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Garage => Interiors & Exteriors => Topic started by: 90077merc on 03 October 2021, 10:51 PM

Title: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: 90077merc on 03 October 2021, 10:51 PM
Tonight I attempted my first anodized aluminum trim restoration. I used a dual action polisher with a microfiber cutting disk and cutting compound for about one minute. Although the scratches and deeper marring didn't come out the cloudiness was polished out.

My question is can the scratches be sanded out or will that remove the anodization layer? I have read the previous posts but they seemed inconclusive on this.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 04 October 2021, 07:30 AM
Good day,
I've also been buying some pieces and trying various methods. The first is a polishing wheel which doesn't work as you need very aggressive polishing rouge to cut through the anodization and once its gone, the aggressive polishing rouge just cuts right through the soft aluminum underneath creating a low spot and its near impossible to get it right along the whole strip.

With regards to your question, I have also tried sanding which does remove the anodization however it creates the same problem as the polishing wheel as the aggressive sand paper that is gritty enough to go through the anodization will make mince meat of the aluminum underneath so the only way is to use a block sanding method, and even with that, the trim isn't 100% reflecting the light straight anymore as some areas have more aluminum taken away than others.

I'm probably at the stage where I will just high gloss hard chrome the trim and be done with it. I've also read that if you do manage to remove the anodized layer that the milkiness returns rather quickly and metal wax has to be reapplied quite religiously which adds to the extra work.

Anyone with better ideas? I haven't tried the oven cleaner method though. I do know that a high chrome finish isn't original but I kind of like the idea of bright chromework.

Cheers.

Ryan.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: 90077merc on 04 October 2021, 06:33 PM
Perhaps using a fine grit sandpaper rather than the rouge on a wheel would avoid the low spots.

It seems the anodization layer is thin enough to get removed easily, which is not what I'm trying to do.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 04 October 2021, 07:36 PM
Finer grit is certainly possible and do-able but with the patience of a saint.

From personal experience I can say that the anodization layer is indeed very thin. So any scratches that you can feel with your finger nails is probably gone through the anodized layer already.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rumb on 04 October 2021, 08:02 PM
This is a deep rabbit hole to go down. I took a big batch to local plating shop to have the bright dip anodize removed. The first batch they over etched. Most of the other pieces came out ok. I have heard of oven cleaner and tried it once to no avail.  The anodize layer is very hard. In order to remove all the scratches the entire piece must be sanded somehow.  I have used 2" discs of 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 2000 grit and that is still very time consuming and hard to get all the imperfections out.  Next I have 8" buffing wheels and a good buffing machine, which is certainly required, and that is hard labor. It take a long time and various strength compounds. You go thru and get to fine polish and then see more scratches that send you back several steps. I probably have spent 8 hours on each piece I have done.

After all the polishing is done then they must be sent out for bright dip "anodizing" to put the protective layer back on.

What size wheel are you using?  I use 2 doubled up 8" ones at 1800-2000 rpm. I would even consider a 10" buffing wheel.

what rouge do you have? I have tried several from https://caswellplating.com/buffing-polishing.html
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 04 October 2021, 09:17 PM
Rump,
I'm actually using a lower quality Daewoo bench polisher, 6 inch, 1800rpm however it does vary depending on the diameter of the mop. Some mops I've worn down to 3-4" which would mean that the speed is much slower across the work area. Anyway I've shelved the idea as the variation in material hardness between the anodized and non-anodized is too great and as a result the once the anodized layer is gone, the rouge and wheel will eat into the aluminum almost immediately, creating imperfections very quickly. Worst is sometimes the anodization comes off in patches creating high and low spots that will not reflect light crisply. I used mainly Dialux Grey Rouge (for Stainless and Platinum). I did use less aggressive rouge but it wasn't cutting the anodized layer and was introducing way too much heat onto the piece (which weakens the aluminum even more).

Totally agree with the seeing more scratches and having to go back a few steps, especially if you have already worked through half the piece's anodization and the finished side gets a new ding. It really takes too much time and care for the result. When sending out for anodization it must be specified "bright dip" or the piece comes back in a matt finish. And personally to me, even with the "bright dip", the finish isn't mirror finish, it is still satin finish like (which is factory spec for Mercedes). I actually prefer my brightwork very bright.

