Remove old polish from aluminum wheels to keep them bright and shiny.
Aluminum rims are an upgrade many car owners purchase for their vehicles. Aluminum rims weigh less than traditional steel wheels, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit almost any vehicle. A thin coat of polish is applied to aluminum rims before they leave the factory, which serves to protect them during transit. This polish is dull and should be removed before use to allow the full brilliance of your aluminum rims to shine through. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Lay the rim on a flat, stable work surface like your garage floor or driveway. The area should be dirt-free to prevent mud from accumulating on the rim as you work.
2. Add an ounce of soap to a bucket and fill with clean water. Dip a stiff scrub brush into the water and scrub the rim to remove dirt and grime. Rinse the rim with clean water.
3. Dampen a piece of 600-grit wet sandpaper with water and lightly rub the sandpaper over the surface of the rim in a circular motion. Press down gently as you sand, working the paper along the edges and into crevasses to remove all the old polish. If the sandpaper dries out, add a few drops of water to the surface of the rim.
4. Turn the wheel over and sand the underside of the rim to remove the rest of the polish. Areas free of polish will be bright and shiny, while areas not fully cleaned will be cloudy and opaque.
5. Rinse the wheel with plenty of clean water once the sanding process is complete. Allow the wheel to dry for a minimum of four hours, turning the rim on its side to allow water to drain and prevent rust from forming on the surface.
6. Coat a soft rag with liquid witch hazel and wipe down both sides of the rim. Witch hazel removes any lingering debris and restores shine. It is an astringent available at most drug stores, made from the leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub.
Tags: clean water, bright shiny, with clean, with clean water