Polishing Stainless Trim??
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 342
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From: Gainesville, Georgia
Polishing Stainless Trim??
What have you guys found to be the best method for polishing up the stainless trim (molding) on our trucks? ie: Windshield, Wheelwell, Drip Rail, Back glass.
Very Fine Sand paper, Fine Steelwool, etc.???
Is there a good procedure to follow to get the best luster?
Thanks.
Very Fine Sand paper, Fine Steelwool, etc.???
Is there a good procedure to follow to get the best luster?
Thanks.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Most trim on trucks is not stainless. Grilles and side trim/tailgate mouldings are anodized aluminum. Once the anodizing fades, there is no hope of bringing it back, it must be re-anodized. Early emblems were chromed pot metal, newer emblems are either pot metal, aluminum, or plastic.
You go anywhere near stainless, chrome or anodized aluminum with sandpaper, it will ruin the finish. Likewise crocus cloth. Using a Dremel tool or a bench grinder polisher with polishing compound is the way to go for stainless. Just don't use too much force. Never use any abrasives on aluminum, or you'll be heading towards your local chrome shop to get it re-anodized.
Chrome plastics can be buffed out, it takes patience. Forget the power tools, they'll work their way right through the plastic. Do it by hand. Use PlastX by Megiuars, or similar. Tube toothpaste was used before all these newer products were available.
You go anywhere near stainless, chrome or anodized aluminum with sandpaper, it will ruin the finish. Likewise crocus cloth. Using a Dremel tool or a bench grinder polisher with polishing compound is the way to go for stainless. Just don't use too much force. Never use any abrasives on aluminum, or you'll be heading towards your local chrome shop to get it re-anodized.
Chrome plastics can be buffed out, it takes patience. Forget the power tools, they'll work their way right through the plastic. Do it by hand. Use PlastX by Megiuars, or similar. Tube toothpaste was used before all these newer products were available.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Feb 22, 2007 at 10:13 AM.
