Stripping \ polishing an ALU frame

[s_zigmond]

I know this is probably a topic that has been discussed before, but how easy is it to strip and polish an aluminium frame? Whats the best way to do it? Is it best left to the pros or is it something that can be done at home?

Thank you in advance for your help, im quite new to this building up bikes lark.

Cheers

Stephen

 

[REKIBorter]

Strip off any laquer using Nitromors and then get busy with the Autosol metal polish. It's easy to do just takes a long time.

 

[neilll]

how convenient - was going to be asking the same question soon myself. My LBS said Nitromors too.

As another option, would dipping the entire frame in a tank of caustic be a safe bet? (i.e. not cause any damage to the frame)

 

[orange71]

I'm no expert but I think caustic dip should be very brief as long exposure causes pitting... but don't take my word for it. Somebody else here might be able to confirm.

 

[stew-b]

i nitromoured (sp) this cannondale in about 45 mins,polishing is a different story though....

 

[s_zigmond]

Cheers all for the advice. Could be a long weekend coming up

 

[FairfaxPat]

polishing

I use medium fine steel wool and soapy water on my 1991 FUNK at the advice of Charlie Cunningham, and it works great! In just a few minutes it makes the dulled Aluminum look like chrome. After polishing I coat the bike with car wax and buff it up-it's good for about 3-4 months, then repeat.

 

[hamster]

I don't think it would last that long in the UK with our gloopy mud and salted roads!

 

[neilll]

i nitromoured (sp) this cannondale in about 45 mins,polishing is a different story though....

How did you get it (Nitromors) off? Just water and stiff brush?

 

[scant]

i nitromoured (sp) this cannondale in about 45 mins,polishing is a different story though....

How did you get it (Nitromors) off? Just water and stiff brush?

yeh, wear gloves too as its nasty on the hands.. & really nasty if it flicks into your eye! :evil:
put the nitromors on, leave it & it'll bubble off, agitate it to help it come off. i nitromors a yeti AS once & it took 3 coatings as the powder coat was pretty tough