Anyway, to cut the story short I've consulted with a few classic car enthusiasts and the vast majority said just get it chromed plated. One younger gentleman however said technology has progressed, all you need to do it wrap the piece in vinyl chrome wrap and it'll last for years, nobody will know. This sounds appealing to me so I've ordered mirror chrome vinyl wrap which I will experiment on.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: UTn_boy on 05 October 2021, 02:38 PM
The anodization is applied by submerging the part in a medium of dilute hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid.  In the medium is placed and anode and a cathode.  One is positively charged, and the other negative.  In order to remove the anodization, the process is reversed by changing the polarity of the anode and cathode.  The medium has to be temperature controlled based upon the size of the piece being worked with, and the voltage to the anode and cathode must also be controlled according to temperature and the size of the piece.  It's not exactly an easy process.   Lest we forget about the acids we're working with.  Ventilation will be needed, as well as a controlled DC power supply. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 05 October 2021, 09:26 PM
UTn_boy,
Good knowledge to know. Thanks for that. I'm thinking of buying a home chroming kit sometime in the future as its seems the classic car bug that bitten me quite early in life (i'm 40) and find that I'm very particular with brightwork and finish. Would you happen to know if it is something that is do-able in a home garage setting? I've watched a few YouTube videos and it looks quite easy but I'm still unconvinced.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: UTn_boy on 06 October 2021, 02:31 PM
I suppose it's doable in a home garage provided you have all of the correct equipment and some understanding of chemistry under your belt.  But applying chrome plating to aluminum is not a good idea.  They do no bond well, and the chrome will cause two problems.   

1) It'll start peeling off in short order
2) It'll thicken the trim pieces causing fitment issues. 

There are places that still do bright dip anodization.  It's costly, but worth it.  Last year I had all of the aluminum re-anodized off of a 1960 Ponton, a 190b.  It cost around $4,000-$5,000. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 06 October 2021, 06:17 PM
UTn_boy,
Right on, once again, great advice! Thanks for the knowledge. Anyway, I'm waiting for the 3M gloss wrap which I've seen in person and looks quite convincing, just the fitment might be an issue as you've mentioned.

I'd just like to confirm with you that the bright dip anodization is a satin like finish like the day it came off the showroom floor? This is what I've been told and it is in conflict with what I've seen with many W111/112 restorations where it looks like all the brightwork is indeed mirror-like where I know the trim (e.g. window frames) should be anodized aluminum.

Thanks.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: UTn_boy on 07 October 2021, 01:48 PM
I don't know who told you that the aluminum trim was supposed to have a satin look/finish to it.  That's absolutely incorrect.  When new, these pieces looked almost like a piece of chrome.  If these people still say otherwise, then I'll be more than happy to share some pictures of some new old stock pieces. 

W111 and W112 coupe` and cabriolet cars have chromium plated brass around the windows.  Only the trim that surrounds the top and sides of the windshield was anodized aluminum.  After 1968 when the W111 280 models came about, the full face wheel embellishers were chrome plated steel (but only for the first 300-400 280 models), but became polished stainless steel until production stop. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 07 October 2021, 06:44 PM
I base this on some posts I've read previous unfortunately can't remember where at the moment. I also have my brother's W126 which has been sitting in a basement almost all its life, barely driven that is almost a time capsule. The trim is immaculate and the finish is indeed a fine satin (not from going milky, because it is consistent throughout the trim and on all trim pieces) , but having said that it is very near mirror finish, but just not quite there.

Thank you for the information on the W111/112 coupes, again good knowledge to know as these become so incredibly priced lately.

You've spent a lot of time on me, and I appreciate that sincerely. But some photos to illustrate your point would be very much appreciated. I'd also try to look up the old posts that have led me to the conclusion to show them.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: 90077merc on 07 October 2021, 11:10 PM
I feel like we need an Mercedes anodized aluminum wikipedia.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 08 October 2021, 04:24 AM
90077merc,
Agree, there is certainly the proper way to do it, which is basically to strip the anodized away chemically and have it re-anodized and done to a very particular specification in "bright anodized", or however the workshop terms it, it may come out less than optimal and you'll have to do it all over again (and bare the costs). That is assuming the trim is structurally near perfect. Now that a more experienced enthusiast has recommended against chrome plating on aluminum, that's out of the window.

