How to prepare for polishing aluminum surfaces?

To prepare for polishing aluminum surfaces, it is essential to focus on sanding as the primary step. Begin by using 180 grit sanding disc on most wheels, then progress to 220 or 320 grit, and conclude with 400 or 600 grit sanding disks. Generally, aluminum can be effectively polished after preparing with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, using finer grits before the polishing process with tripoli compound is typically unnecessary. An alternative to sanding discs is the use of buff and blend prep discs, with these being particularly useful for removing dirt, grime, and rust to create a clean surface for polishing. It may also be beneficial to use a non-woven airway buffing wheel before polishing with tripoli compound if the blue buff and blend disc leaves any unwanted marks that require finer sanding for removal.

• What potential issue may arise from using the buff and blend disc and how to address it?  The potential issue that may arise from using the buff and blend disc is the presence of hash marks on the aluminum wheel. To address this issue, it is recommended to use either a finer sanding of 400 or 600 grit or a non-woven to achieve a smoother surface for polishing.

• How can dirt, grime, and rust be effectively removed from an aluminum wheel before polishing?  Dirt, grime, and rust can be effectively removed from an aluminum wheel before polishing by using the non-woven airway buffing wheel, which helps in cleaning the surface to prepare it for polishing with compound.

• Why is it recommended to use a Non-Woven airway before polishing with compound?  It is recommended to use a non-woven airway before polishing with compound because the buff and blend prep disc or corser sanding discs may leave hash marks on the aluminum wheel that won't come out with compounds and cotton buffing wheels.

• What are the alternative products to sanding discs that can be used for prepping aluminum surfaces?  An alternative to sanding discs is the use of our buff and blend prep discs. The buff and blend prep discs can help remove dirt, grime, and rust from aluminum wheels to provide a clean surface for polishing with compound.

• What sanding grits should be used to prepare aluminum for polishing?  It is recommended to start with 180 grit sanding disks for most wheels, then progress to 220 or 320 grit, and finish with 400 or 600 grit sanding disks for prepping aluminum for polishing.