How Long To Polish

[mike1277]

Okay can someone help clarify the process. i read the Motorcycle Polishing 101...but here is my dilemma. i am polishing my frame with an angle grinder (makita- pretty powerful) and 4 inch pads. I have a few questions

1. how long should i polish each compound onto frame? 10, 15, 20-30 minutes, or an hour each? The frame is pretty smooth..went up to 1000 grit wet with dawn, metal polish, and water.

2. should i use acetone to remove the compounds or should i use a micofiber cloth only OR should i use both acetone and microfiber cloth? Whats the best way to remove the compound from the frame before i move to the next compound which would yeild the best results.


Thanks any help would be appreciated.

[mpierich]

Impossible to tell you how long - until it's done, when all the scratches from previous step are gone, is how long it takes. Clean hands and/or change gloves between steps also.

Use acetone, brake cleaner or lacquer thinner between every step. Can use rags for first few steps but use microfiber toward the end when it's near done.

[mike1277]

okay that works, cause i noticed when i was done with the 1000 wet it was pretty smooth...then when i used the black and sisal, i have these little scratches. on there. so when i got to the next step brown and spiral i am hope to see those scratches disappear. i am going back and forth alternating between 45 degrees and 90 degrees to frame. so i will see how that works

thanks alot.

[mpierich]

okay that works, cause i noticed when i was done with the 1000 wet it was pretty smooth...then when i used the black and sisal, i have these little scratches. on there. so when i got to the next step brown and spiral i am hope to see those scratches disappear. i am going back and forth alternating between 45 degrees and 90 degrees to frame. so i will see how that works

thanks alot.

If you went to sisal after 1000 you wiped out about 3 or four of the steps you already did!

Stick to cotton wheels for aluminum, or at least only use them for the first step.

[baz]

If you went to sisal after 1000 you wiped out about 3 or four of the steps you already did!

Stick to cotton wheels for aluminum, or at least only use them for the first step.

x2 same here , i never use sisal on aluminium

[Tng21]

is using cotton wheels on ali better than using a sprial sown buff mike? coz presently i use a sprial sown, rigid ish but still flexible with some persuasion lol

[mpierich]

is using cotton wheels on ali better than using a sprial sown buff mike? coz presently i use a sprial sown, rigid ish but still flexible with some persuasion lol

Spiral sewn is cotton. Most of them are cotton except sisal, which is basically rope.

[Tng21]

hmmm now i dont use sisal wheels at all.

I had some at first and thought it was way to harsh and scratched the peices more so never used them again

[mpierich]

hmmm now i dont use sisal wheels at all.

I had some at first and thought it was way to harsh and scratched the peices more so never used them again

You'll want them for stainless.

[Tng21]

You'll want them for stainless.

fantastic, looks like i better buy some more then as im about to start doing more stainless steel exhaust manifolds

now started to use catridge rolls, as suggested by baz but i dont quite think i have the hang of them yet as they dont seem to be working as well as id like