Polishing my alloy trims

[Charlton]

Well I started a few days ago trying to tidy up all my trims as I can not put them back on scabby after a re-spray
Now I've started I carnt really stop but regretting it as it's such a long process

Anyone else done them all or just bought new

This is one of the better condition trims not to many scratches I only used a multi too polished and some polish I had which I think is not to bad a out come

[Charlton]

But one of these 2 was far to do red and scratched I didn't get a starting photo of it but this I just
Wet/dry sanded it from 180,240,800,1200,1500,2000
Then on the polishing wheel 3 differnt wheels and 2 differnt wax here is the out come not 100% need to re flat and do it again. But I think it should look good
First just flat with sandpaper

[Charlton]

Now here is after first attempt on polish wheel

[jimbob]

Nice work,its hard to revive these once theyre a bit worn

[BertjeConti]

If you use the correct paste and disc (not wax), you'll get a result better as new.

I use a sisal cloth disc on an polishing machine (3000-5000 rpm) and blue paste for aluminium or green paste for steel/stainless steel.

Always get good results.
Grinding and polishing by hand won't give satisfied results.

I did polish my caravan a few years ago, and learned how to polish.

before:


during:


after:


used tools:


some engine parts:

[Jeroen]

Damnnnnnn I saw a pic earlier but the difference Bert..

[Charlton]

That looks amazing , I'm using the correct paste brown to cut blue to polish but looks like I'm not getting enough speed it only on a drill think that's where I'm going wrong ? Thanks for the help

[Peter V.]

Indeed that's a huge improvement and a perfect result!!!!

[BertjeConti]

SPEED and POWER is what you need !!

I first used a drill too, and got poor results. then i bought a real powerfull polishing machine, its a +2KW rpm regulated machine.

this was the result with a drill:





it just does not do the job

[Charlton]

Thanks a lot this has just saved me a lot of time, I've got few grinders and bench grinder I'm sure I can sort somthing out

[BertjeConti]

I think a grinder spins to fast
They make about 10.0000 rpm
Your disks will probably disintegrate, be warned !

[BertjeConti]

That yellow machine looks like a angle grinder but it has a different gear ratio and a rpm based adjust knob and regulator.
The electronics keep the machine spinning at the adjusted rpm, while the load can variatie.

[croma_man]

bertje, this is insane, I'm polishing alloy wheels since 2010, but this camper, I lost my words.

And I totally agree, alloy polishing 1200-1500 rpm max.

[Charlton]

Right so grinder is too fast where would I purchase a machine right for the job but not ridiculas price and ideas cheers

[Charlton]

Just reading up on forums and websites, it's says up to 3000rpm is best for it (possibly wrong) so a bolt on bench grinder are around the 2600rpm the one I was looking at that could work for me right ? This is without spending ridiculous money correct me if I'm wrong cheers