Help polishing raw Aluminum

I had bead-locks installed on my wheels and I had them leave the rings "raw" because I didn't know what color i wanted to paint/powder coat them. Turns out i dont want to do either. I think it will look really good with a polished/mirrored finish.

Problem is I don't know where to start. Been searching YouTube, but I want to see if anyone here has any insight.

Any advise?

 

Mothers and a powerball mini if its easier than a buffing wheel maybe?

 

These beadlocks probably have machine marks from cutting the finished dimensions on a lathe.
You need to sand the machine marks out and keep staging up. Starting at P180 grit, then continuing as follows, using guidecoat every stage to make sure the grit before is gone:
320
400
600
800
1000
1200
1500
2000
2500
3000
Polish until scratches are gone. Seal with ECS Automotive Concepts "Rust Prevention Magic"- it's an invisible wax restoration guys use on raw castings to keep them from flash rusting.
Sounds easy, doesn't it?

Option 2: Sand with 180 and seal. They won't be mirror finish, but they will have that raw look.
Option 3: Seal as is.
Option 4: Take them to a shop that repairs alloy wheels. Get them machined & clearcoated

 

There are actually no machine marks, does that mean I can start with a lighter grit?

Just one to go on the end of a cordless drill or should I get one to go on a pneumatic drill?


Thanks for the feedback, guys.

 

If there are no machine marks, start polishing and see how it comes up... you may be alright.
I would use an electric drill. Pneumatic usually not torquey enough for how hard you have to lean on it, and cordless will run out of battery. A buffing wheel on a bench grinder would be the best...

Get aluminum polish from a truck stop/shop- it will work the best.
A dust mask, rubber gloves, and coveralls are highly recommended. You will be black from head to toe.

 

Mothers aluminum mag wheel polish and lots of elbow grease. That will get you the mirror finish you're looking for.

I'm a big fan of the Power Ball, but it can get messy. The Power Ball will sling polish all over the place, but it is easier than doing the job by hand.

 

Sand as described then you could use http://www.cmlsupply.com/polishing-...4oz-bar.html?gclid=CPDVgc_nxrgCFQee4AodA1cAww along with a cloth wheel on a heavy grinder or drill check this site for some help http://www.pjtool.com/jewelers-rouge-chart.aspx

Cypher