- 8 September 2024
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Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals: it can be found in everything from kitchenware to household appliances, wheels and trims on cars, and even in aircraft parts. The disadvantage of aluminum is that it loses color and tarnishes over time. Aluminum is also prone to corrosion in some cases.
The best way to prevent aluminum from tarnishing is to maintain and clean it regularly, but if you haven't done so until now, it's not too late. The solution is aluminum polishing. For most aluminum polishing jobs, you will need the following items. This list will vary depending on the size of the job, the type of preparation required and your preference for cleaning and polishing aluminum products.
- Gloves and safety glasses.
- Mild dishwashing detergent.
- Aluminum cleaner (purchased or homemade).
- Thin steel wool or stiff wire brush.
- Masking tape.
- Sandpaper of various grits.
- Polishing agent.
- Paper towel or clean rags.
- Orbital sander
You can also buy a special kit for polishing aluminum at specialized stores.
Before polishing an object, it should be cleaned. If there is little residue, this can usually be done with a mild detergent: simply remove all the dirt by washing the surface, rinsing it and wiping it dry with a paper towel or a clean, soft cloth. If the surface is clean, you can start polishing the aluminum.
Unfortunately, a layer of grease may appear on some items, such as cookware, which thickens over time and can be difficult to clean. In this case, use a detergent with a degreasing agent, such as dishwashing liquid or a commercially available degreaser.
If corrosion or other deposits remain after cleaning, you will need a professional product to remove them. This can include an aluminum polishing kit. Several types of aluminum pre-cleaning products are available, especially for removing corrosion.
After applying the product, leave it on the metal for a few minutes to loosen the buildup. Then rinse it off. If deposits still remain, repeat the process, using an ultra-fine steel wool or stiff brush to remove contaminants. Repeat if necessary, then rinse the item with warm water and dry.
In some cases, additional preparatory work beyond degreasing and cleaning may be required. Surface defects resulting from severe discoloration, scratches or pitting cannot be corrected with ordinary dishwashing liquid. A special aluminum polishing paste will be necessary For smooth surfaces, sanding may not be necessary, but for rough, uneven or scratched surfaces, sanding may be the only way to achieve the desired result.
Only sanding and mirror polishing of aluminum will guarantee us a spectacular result. After applying masking tape to the areas you don't want to sand and putting on gloves and safety goggles, start with a smaller grit sandpaper, especially if the aluminum surface has deep scratches or stains.
In most cases, 320 grit abrasive will suffice, but if you're dealing with deep pits or grooves, you may need to use a smaller grit in the 180 to 250 range. Use finer and finer sandpaper to remove imperfections and prepare the aluminum surface for polishing.
The final step is the aluminum polishing paste. You can also prepare a homemade aluminum polishing paste by combining equal parts of cream of tartar remover and water. Apply the mixture to the aluminum surface and use a clean cloth to polish the surface in circular motions. Before the polish dries, remove it with a clean cloth. Such mirror polishing of aluminum is usually sufficient to achieve a clean and smooth surface.
