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Old 03-16-2008, 06:36 AM
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Default Re: polishing on extremely soft aluminum

Quote:
Originally Posted by samtgallagher View Post
i'm working on a set of very expensive lightweight drag rims for a friend, that are made out of very soft aluminum. i'm having trouble buffing out all the light scratching. because of the design, i can't cross polish as much as i would like to.

they have been sanded 220-400-800-1000, emery sewn cotton, brown sewn cotton, white loose cotton

does anyone have any pointers, or tricks to help out on polishing out really soft aluminum?
If you're just having trouble finishing up, try a clean flannel wheel with no compound on it. The soft stuff is hard to finish. If you have unacceptable scratches from previous steps then go back and try again.

I have had problems in the past with people thinking polished aluminum should look just like chrome - but chrome is hard enough to polish perfectly, whereas the softer aluminum will always show some marking from the polishing operations.
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