Description
Luego posted up on their facebook page this image of a car they have refurbished. I wanted to know what they did to the Ali to get it so polished. I
wanted to do this myself. I don't want to use buffing wheels or Salvo Autosol. I thought they must have wiped on some sort of etching fluid.
I posted on the Luego page but no reply (again).
It is difficult to see from the picture exactly how polished the aluminium is but you can achieve a very good finish just using Scotchbrite which is available in various grades.
Or by using aluminium with a protective plastic film and not removing it until the job is finished.
Looks like it's had a scotchbrite wheel over it?
you want to know how they did it so you can avoid making the same mistake? 
looks to me like someones had a go at sanding it, looks un uniform, actually looks dented in the photo. doesn't look polished to me, but you
can't really tell much from a photo without actually seeing it really
quote:
Originally posted by blakep82
you want to know how they did it so you can avoid making the same mistake?
looks to me like someones had a go at sanding it, looks un uniform, actually looks dented in the photo. doesn't look polished to me, but you can't really tell much from a photo without actually seeing it really
I think it'll look quite good when finished and covered in carpet 
I have my ali panels off and I wanted something I can just rub on and create some sort of presentable finish. I really can't be bothered with
the whole wheel in a drill thing. Although I do have all that kit.
I was after a quick fix I guess. Suggestions anyone??
Scotchbrite pads rubbed in one direction can give you an attractive brushed finish. Looking at the pic, I reckon they just stuck a Scotchbrite wheel on it and went crazy - I can't think why they would want to do that to their new panels.
The panels look like they've been buffed with a scotch brite wheel on an angle grinder, you'd get a much better finish with a polishing
mop.
Davie
Similar (and better IMO)
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=114028
once you do the above it won't take much for them to show signs of corrosion.
Or a fine flap wheel in an angry grinder. Dont like it meself but everyone to their own.
not done it on sheet alloy yet but these worked well on some of the bits I've made:
mop linky (assuming you want a satin
finish not a polished one...)
[Edited on 5/1/2011 by mcerd1]
A polished finish will last longer. An etched or brushed finish will corrode like nobody's business if left unprotected from the air.
Ask me how I know.
quote:
Originally posted by Confused but excited.
A polished finish will last longer. An etched or brushed finish will corrode like nobody's business if left unprotected from the air.
Ask me how I know.
(not very locost mind you )
It seems there is no easy solution to this aluminium sheet thing. I could try clear powder coating a sheet but I don't know how I am going to
bake it. I shall eventually post up my results.
I might try using the mop or perhaps scotchbrite.
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by Confused but excited.
A polished finish will last longer. An etched or brushed finish will corrode like nobody's business if left unprotected from the air.
Ask me how I know.
thats why I had my bits clear anodised afterwards
quote:
Originally posted by Irony
I could try clear powder coating a sheet but I don't know how I am going to bake it.
i use brasso to clean my ali panels its hard work but worth it
Elbow grease and all in the following link:
http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Metal_Polish_Sealant.html
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by Confused but excited.
A polished finish will last longer. An etched or brushed finish will corrode like nobody's business if left unprotected from the air.
Ask me how I know.
thats why I had my bits clear anodised afterwards