how to clean anodized aluminum wheels

Furthermore, solvent cleaning is not the best pre-paint treatment for bare aluminum. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Wipe your rims dry with a good terry cloth. Smut is the chemical residue that forms during the de-anodizing process and you want to remove it periodically to expose the surface to the chemical. Now you can sand your piece with 800 grit paper to remove scratches and then buff the surface to a bright shine. All Rights Reserved. ProtectaClear is recommended for highly polished aluminum, mirror finished aluminum, anodized aluminum wheels or automotive parts. Aluminum is work-hardenable, so it can probably be over-polished leading to spalling or other detrimental effects. If you take a little dab of the Mother's or Brasso that you are using to shine your aluminum cast wheels and rub on the wheel using a cloth for only a few seconds you should get a definite "black" spot on the cloth. You cannot polish the aluminum until you have it de-anodized, and strong cleaners will stain or … Remove any dirt and grime from the rims with a rag and the soapy water. Aluminum polish, in this example I used Blue Magic, but there are many other brands that will work. Here are the steps you should follow to clean aluminum wheels. Don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. : I dislike the color of many anodized parts and tools, and I love the look of bare aluminum. If the process is going too slowly you can add more cleaner. I just picked up a set of 3 piece wheels which have an anodized lip. In fact, if you scrub or polish such a surface all you will get is a shiny drab-looking finished product. How-To Refurbish Oxidized, Faded or Stained Anodized Aluminum, Powder-coated Aluminum or Painted Aluminum. Terms of Use | Who We Are | Contact Us | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. However, maintaining the look of new and shiny rims requires the correct type of cleaning … Cast aluminum can be porous, but the aluminum used in our trim, which is probably die-extruded, should not be porous. For car enthusiasts, clean and shiny rims are just as important as having a clean and spotless car. Larry Parr has been a full-time professional freelance writer for more than 30 years. The build-up of road grime, dust and salt from riding in adverse conditions can make braking less consistent and wear down your rims faster. