what do i use for this task?
TreadLightly
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: SE Missouri
I tried to do some wheels similar to those. Very time consuming. I tried all kinds of polishes. I got one half way done and said forget it and went and bought new wheels. If you have the patience then great. If you are partial to those wheels then take them to a wheel refinishing company otherwise start looking on Craigslist.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,105
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Ok, it takes a little time but very doable...
1st acid wash the wheel (you can also take this to a plating shop and they can/should be able to do this as well), or 3M makes a "wheel" to remove paint (which is essentially what you are doing)
Since there is probably some pitting or minor imperfections, you are going to sand it (yes, just like bodywork) but start with 320 grit (with water) and you will either go heavy or lighter on the grit once you sample, working up to 600 grit or so.
Using a cotton buffing pad/tips with either a high speed grinder, etc (drills don't have enough speed), start buffing with a corse coumpound (that will remove the fine scratches remaining) and sometimes a medium compound, finishing with jewlers rouge (this will make it shine like chrome)
Look at Eastwoods site as they have "kits" for this but check local avalability at a local auto paint supplier...these are very common compounds and although the paint supplier may or may not have these they should be able to point you to a local who does. Time wise, figure 4-6 hours per wheel from start to finish.
1st acid wash the wheel (you can also take this to a plating shop and they can/should be able to do this as well), or 3M makes a "wheel" to remove paint (which is essentially what you are doing)
Since there is probably some pitting or minor imperfections, you are going to sand it (yes, just like bodywork) but start with 320 grit (with water) and you will either go heavy or lighter on the grit once you sample, working up to 600 grit or so.
Using a cotton buffing pad/tips with either a high speed grinder, etc (drills don't have enough speed), start buffing with a corse coumpound (that will remove the fine scratches remaining) and sometimes a medium compound, finishing with jewlers rouge (this will make it shine like chrome)
Look at Eastwoods site as they have "kits" for this but check local avalability at a local auto paint supplier...these are very common compounds and although the paint supplier may or may not have these they should be able to point you to a local who does. Time wise, figure 4-6 hours per wheel from start to finish.
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