Waxing aluminium

**butchdave** · 02-09-2004, 08:57 AM

Bit of a theoretical question for me at the moment, but I know some people who have alloy bodied cars (no paint). Currently they simply polish them on a regular basis - any ideas or recommended products for a more durable finish - wax/ polymer etc?

For an example of what I mean

**shaf** · 02-09-2004, 09:44 PM

Wow... that certainly is different!

I have little clue about how one would go about polishing such a thing, but I imagine you could wax it almost the same as if it were painted. People do it all the time with their polished aluminum/chrome wheels.

**forrest@mothers** · 02-09-2004, 11:12 PM

Personally, I`d stay away from applying a wax to polished aluminum.

The carriers have a bad habit (at least some of the brands I`ve tried) of staining the aluminum.

If you do choose to go that route, a paste would be better than a liquid.

Most aluminum polishes leave a polymer type barrier behind to slow oxidation. That would be the correct product for the application.

**smoky14** · 02-10-2004, 07:34 AM

When I did aircraft for a living we polished with a German product similiar to Semichrome and protected with a product called Once. It was a wipe on wipe off product, green liquid which protected and cleaned.

**Jesstzn** · 02-10-2004, 09:28 AM

You might want to check my posts on polishing an aluminum heat shield with Klasse & Zaino .. do a search here.

**Sci-Fi** · 02-10-2004, 11:03 AM

At the local airport, I`ve seen them use Nuvite(sp?)or Rolite(sp?) to polish the aluminum with wool pads mounted. They mentioned using low speeds so they wouldn`t heat up the aluminum and discolor it. Might want to check if there is a plasticoat like they used on Airstreams.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 02-10-2004, 11:34 AM

I don`t know if it would work for that situation, but there`s a sealer for billet aluminum which I`ve heard about for wheels/etc. called Zoop Seal, http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...76&prmenbr=361

:nixweiss - this may or may not work for what you need.

**butchdave** · 02-10-2004, 03:49 PM

OK thanks everyone - thats given me a few new approaches to research :up

**Nick@DParadise** · 02-10-2004, 06:11 PM

Yes, Rolite! My sales rep at Lake Country details planes on the side. He is a huge fan of the Rolite polishes on aluminum. I believe AP300 is one of their aluminum polishes. Here is the contact info for Rolite: 800-253-6466 or roliteco@execpc.com

If you need any help, shoot me a PM and I will do what I can.

**shaf** · 02-11-2004, 12:35 AM

Originally posted by forrest

Personally, I`d stay away from applying a wax to polished aluminum.

The carriers have a bad habit (at least some of the brands I`ve tried) of staining the aluminum.

If you do choose to go that route, a paste would be better than a liquid.

Most aluminum polishes leave a polymer type barrier behind to slow oxidation. That would be the correct product for the application.

(Files this away for future reference....)

I`ve noticed that a lot of metal polishes seem to have that property (according to them or users). Now I know why.