Fine Scratches

[JAP_NDN]

Ok, I know there are hundreds of posts here about fine scratches in metal. I've read them (ok, maybe not ALL of them) and have followed the advice but I'm still having some issues. Hopefully, someone can set me straight. Whether with Aluminum or Stainless, I'm having issues with my final polishing step. The issue is this: when I finish polishing stainless with greeen and a spiral sewn, it looks good--nearly like chrome with the exception of small areas of fine haze (cloudiness). Again, it's a very fine haze and normally only evident where the trailing edge of the buff is. I normally follow that step with a loose wheel and blue compound. That removes the fine haze nicely. However, it produces its own fine scratches. I've tried another new clean loose wheel, canton wheel, and even a canton with red compound. I've tried different speeds and pressures (higher pressure seems better) and , yes, I rake the buff often. I polish stainless quite a bit but I always have this problem. Nobody else ever seems to mention the fine scratches but I see them and know they're there--and I'm not satisfied. If it weren't for the sligh haze after the green, I'd be more satisfied than using the blue--I'm not sure which is more annoying to look at, the haze or the fine scrathes. Also, nearly the same scenario is evident with aluminum; after white w/loose, I use blue or red with loose or flannel and still see fine scratches. I'd post a pic but I doubt it would show the scratches.

[jrow]

JAP_NDN,

Clean your metal with some Acetone or Alcohol, wash with some dish washing liquid, I use Dawn. Then try hand polishing with some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish and see what that does. I've read that Maas Metal Polish is good also but have never tried it.

John

[JAP_NDN]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I do clean the part with acetone. I'll try soap and water, too. The Mother's with a new lint-free cloth actually scratches it even more on aluminum. I haven't tried it on SS. I'll give it a shot, though. Maybe the parts need a soap and water bath before the Mother's is applied? Thanks again.

[mpierich]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I do clean the part with acetone. I'll try soap and water, too. The Mother's with a new lint-free cloth actually scratches it even more on aluminum. I haven't tried it on SS. I'll give it a shot, though. Maybe the parts need a soap and water bath before the Mother's is applied? Thanks again.

Simply cleaning a piece makes scratches. It helps a bit to use only microfiber cloths and use a light touch - for initial cleaning I use more of a dabbing motion because as soon as you pick up some compound in the cloth and drag it across the surface you get scratches.

I have similar problems with finishing up. However, as you imply, you'll see it way more than anyone else. I've sent back parts to customers and thought I'd get complaints, but it's never happened. In fact in one recent case a custom bike shop owner called me several times - I was avoiding returning his calls because I figgered it was to complain, but he praised my work and told me he was sending more.

I'd love for someone to show me a polishing job where I cannot honestly find a single flaw. It's just the nature of the beast.

That said, to strive for perfection will always be of benefit, even if it drives you nuts in the meantime!

[JAP_NDN]

"I'd love for someone to show me a polishing job where I cannot honestly find a single flaw. It's just the nature of the beast.

That said, to strive for perfection will always be of benefit, even if it drives you nuts in the meantime! "

Oh, it's definitely driving me nuts--even if nobody else is complaining. Like you implied, I guess that's a good thing. FYI, I noticed the same scratches, if not worse, on some brand new polished aluminum wheels so I felt a little better--only a little, though.

I'm still open to more ideas...

[jrow]

JAP_NDN,

NASA published an article on polishing aluminum using Black India Ink Powder. I can't find it in my files maybe Mike has it.

John

[mpierich]

JAP_NDN,

NASA published an article on polishing aluminum using Black India Ink Powder. I can't find it in my files maybe Mike has it.

John

Yes, that was interesting. I don't have time to search right now but there was a thread on here about it. Was that you who brought it up the first time, John?

That was about making actual space mirrors of aluminum I think...prolly need to go way past 400-grit to get to the ink stage, LOL. And man, what a mess I bet it would be.

[jrow]

Was that you who brought it up the first time, John?

No it wasn't me that posted it. I had it tagged but can't find it.

John

[tat2busa]

im having the same problem with fine scratches and the haze

[Rasper]

I find that usually, and especially with stainless, the problem of haze and scratches is that the previous step wasn't done thoroughly. I go back one step and really bear down on it and that usually solves most of the problem. As a last step I use English Custom Polish, Museum Blend, and I rub hard and long.

As far as india ink goes: have you ever gone in a print shop and looked at those rollers on a printing press? My God! what a polish. If I could get that finish I would think I'd died and gone to heaven.