Polishing Soda Cans

[PeteNJ]

Hello,
I am doing a headlight project for my car and I would like to use soda cans as part of the trim. I have seen someone polish soda cans so that they have a chrome like appearance.

This is a picture of the project I am doing.



I need to use the polished cans to shroud the upper projector in this headlight. I tried to paint a can with a silver/chrome paint but it looks horrible. Do you guys know what I would need to get the can to shine (Compounds,buffing wheels)? I already tried to use sand paper and a dremel polishing wheel + dremel compound but it didnt come out well at all. Thanks!

[jimcarry]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

Soda Cans ? Must be Aluminum ? Well go here this will help http://www.caswellplating.com/pickabuff/

[pickleboy]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

PeteNJ Boy you sure picked a hrd task to start with. best bet is to do this with cans that are still full and sealed. this will help to keep the can from crushing when you buff. if possible try to find a beverage that is not carbonated so you dont build pressure in the can. use paint stripper to remove all graphics and then buff with a buffing machine or bench grinder converted to buffer. since the can should be smooth to start out you should be able to start out with spiral sewn and tripoli, then move to loose w/ white, if needed flannel and red. finally they should be finished with zoopseal or some other sealer wax to keep from oxidating. or you can have me do it for you.

[Matak]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

This may be old hat around here, but has anyone seen this site where a guy polishes the bottom of an aluminum can with a chocolate bar?

[mpierich]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

This may be old hat around here, but has anyone seen this site where a guy polishes the bottom of an aluminum can with a chocolate bar?

Well, if I'm ever in a survival situation, and happen to have a knapsack full of junk food, that'll come in right handy, lol!

I think I'll keep it out of the shop tho...with my eyesight I'd end up eating a bar of tripoli...

[Matak]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

I think I'll keep it out of the shop tho...with my eyesight I'd end up eating a bar of tripoli...

A bar a day keeps the dentist away!

[mpierich]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

A bar a day keeps the dentist away!

Umm...at my age I just take them out and use the wheel - it's faster. Blue on an 8" canton wheel makes me look like George Hamilton...

[steelvision]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

Umm...at my age I just take them out and use the wheel - it's faster. Blue on an 8" canton wheel makes me look like George Hamilton...

It makes you tan?

[mpierich]

Re: Polishing Soda Cans

It makes you tan?

Compared to the extreme brightness of my pearly whites....yes.