Polishing Aluminum,

[Nunya Bidnes]

I have been polishing my aluminum covers. I have 8inch buffing wheels attached to a bench grinder. I am using tripoli compound on one wheel, white on the other. What is the best way to keep things from Oxidizing again? One guy online was Electroplating with a LEAD anode. Called it Anodizing. Interesting. I have been told I can spray on Cerakote Clear? as long as it will fit in the oven. Has anyone tried either method? Priority is to never need to polish this Aluminum again. Fork tube polishing? Pros?Cons? Tips?

 

[Nunya Bidnes]

White Compound worked best. This cover took about 2 hours. There are imperfections that did not get better with buffing. MY answer was to get some 800grit wet sandpaper, ......and sanded the lenses of my eyeglasses. Now I cannot see the flaws in the aluminum

 

[brettp]

I had the same question but came to the conclusion (right or wrong) the best way to avoid it from happening is to paint it. But I choose to keep polishing. On the plus side, once you polish it the maintenance is far easier.
I use mag polish for aluminum and it works well with a drill attachment

 

[gotorx7]

Dremel with wool buffing pads works the best, in my experience.. super easy to keep things in shape..

 

[mrtwowheel]

I polished all of the case covers and lower forks on one of my 750's two years ago and they still look great. A hand polish might brighten them up a little, but I'm not worried about it.

 

[Nunya Bidnes]

I polished all of the case covers and lower forks on one of my 750's two years ago and they still look great. A hand polish might brighten them up a little, but I'm not worried about it.

Well, by golly, MrTwo, do you have any pics of those forks? Thanks for your reply.