Anyway, my car has trim that is in poor condition, little dings here and there, pitting from age etc. My plan forward (which I will share on this thread) is to treat the test piece (its the little chrome trim above the front light) which has a ding in it, can be hammered out, but will never be straight again. Am going to apply filler, sand it down and wrap 3M 1080 gloss mirror chrome on it. I'll share the (1) Before, (2) After and (3) After on the car so we can learn from this. The gentleman that shared this with me has a Volvo 122 sedan that isn't of any particular value but did indeed stand out for its brightwork. Even the bumpers which had previously rusted through was treated with fiberglass filler and the said wrap, really couldn't tell the difference looking at it unless you look at the back of the chrome bumpers.

I look forward to it.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: UTn_boy on 08 October 2021, 03:59 PM
Quote from: rparker on 07 October 2021, 06:44 PM
I base this on some posts I've read previous unfortunately can't remember where at the moment. I also have my brother's W126 which has been sitting in a basement almost all its life, barely driven that is almost a time capsule. The trim is immaculate and the finish is indeed a fine satin (not from going milky, because it is consistent throughout the trim and on all trim pieces) , but having said that it is very near mirror finish, but just not quite there.

Thank you for the information on the W111/112 coupes, again good knowledge to know as these become so incredibly priced lately.

You've spent a lot of time on me, and I appreciate that sincerely. But some photos to illustrate your point would be very much appreciated. I'd also try to look up the old posts that have led me to the conclusion to show them.
Cheers.I
Ryan

We can't use a 30+ year old car for comparison to how the trim looked when new.  The trim will loose luster over the years regardless of mileage.  It's more so a matter of time rather than miles or having been outside or not.  Factors that also influence this range from the trim's exposure to acid rain, salty air, damp basements/climates, what kind of soap is used to wash the car with, how abrasive the sponge or cleaning pad is, how abrasive the drying towel is,, etc.  You see where I'm going. 

In the pictures below I've displayed 4 pieces.  The top piece is a new old stock trunk handle for a W126.  The second piece down from the top is a lower trim piece from the rear glass from a W116 that has been clouded from being out in the elements 40+ years.  The third piece down from the top is a new old stock flag staff holder that is actual chromium plated, and is the piece being used for comparison.  The last piece, the piece on the bottom, is a new old stock W116 trim piece that goes around one of the door windows.   

In the last picture I show a close up of the new old stock anodized aluminum and an actual chromium plated piece. 

As you can see, the aluminum trim looks almost like a piece of chrome.  I hope this rids any and all ideals about the pieces having been satin or dull when new. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: marku on 10 October 2021, 10:13 AM
The sandpaper method does work although it is hard work. When I refinished the doors I thought that I couldn't put the anodised trim back as it really was in a poor state badly scratched. Tried to get some of it done professionally but they would not take it on. So with a deep breath tried sandpaper starting with 60 grit. Hard to get the anodised layer of and to remove the scratches. Then worked all the way up to 2500g wet and then metal polishing cream. Finished off with a clear brass lacquer applied with a very fine varnish brush. Looks OK but it is as good as the effort put in and takes along time. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: john erbe on 15 October 2021, 05:45 PM
The guy up there in WA, MercedesSource, had a info video on this topic a few years back experimenting with various techniques.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 16 October 2021, 07:35 AM
Quote from: john erbe on 15 October 2021, 05:45 PM
The guy up there in WA, MercedesSource, had a info video on this topic a few years back experimenting with various techniques.

Yes, my understanding is that his method is using his customized magic paste which is designed to balance the removal of the anodization and shine the underlying aluminum. It'll work but you'll have to apply metal wax quite often to keep the shine up.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: Flogrates on 16 October 2021, 07:12 PM
Having spent a long time as a truck driver I've spent an equally long time polishing.

