Aluminum Polish

NHBAGGER

400+ Posts
Jan 7, 2015
389
82
Barrington, NH
Name
Richard
Okay, so I have used Semichrome, NevrDull, Flitz, Mothers, etc. None have worked very well for me without a lot of effort and usually with some kind of a power attachment. What have you found to work best with the least amount of effort?
 
Mothers works well for me. I find it requires very little effort if you use it
regularly. I do the rims about every other month depending
on their condition. Not much effort nor time required.
 
Bar Keepers Friend.... It's a power and comes in a can similar to Ajax or Comet and its sold in the detergent aisles in super-markets. ThumbUp
 
I have to go with Semichrome. Been using it since 1970. I have tried most other kinds out there but always come back. I find it easy to use and doesn't take a lot of pressure or a machine to give a great shine. The real secret is not to let the aluminum bright work get to far gone in the first place. I don't think there is any easy way to bring it back if it has been left too long. I usually do 3 times a season to keep it up.
 
Couple more, Gord's (used by truckers) and Master Formula.

+1 for the Master Formula Metal Gloss. They also have a Master Formula Sealer Gloss that protects the aluminum (or any metal) surface from oxidation longer. Less frequent polishing = more riding!:clapping:
 
Believe it or not-Been using Original Bike Spirits on everything except the windshield and the seat.
polish.png

Very easy to use!!!
One word of caution to those using the various metal polishes mentioned. If you wheels are CLEAR coated-DO NOT USE!
 
Mother's here...

Don't matter what the brand, elbow grease is needed for good results.

That's the truth. Everything takes effort to get a shine, but once you get there, it's easy to keep it there as long as you polish it regularly. Way back when I had a Triumph that had aluminum everywhere and it took forever to get it shined up. I spent hours on the primary cover alone. Once I got it there, keeping it shined was done in way less time with not much effort but you had to stay on top of it.
 
If you want aluminum to look good and stay looking good take the time, once is all that is needed, and polish it with a buffer, I use 8 inch wheels on my drill. No sanding needed. Once you get the shine from buffing it is really easy to keep em that way. Very little work. One thing that helps when using mothers is to get it hot, almost liquid. Sit it in the sun before using. You wont believe how good it works with very little work.If you want that chrome like finish use mothers billet polish instead if the one in a plastic container. That stuff is wicked for getting a shine. I use to polish parts for folks, anything stainless or aluminum.I made a jig just to do wheels with.Suck it up and shine.
 

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