hazy aluminum

[Reconisance]

while fixing the fans, i had my radiator out, and since its aluminum (and since the polish bug bit me) i decided to take it from its brushed-like appearance, to a (near) mirror like finish. it was already about the level of 600 grit, so i went from 600-800-1000-1500-2000-2500.
the most frustrating part is that although the surface looks smoother (and maybe cleaner), the shine and reflectivity is about that same (maybe a hair better) than any other part after its been cleaned and polished.
(phone) camera light

rooms light (here you can really see the difference in texture, the upper portion is just polished, the middle is the sanded/polished.

its still...for lack of better words, hazy. any ideas on why it wont shine like my Riviera's rims? i sanded the crap out of it with each grit, so the scratches from the previous grit are completely gone, and like i said it looks smooth and clean, even feels smooth. just not reflective like the work some of you have done. :/ haha bad aluminum?

 

[CC'S95GT]

bad alumnium? aaah no
Have you used any kind on alumnuim polish? or just sanded.

 

[SRT Handz]

needs more polishing and it will shine!!!

 

[Reconisance]

yeah, mother mag and alum
on average, how many coats would you put on there mr handz? i think i did...5 or 6, by hand though, i would probably benefit from a drill :/

 

[SRT Handz]

"coats" is only referred to when referring to protection like wax or sealant. when you talk about polishing is called 'Passes" because no products is supposed to be left behind.

Do as many passes with the polish till you achieve your desired shine.

 

[Reconisance]

you learn something new every day. it doesnt seem to me like the polish would be more effective, the more times its applied, so does it posses this hidden ...corrosive, or bite to it?

 

[mygreengt]

your arm will be hurting if u polish all of that by hand. i suggest some kind of buffing pad with aluminum polish

 

[JiMi_DRiX]

I have a 3" pneumatic polisher that I use sometimes, it worked great doing my exhaust pipe. Lots of metal polish and lots of time! It'll shine.

 

[Reconisance]

anyone recommend that mothers powerball? thats like 2 or 3 inches, and seems versatile?

 

[SRT Handz]

I have the power ball and the power cone..... Buy the power cone, its alot better.

 

[reddragon95]

on the same note..i have polished 18" saleens and they are dull..any advice on whats the easiest way to bring back the shine..the wife bought me a 18vlt drill so any products i will need will be appreciated.srt handz i like the stance of your car..to bad i gotta go back to stock.

 

[JiMi_DRiX]

Metal polish and some rubbin. Go to town!!! But if you want to make it easier.. get a cone. Charge that drill, get an extra battery while you're at it. lol

 

[Reconisance]

the cone is even on sale at my local autozone, fantastic

 

[reddragon95]

is there a metal polish that seams to be better than another?

 

[CC'S95GT]

I've used flitz on my stainless tips. Mother's is good stuff too.

 

[JiMi_DRiX]

Mothers and Meguires seem to be reputable enough that you couldnt go wrong with either of those. Read the labels though, some are specific for certain metals. The last one I bought was Meguires Hot Wheels. It smelled line cinnamon. Worked great.

 

[reddragon95]

nice...when my drill comes from being back ordered ill get the cone and some mothers or McGuires.