I don't think you'll ever get it out. But, starting at like 240grit working your way up to say 1200 then use a 1800rpm buffer should have it pretty shiney.

It's just incredibly time consuming. My last truck was a weekend job for the bull bar.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: john erbe on 17 October 2021, 12:51 PM
If i recall the product he used was Wipe-On Poly by Minwax applied with a  sander. I applied with a coarse pad following with soft cloth. Did a good job getting out the cloudiness. You're in effect buffing out and applying a poly coating.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: Eyeman on 18 October 2021, 12:09 AM
Glad I read this before I started messing with my trim while I'm doing a strip then repaint.  Most of my trim is in very good shape largely because the prior owner overpainted much of it in 80s AMG style.  I carefully stripped the overpaint off in the mid 90s and have kept the car covered since.  But I do have some scratches to tackle.

On home chroming/anodizing, etc, that seems very difficult IMO.  I had a dedicated oven back in the day for chrome powder coating.  Works pretty well, and is easy.  I have a 190SL that maybe I'll eventually restore.  If I do, I'll get me another oven.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 25 November 2021, 05:37 AM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 08 October 2021, 03:59 PM
Quote from: rparker on 07 October 2021, 06:44 PM
I base this on some posts I've read previous unfortunately can't remember where at the moment. I also have my brother's W126 which has been sitting in a basement almost all its life, barely driven that is almost a time capsule. The trim is immaculate and the finish is indeed a fine satin (not from going milky, because it is consistent throughout the trim and on all trim pieces) , but having said that it is very near mirror finish, but just not quite there.

Thank you for the information on the W111/112 coupes, again good knowledge to know as these become so incredibly priced lately.

You've spent a lot of time on me, and I appreciate that sincerely. But some photos to illustrate your point would be very much appreciated. I'd also try to look up the old posts that have led me to the conclusion to show them.
Cheers.I
Ryan

We can't use a 30+ year old car for comparison to how the trim looked when new.  The trim will loose luster over the years regardless of mileage.  It's more so a matter of time rather than miles or having been outside or not.  Factors that also influence this range from the trim's exposure to acid rain, salty air, damp basements/climates, what kind of soap is used to wash the car with, how abrasive the sponge or cleaning pad is, how abrasive the drying towel is,, etc.  You see where I'm going. 

In the pictures below I've displayed 4 pieces.  The top piece is a new old stock trunk handle for a W126.  The second piece down from the top is a lower trim piece from the rear glass from a W116 that has been clouded from being out in the elements 40+ years.  The third piece down from the top is a new old stock flag staff holder that is actual chromium plated, and is the piece being used for comparison.  The last piece, the piece on the bottom, is a new old stock W116 trim piece that goes around one of the door windows.   

In the last picture I show a close up of the new old stock anodized aluminum and an actual chromium plated piece. 

As you can see, the aluminum trim looks almost like a piece of chrome.  I hope this rids any and all ideals about the pieces having been satin or dull when new.

Thanks for the reference points especially the NOS rear boot lid for the W126 and the base of the flag pole for comparison. Most of the anodized trim on my brother's car if of the NOS standard. I do believe we are on the same page with regards to the fineries of the pieces however I'd like to clarify that when I say satin, its a bright satin just like what you have shown, far from matte. A mirror finish (to me) would be your flag pole base. The ultimate purpose of this differentiation is that I want to try get the trim of the W116 mirror finish. It's my Everest however difficult it maybe.

FYI, did you know that Rolls Royce Phantom door handles are aluminum and chrome plated, probably used some new technology to bond the two metals in a buffer of copper and nickel. Something worth researching for me.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: UTn_boy on 25 November 2021, 11:51 AM
Quote from: rparker on 25 November 2021, 05:37 AM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 08 October 2021, 03:59 PM
Quote from: rparker on 07 October 2021, 06:44 PM
I base this on some posts I've read previous unfortunately can't remember where at the moment. I also have my brother's W126 which has been sitting in a basement almost all its life, barely driven that is almost a time capsule. The trim is immaculate and the finish is indeed a fine satin (not from going milky, because it is consistent throughout the trim and on all trim pieces) , but having said that it is very near mirror finish, but just not quite there.

