It would appear the Dichloromethane used in the above link is now a controlled substance under EU rules, industrial applications only. While the wire wool approach looks a goer, a chemical strip would appear to be the preferred option in terms of effort/result... Having looked at many frames online now, apart from the horrendous mottling mine doesn't look to have any bad dings or scrapes so a strip and brasso polish would probably suffice. So is there a dichloromethane-free paintstripper out there that will do the job?
Achieving a 'mirror' finish on an Aluminium Frame
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I start out with a polishing kit consisting of a large diameter polishing pad and a bar of polishing compound.
Put the pad on a drill, run it while holding it against the bar so that the polishing compound gets all over the side of the pad, then use it on the frame.
If it doesn't do anything, there's still laquer on the frame. If the frame starts to mirror somewhat, it's bare and you can go to work with steel wool to get rid of the corrosion before properly polishing it.
Be sure to wear gloves, safety glasses, a mouth mask and a disposable overall or clothes that you really don't want to wear afterwards. The result is nice, the process itself less so.
I start out with a polishing kit consisting of a large diameter polishing pad and a bar of polishing compound.
Put the pad on a drill, run it while holding it against the bar so that the polishing compound gets all over the side of the pad, then use it on the frame.
If it doesn't do anything, there's still laquer on the frame. If the frame starts to mirror somewhat, it's bare and you can go to work with steel wool to get rid of the corrosion before properly polishing it.
Be sure to wear gloves, safety glasses, a mouth mask and a disposable overall or clothes that you really don't want to wear afterwards. The result is nice, the process itself less so.
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Wet and dry paper to start with, used wet, I've found 250 grade to work on the deeper scratches, then 300 all over and finish with 400. Then finish with a rotary polisher in a drill as shown. Autosol is the best I've found for aluminium, but as other mentioned bras so also works.
I used to help a Friend who was running formula ford and formula 3 cars back in the 80s. Was always expected to have a stubby screwdriver in my pocket for removing body panels, and cloth / autosol in another pocket. If we weren't working on the cars, then polish and clean, suspension and alloy panels.
I used to help a Friend who was running formula ford and formula 3 cars back in the 80s. Was always expected to have a stubby screwdriver in my pocket for removing body panels, and cloth / autosol in another pocket. If we weren't working on the cars, then polish and clean, suspension and alloy panels.
I can't thank you all enough for your help, now I just can't wait to get started! Fortunately I already have a range of grades of wet and dry and some silvo, for the supa-finish I just need one of the drill attachments and a bar of that polish. I'll let you know how I get on, perhaps post some pics once I've figured that bit out!
Hi how did you get on with this mate as I am in the same boat with a 94 Marin rocky ridge did you get the finish you were after ? Thanks
Fat Tire Trader
Dirt Disciple
Post a pic of your bike.
baron von greenback
Senior Retro Guru
That was a bit like my Indian fire trail and it's the hardest one to get the clear coat off alright I only done 3 frames but for some reason weather Marin used a different clear coat to say orange I would definitely use a power tool yours might be different I hope so mate
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