Polishing up stained aluminum wheels

[Rams]

Attempting to clean up, then polish a Valkyrie rear rim before mounting a darkside tire.   Looking for the best methods and products to use.  The wheel is currently off the bike.

What have you used and what methods were used?

I assume I will need to clear coat the wheel after I am done polishing?

Rams

[Pluggy]

The correct method depends on the condition of the surface.  To polish to a bright finish, the surface must be free of any pitting or corossion damage.  If the surface has imperfections, read about how to do a brushed aluminum finish.  A lot of bikes have this and it can look really good.

[98valk]

How to Polish a Valkyrie Wheel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KGHuzv8qB0

I use polishes like this and not the sticks

https://rolitecompany.com/product-category/rolite/

[h13man]

You can only polish clearcoat so much before stripping it off and starting over. WD40 is all I use on the wheels and microfiber towel and ride. Not a shiner of wheels.

[Rams]

Appreciate the feedback.  I suspect I will need to apply some kind of clearcoat protection after I get this wheel cleaned up and attempt to polish it.

I have pressure washed the wheel multiple times to no avail.  Although not deeply blemished, the "stains" have obviously penetrated the original protective coating.

Rams

[f6john]

This will be great! Our own in house wheel polisher. Anxious to see the finished product.

[semo97]

What tire are you going to use? Will it be new for you or one that you have used and liked.

[98valk]

Appreciate the feedback.  I suspect I will need to apply some kind of clearcoat protection after I get this wheel cleaned up and attempt to polish it.

I have pressure washed the wheel multiple times to no avail.  Although not deeply blemished, the "stains" have obviously penetrated the original protective coating.

Rams

most clear coats don't work. there are polymer sealants that better to use,  most last a yr and repel dirt

[crow]

Polishing anything, is a series of scratches. Finner and finner and finner. The final polish on the 707 Air Force One, during the Kennedy administration was Pillsbury flour.

[Rams]

What tire are you going to use? Will it be new for you or one that you have used and liked.

185/55/16R Hankook Ventus B2 Concept 2 83H.

Total height is about 1/2 inch shorter than the stock Valkyrie rear tire.

Rams

[Rams]

Polishing anything, is a series of scratches. Finner and finner and finner. The final polish on the 707 Air Force One, during the Kennedy administration was Pillsbury flour.

Agreed, waiting on cooler temps to start this process.


Rams

[Rams]

Appreciate the feedback.  I suspect I will need to apply some kind of clearcoat protection after I get this wheel cleaned up and attempt to polish it.

I have pressure washed the wheel multiple times to no avail.  Although not deeply blemished, the "stains" have obviously penetrated the original protective coating.

Rams

most clear coats don't work. there are polymer sealants that better to use,  most last a yr and repel dirt

What to protect the surface with will be the next decision I research.

Rams

[crow]

There is actually a machine named a profilometer,that measures surface roughness. I was once a smooth operator,lol, but never needed one.

[Rams]

There is actually a machine named a profilometer,that measures surface roughness. I was once a smooth operator,lol, but never needed one.

Well, there won't be a profilometer in use here.   The current temps here have delayed any real efforts but I am going to give this my best efforts.   Tried a bit of hand polishing today, the damage to the finish is deeper than I thought originally.

Rams

[longrider]

The valkyries I have owned, a 98 standard,99 standard,2000 standard ,2001 IS all had bare aluminum and no clear coat.  I use mothers aluminum polish and a wax once a year when I change tires and the wheel is off.  The wheels are wiped down at each wash.  They still look good this year after 7K miles

Warren

 

[F6Dave]

Mine are not clearcoated, but after reading about 0000 steel wool, I now use that. I usually use it with whatever wax or polish is handy. I learned about it in an article that said it is the finest grade available, so fine that it works on chrome.

[Rams]

Appreciate the responses.    Looking at different options to get away from hand polishing.   I'm well past trying to do this strictly by hand.
I might need John Smith to come down and inspire me.  😇

Rams

[calcruiser]

tried it all and now have it dialed.  no matter how bad the wheel is oxidation wise never use a sandpaper grit less than 1000.  start with the 1000 grit until staining is gone and wheel is all silver. you can use wd40 to wet sand. then use a 2000 grit sandpaper to a dull polish.  then i use mothers to polish, then i finish polishing with griot's fine polish.  best way to do it is remove wheel from bike and brake rotors from wheel.  then you can use an orbital sander and random orbital polisher.  quickest easiest and best results i've had.

[Rams]

tried it all and now have it dialed.  no matter how bad the wheel is oxidation wise never use a sandpaper grit less than 1000.  start with the 1000 grit until staining is gone and wheel is all silver. you can use wd40 to wet sand. then use a 2000 grit sandpaper to a dull polish.  then i use mothers to polish, then i finish polishing with griot's fine polish.  best way to do it is remove wheel from bike and brake rotors from wheel.  then you can use an orbital sander and random orbital polisher.  quickest easiest and best results i've had.

Appreciate the heads up/advice.    Hoping to have this done in October, there are other priorities that seem to keep getting bumped up on the list.  😣

Rams