Thank you for the information on the W111/112 coupes, again good knowledge to know as these become so incredibly priced lately.

You've spent a lot of time on me, and I appreciate that sincerely. But some photos to illustrate your point would be very much appreciated. I'd also try to look up the old posts that have led me to the conclusion to show them.
Cheers.I
Ryan

We can't use a 30+ year old car for comparison to how the trim looked when new.  The trim will loose luster over the years regardless of mileage.  It's more so a matter of time rather than miles or having been outside or not.  Factors that also influence this range from the trim's exposure to acid rain, salty air, damp basements/climates, what kind of soap is used to wash the car with, how abrasive the sponge or cleaning pad is, how abrasive the drying towel is,, etc.  You see where I'm going. 

In the pictures below I've displayed 4 pieces.  The top piece is a new old stock trunk handle for a W126.  The second piece down from the top is a lower trim piece from the rear glass from a W116 that has been clouded from being out in the elements 40+ years.  The third piece down from the top is a new old stock flag staff holder that is actual chromium plated, and is the piece being used for comparison.  The last piece, the piece on the bottom, is a new old stock W116 trim piece that goes around one of the door windows.   

In the last picture I show a close up of the new old stock anodized aluminum and an actual chromium plated piece. 

As you can see, the aluminum trim looks almost like a piece of chrome.  I hope this rids any and all ideals about the pieces having been satin or dull when new.

Thanks for the reference points especially the NOS rear boot lid for the W126 and the base of the flag pole for comparison. Most of the anodized trim on my brother's car if of the NOS standard. I do believe we are on the same page with regards to the fineries of the pieces however I'd like to clarify that when I say satin, its a bright satin just like what you have shown, far from matte. A mirror finish (to me) would be your flag pole base. The ultimate purpose of this differentiation is that I want to try get the trim of the W116 mirror finish. It's my Everest however difficult it maybe.

FYI, did you know that Rolls Royce Phantom door handles are aluminum and chrome plated, probably used some new technology to bond the two metals in a buffer of copper and nickel. Something worth researching for me.

Cheers.

Ryan

Be that as it may, I still don't think it's a good idea to chrome plate aluminum, especially the trim on a W116.  It'll cause fitment issues due to the extra thickness. 
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: floyd111 on 26 November 2021, 07:41 PM
Well, I would think that if he's able to increase things to a point of no fitment, that would be a fantastic thing. I had aluminum shock absorber parts sent for chrome coating to various large specialists in Taiwan, and as per their honest warning, the best job available was a thin layer that looked excellent but was very sensitive to scratches. There are thus clear limits to that process.
It also brought out surface imperfections in the otherwise perfectly CNC-ed and forged parts that had been previously hidden.
The advice I got, and already knew, was that a hard-anodizing of aluminum is more durable than the process where you add chrome to aluminum.
The sheen is also very different. Not just different from the original trim, but also different from the old-skool chrome parts since the chemistry has changed over the years, and sharp eyes can see the difference.
After that tryout, I have made full circle. When the time comes I will send my trim to the anodize factory.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 07 April 2022, 10:27 AM
Ok, update after many months, finally found a method to shine the aluminum to a mirror finish with the bench polisher. The trick is the use of the right wheel to remove the anodized aluminum and fine polishing it with platinum rouge after the anodized aluminum is removed. With the right wheel, it is more akin to pulling off the anodized aluminum rather than polishing it off.

I've made a video that I've attached, but at the first half the phone is focusing wrongly thus making the piece look a bit blur. I found out that Apple phones will focus on eyes, so at the end I had to open them up wide for you to see the reflective properties as you can see the sharpness of the shine. The piece you are looking at is the bottom of the W126 boot handle which naturally has a small lip, thus the distorted image.

I'll head down to the shop tomorrow to get the names of the items used for everyone's benefit.

Cheers.

