Polishing

[cyfa2809]

just began teaching myself to polish
read lots and went out and bought loads of stuff
im having trouble though, im very happy with the results but i cant get rid of the swirling/fine scratches from the sand paper
is it just a case of buying some swirl remover or is there a (sandpaper?) method

i have polished ali bars
60 grit
120grit
240grit
400grit
1000grit
1200grit
autosol

im goin to do a frame soon to get rid of the decals (its polished to begin with)
i reckon the bars ive done are shinier already, just swirly :roll: :?

 

[Easy_Rider]

60grit on aluminium :shock:

It will eat it alive, be very careful!

 

[Easy_Rider]

Regarding the scratching, just don't scratch it too much to begin with, i.e. stay away from 60grit!

If it's painted then use a paint remover and then move straight to 800 wet paper and move up to 1500 then polish. If it's not painted then just start with 800. To remove marks go down to 400 in that area and go over with the 800 & 1500 after.

 

[cyfa2809]

:shock:
well im not worried about the bars (theyre my bashing bars!) but thanks for informing me!
what the lowest grit i should use then? 180?
i used it mainly because of some deep scratches on the bars but as i said theyre my bashing bars so not too bothered, then i just went over the rest of the bar with it
is that why ive got swirls?

 

[cyfa2809]

the frame im planning to do is laquered
but im also planning to do a bare ali frame aswell

 

[Easy_Rider]

You should be careful with sanding scratches out, as you have to remove material around the scratch to give the apperance the scratch has gone, you should judge each one by how deep and where it is.

If you already have a bare frame then go straight to 1200/1500 and then autosol/brasso

 

[cyfa2809]

my understanding has improved!
thanks muchly

 

[IDB1]

Not sanding in circles would also assist with swirls

 

[FairfaxPat]

Medium fine steel wool and soapy water works great for polishing aluminum.

 

[cyfa2809]

Not sanding in circles would also assist with swirls

but id have lines then