Post by MIKEMOKAS on Feb 5, 2005 2:07:42 GMT -5
heres step by step instructions on how you can polish misc. aluminum parts on your bike. ive done dg bumper, dg nerf bars, um grab bar, boost bottle, throttle cover, and hlevers.
tools: old tooth brush, degreaser, aluminum polish, 2000 grid wet sand-paper, 2-3 rags/ hand towels, maybe an old sock for the finishing touch.
step 1: remove all parts off the bike that you wish to polish. im the long run you will need to get into tight spaces and it will just make it alot easier.
step 2: clean parts thoroughly. i use old tooth brushes and simple green degreaser/cleaner.
step 3: since aluminum is a "soft" metal pebbles and sticks can create little dents in it. now if you like you could take the part to a wire wheel and smooth out some of the little dents. but make sure you dont hold it in one spot too long or it will get too rough and will not look good in the final product.
here is a pic after i went over all the imperfections.
step 4: take you 2000 grid wet sand-paper and wet the surface of both, the paper and part. now start sanding away, the more you sand the better the outcome, or till your satisfied. note: dont let sand get on the surface of the paper or it will cause scratches all over you part. also keep both surfaces wet of the paper will not do its job correctly.
step 5: dry the part(s)
step 6: dab you cloth in the aluminum polish and apply on the part. rub in curricular motions. apply and rub untill satisfied.
here is a pic half way done. (left side is polished, right is bare)
step 7: what i do is i wipe most of the polish off with one of the rags and then to add the finishing touch, i grab an old sock and wipe the polished parts down with them.(to finish getting the rest of the resedu off)
and there ya go, a sweet look for next to nothing if you have all the supplies around the house.
here are my finished products :shock:
hope this helps
-mokas-
tools: old tooth brush, degreaser, aluminum polish, 2000 grid wet sand-paper, 2-3 rags/ hand towels, maybe an old sock for the finishing touch.
step 1: remove all parts off the bike that you wish to polish. im the long run you will need to get into tight spaces and it will just make it alot easier.
step 2: clean parts thoroughly. i use old tooth brushes and simple green degreaser/cleaner.
step 3: since aluminum is a "soft" metal pebbles and sticks can create little dents in it. now if you like you could take the part to a wire wheel and smooth out some of the little dents. but make sure you dont hold it in one spot too long or it will get too rough and will not look good in the final product.
here is a pic after i went over all the imperfections.
step 4: take you 2000 grid wet sand-paper and wet the surface of both, the paper and part. now start sanding away, the more you sand the better the outcome, or till your satisfied. note: dont let sand get on the surface of the paper or it will cause scratches all over you part. also keep both surfaces wet of the paper will not do its job correctly.
step 5: dry the part(s)
step 6: dab you cloth in the aluminum polish and apply on the part. rub in curricular motions. apply and rub untill satisfied.
here is a pic half way done. (left side is polished, right is bare)
step 7: what i do is i wipe most of the polish off with one of the rags and then to add the finishing touch, i grab an old sock and wipe the polished parts down with them.(to finish getting the rest of the resedu off)
and there ya go, a sweet look for next to nothing if you have all the supplies around the house.
here are my finished products :shock:
hope this helps
-mokas-
