polishing aluminum diamond plate

travis91 · #1 10/28/10, 05:34 PM

So it would be nice to polish up my Alum diamond plate toolbox on the back of my truck.. and not have to spend a fortune.. any hints?

**Roadking** · #2 10/28/10, 06:59 PM

Nev-R-Dull, "magic wadding", I think Eagle1 makes it now, but whoever it is, it does wonders without scratching. Even removes rust off chrome (my '65 T-bird) without scratching.
Another, not sure if it is still around, is "kit" carwax, it used to take tire rub marks off the race cars without damaging the paint. Works great with an orbital buffer.
Small $$$, add elbow grease.
Matt

Beeman · #3 10/28/10, 07:49 PM

Truckstops have the best alum polish. I just bought soem White Diamond at Advance Auto but I haven't tried it yet. I have used Mothers and it works good. I hate polishing so I bought a black tool box.

travis91 · #4 10/28/10, 08:29 PM

Well im thinking about painting this truck camo(hey its faded out paint and im 19 and i think it would be neat) so it might get painted flat black or olive drab

**clovis** · #5 10/28/10, 09:26 PM

Travis-

While I've never done this on aluminum, try using Colgate toothpaste. Try the paste, and not the gel.

The Colgate has a little bit of grit in it, and it shouldn't scratch the paint.

Colgate works wonders on removing paint marks from cars. When I refer to paint marks, I am talking about where a car hits or brushes something, and the paint is left on the car's surface. Some Colgate in paste form on a rag a will amaze you. Keep your water hose handy to wash off the paste residue.

Considering the cost of some of the polishes and waxes, the Colgate might be an awesome bargain.

If you do try it to polish the aluminum, please let me know how it works.

travis91 · #6 10/28/10, 10:36 PM

I tried WD40 and a fine scotch brite pad and it cleaned it up nice but it doesnt shine like i want it. im afraid i scratched it up too much but i kinda like the brushed look..

**Roadking** · #7 10/29/10, 06:39 AM

For a brushed look, wire cup wheel on a 3/8 drill...Did a dash board that way one, client LOVED it.
Matt

Windy in Kansas · #8 10/29/10, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadking

Another, not sure if it is still around, is "kit" carwax,

Johnson Kit car wax is still alive and well and still in the bright yellow can.

Wis Bang 2 · #9 10/29/10, 01:17 PM

Mother's aluminum polish, watching one of my drivers get ready for a show, he added corn starch to make it go further. This was on the grip strut along his fuel tank & side skirt on a 2001 Freightliner. He polished it w/ the mothers/corn starch mix and a toothbrush.

travis91 · #10 10/29/10, 07:05 PM

What does good to get to the metal.. its soo hard dealing with all the diamonds..

**Roadking** · #11 10/29/10, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windy in Kansas

Johnson Kit car wax is still alive and well and still in the bright yellow can.

Where do you find it? Since I moved north, no one around stock it....granted, I stopped needing it for the race cars some time ago, but would love a tub or two.
As for the "how to get to the metal", 2 choices, as you mentioned camo-ing it...elbow grease or media blasting it; be it sand blast, walnut shell, baking soda blast. These methods can get pricey, but to get to the metal, they offer the best results.
Matt

unioncreek · #12 11/05/10, 11:52 AM

NAPA has a product which I think is called Aluma Brite or something along that line. It's for use on polished aluminum. I spray it on my Kenworth's wheels just before I wash it and they always come out bright and clean. Don't use it on the old style aluminum slotted mags, it will turn them a dull grey.

Bob

Wis Bang 2 · #13 11/07/10, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unioncreek

NAPA has a product which I think is called Aluma Brite or something along that line. It's for use on polished aluminum. I spray it on my Kenworth's wheels just before I wash it and they always come out bright and clean. Don't use it on the old style aluminum slotted mags, it will turn them a dull grey.

Bob

That's an aluminum brightener [hydro fluric acid] and it removes the protective tarnish that dulls aluminum but prevents further corrosion. It would help around the diamonds but you still need to polish to get a good shine and then spray a clear to protect the shine...brightener alone won't last long.