Unfinished Aluminum Cleaning

KyleBucket

I hate to have two threads so close together in here, but I did a search and only found one thread but it didn't answer all my questions. I have new, unfinished aluminum rims and I know you can only use specific chemical on it (stuff like Meguire's Aluminum Hot Wheel Cleaner, etc.). But, I was curious, waxes and polishes are safe correct?

I know this is probably a simple question, hopefully someone can get back to me quick because my rims JUST came in and I want to clean make them even prettier.

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Zat_Zuma

Yes, use a good metal cleaner paste like Meguires and use a proper high polish wax.
Don't use one of those power balls either. All it does is throw the paste all over the garage. Hand polishing gives the best results.

I use the Wheel Wax product and mothers metal cleaner.

On my truck wheels I have the unfinished aluminum Alcoa rims and that's what I use and do every spring. It's a pain but the results are stunning.

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[B]2009 & 2017 370Z Touring Sport Autos SOLD

KyleBucket

Yeah, I wasn't going to do the ball anyway because I'll be doing them in my bedroom. So basically waxes and polishes are safe, just use high quality stuff (which I do anyway). Thanks, Zat!

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AdamsPolishes

Raw aluminum is delicate so for cleaning stick to a pH neutral car soap and water as much as possible. Even very gentle wheel cleaners can be hard on softer aluminums like 6160 billet.

As far as polishing, use a product designed for high quality aluminum... there are some out there that have abrasives in them... to effectively polish raw aluminum you don't need gritty polish. Most of the polishing is accomplished thru chemical oxidation of the surface and very fine abrasives. Ours is a 2 stage and produces some pretty staggering results:

Adam's Metal Polish 1 & 2 Combo



Once they're looking the way you want any wax or sealant will be fine to use for protection.

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