Aluminium Polish

[MartynT]

Hi All,

I want to polish up the rear aluminium badges which I've removed from my S2 Fulvia Coupe.  They are actually in quite good condition but want to bring them back to nearly new condition.  I've typically used Autosol in the past which has given good results but wondered what experiences other members have?

Regards,
Martyn

[Mikenoangelo]

I've used Solvol Autosol for many years and am very happy with it - so I can't suggest an alternative.

[RCAno]

We were polishing aluminium surfaces at the museum using Autosol and then sealing the surface with carnuba wax to prevent oxidation.

[frankxhv773t]

A bike restorer friend considers Solvol Autosolve too coarse for fine aluminium polishing but I can't recall what he uses instead. I Use Autosolve but also have Peek in my armoury.

[Scott]

There is the general Autosol metal polish but they also do a specific Aluminium Polish so it's worth making that distinction based on comments so far.

With a watch repair / watch making hobby I have a variety of specialised polishes (and lots of cool tools and gadgets; that's not just the preserve of being a classic car owner!). Reading that the intention in this post is related to the polishing of smaller parts, rather than larger parts that Autosol might be used for, you might be interested in ones used in the watch / jewelry industry.

A generally useful polish is Bergeon Diamantine which comes in powder form. I have the extra-fine version and you mix with methylated spirits to a consistency you prefer for a particular job. Whilst I mainly use on small steel parts it is aluminium oxide based so would be suitable on a softer metal like aluminum.

You've then got polishing compounds that can be used. You don't need some pro polishing machine - a suitable mini mop head in a small rotary (Dremel) tool is better for small parts. Suitably careful use produces really good results and with the appropriate compound for intended use from, say, Menzerna or Dialux.

Despite me having access to all the right stuff I've never taken the two rear badges off my Fulvia to polish. Shame on me. But I do realise they have raised lettering which might make polishing more tricky in the recesses. Let me therefore also mention 3M radial bristle disks which can also be used with a Dremel like tool. These are really good and come in a variety of grits with 14mm or 19mm diameters ... so can be as harsh or as gentle as needed for a particular application and get into otherwise hard to reach areas.

For watch related activities the need to polish aluminum is rare so if I cross check Menzerna product details specifically for aluminum polishing and 'Finish' (480BLF) and 'Super Finish' (P175) I can see the grit ratings are 280 and 400 respectively. You'd probably therefore opt for a Blue 3M radial disc. And, if you have a Dremel like tool, any such disc can be used with a standard screw mandrel. Whilst I get all my supplies from a specialist watch supplier you can pick up these discs pretty easily from well known online sites like Ebay and Amazon.

[MartynT]

Hi Gents & thanks for the responses.  I have used Autsol a toothbrush & a cleaning cloth & they've come up really well.  I didn't realise until I'd polished them the frames of the badges & letters were polished whilst the background is patterned!