Ryan

alluminum (video-converter.com) (1).mp4
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 08 April 2022, 06:46 AM
To remove the anodized hard shell:

https://shopee.com.my/XO-6''X1''-NON-WOVEN-MOP-WHEEL-(GRREN-RED)-A024-GREEN-RED-i.324438448.8942236517
using the red mop (320 grit), I used the red one, no idea what the green one is good for. I assume these are just copies of 3M products. There is a technique to this, once the mop start spitting out anodized aluminum, keep going as its much easier to pull it off with "one stroke" rather than little "shy" attempts.

For shine used Dialux White:

https://www.amazon.com/White-Dialux-Jewelers-Polishing-Compound/dp/B00CGMC6UC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2KRZKKLMPR5DH&keywords=dialux+polishing+compound+white&qid=1649417876&sprefix=dialux+polishing+compound+white%2Caps%2C289&sr=8-3

However got the same result from cheaper Chinese products, namely the Green 1/2 kg polishing compound:

https://shopee.com.my/(-Grade-AA-)-500g-Polishing-Paste-Wax-Compound-GREEN-WHITE-BATU-POLISH-WAX-HIJAU-PUTIH-%E6%8A%9B%E5%85%89%E8%9C%A1-~Haha-Home-Hardware~-i.48555385.2344508427?sp_atk=d6be0e8c-6477-4d73-949e-c24df6187c17

All done on a regular 1,800rpm bench grinder turned into a polisher.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: tcj on 08 April 2022, 09:30 AM
fine.
And how do you want to continue?
if you stop now it will soon look weathered again after installation.
Regards,
Thomas
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rumb on 08 April 2022, 06:55 PM
Looking around this may be similar wheel? It is 320g and I think yours is also.

Thanks for this info.  I have tried many different wheels and polishes and not yet found a satisfactory one.  I have orders some of this polish, and wheel and will try as soon as it arrives.

https://www.amazon.com/Metal-polishing-wheel-abrasive-Abrasive/dp/B07FPQNNQ4/ref=sr_1_34?crid=2TEEEEH85WGCN&keywords=3m+6%22x1%22+buffing+wheel&qid=1649445655&sprefix=3m+6%27%27x1%27%27+buffing+wheel%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-34


For bright dip anodize I have found a few companies in USA, There is one is Salt Lake UT I plan on using.

http://www.qualityplating.com

Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 08 April 2022, 08:59 PM
Quote from: tcj on 08 April 2022, 09:30 AMfine.
And how do you want to continue?
if you stop now it will soon look weathered again after installation.
Regards,
Thomas

I'll report back in 3-6 months, installed on the car about a week ago and holding its shine nicely against the wind and rain so far. Re-polishing it will be a easy job as any trucker can tell you.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rparker on 08 April 2022, 09:37 PM
Quote from: rumb on 08 April 2022, 06:55 PMLooking around this may be similar wheel? It is 320g and I think yours is also.

Thanks for this info.  I have tried many different wheels and polishes and not yet found a satisfactory one.  I have orders some of this polish, and wheel and will try as soon as it arrives.

https://www.amazon.com/Metal-polishing-wheel-abrasive-Abrasive/dp/B07FPQNNQ4/ref=sr_1_34?crid=2TEEEEH85WGCN&keywords=3m+6%22x1%22+buffing+wheel&qid=1649445655&sprefix=3m+6%27%27x1%27%27+buffing+wheel%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-34


For bright dip anodize I have found a few companies in USA, There is one is Salt Lake UT I plan on using.

http://www.qualityplating.com



Hah, you're right...its 320 GRAMS. Went down to the shed and weighted it, however it does say on the Amazon one that you've sent over that it is "Grit: 320#", so a bit confusing or some weird coincidence. Anyway, my pack comes with a green one which is useless, doesn't scrub down anything and just leaves pools of plastic from the heat that it makes. Other than that, that's all the info I can give you.

I practiced on a few junk parts from my old mechanic which have a few rotting cars which I asked for the ugliest pieces to try. I started with the front grill bars, which have also come out great.

Cheers.

Ryan
Title: Re: Anodized Aluminum - Good Result
Post by: rumb on 09 April 2022, 06:20 AM
Ha, I meant g for grit, but thanks for the extra effort to weigh them!