2007-01-16 03:30:12 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You didn't give much information so we can't really tell you too much. The really important thing is that aluminum oxidizes very quickly. After you have polished it, you need to coat it with something to keep it from getting dull again.
Most people use clear paint. It comes in spray cans for DIY, or bulk for more professional results. I have seen enamel, laquer and urethane based. There may be others also.
How you polish depends on how big the piece is and it's shape. If it is not too big, just use a piece of cotton cloth. Put a touch of water on the cloth and rub it on the bar. Then rub the cloth on the metal.
If it is big, you should probably get a powered buffer/polisher. With those, you press the bar against the buffing/polishing bonnet that is on the tool. Typically, no water is used. You then press the bonnet onto the metal. The biggest trick it to keep uniform pressure so you do not burn a groove into the metal.
There are also powder and liquid forms of polishing compounds. I think the liquid is much easier to use. It may also be used on a soft cloth or a powered bonnet.
Personally, I use automotive paint polishing compounds for almost all my polishing. They are easy to get and use. They are available in many different levels of abrasiveness.
2007-01-16 03:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by DSM Handyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a buffing wheel. They make them for all kinds of rotary devices like dremels, Roto Zip, Grinders or even drill motors. You want something with a high rpm (over 1,000). You start the motor, press the bar against the buffer at which time some of the rouge will coat it. Then press the aluminum against the buffer. I would start out gently at first. It's important to start out with material that is already smooth. It may require sanding prior to polishing, depending on the finish. If the piece has already been polished, but just a little dull, you can get a pretty good shine by hand, using a soft cotton cloth.
2007-01-16 03:44:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jimmytheblade 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bar is a polishing compound.
You need a buffer wheel/device.
You apply the bar to the spinning buffing wheel and then apply the metal to the wheel to in essence grind the surface to a polished finish.
You can also use a cloth or towel but it will take longer.
2007-01-16 03:37:57 · answer #3 · answered by jimmyjames 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe you apply a small amount and rub with a soft cloth until you obtain the look you want.
2007-01-16 03:35:37 · answer #4 · answered by k h 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