area well. Switch to a softer cotton wheel to prepare for the actual polishing. A polishing compound such as rouge can be used, but always remember that compounds are applied to the object, never directly to the wheel.
• For hard-to-reach areas, see if you can use a mini-power ball buffer. These have foam that works very well in hard-to-reach areas.

Be cautious about how fast you set the buffing wheel and how close you keep the object to it. Remember that constant contact generates heat, so always be careful.