BEST WAY TO...

[konamad]

RESTORE A BARE METAL ALU FRAME - HOW TO POLISH, WHAT TO USE TO ACHIEVE A GOOD FINISH

 

[kaiser]

I found (though there are more than one ways to skin a cat)

Remove paint with nitromors possibly several coats(which had mostly been done in this case)
Wash with brillo pads
Rub with scotchbrite pad followed by fine ones if you can get them(car body shops/ ebay)
Use autosol
And finish with brasso wadding.

You can see the results herehttp://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32397

Though the frame will be getting broken down again for a final polish, then decals and a protective coating.

I also have polishing mops and compounds but don't fancy using them on the relatively thin tubes, more for components.

I think thats it

 

[kaiser]

Scotchbrite pads and soapy water.

 

[konamad]

thanks for that

its an orange E3 which is nickle plated i think so not sure what would happen to the finish!?

what about sand blasting? then polishing?

 

[kaiser]

Errrr pass :?


Maybe speak to a metal finisher about that but generally sand(or media) blasting(to remove paint) can take you backwards and give you more work if polishing.

 

[paddy01]

I'd certainly go for a chemical method for removing paint / crud, you might get away with blasting it but possibly end up pitting the surface and leaving more work as stated.

 

[andy.l]

I wouldnt recommend shot blasting the frame,as has been said it will most definately pit the surface and could put holes in your frame,if any type of media blasting was to be used id say a very fine glass ball peen with high powered water.

Also ive heard different things when it comes to using nitromors on Aluminium,as its a porous metal it could soak into the metal structure and therefore either keep damaging the metal or render any paint/lacquer you apply on top useless,i didnt have this problem myself but i have heard it said before.

 

[Pickle]

Muc Off initially, and then Brasso.

Works on my RTS a treat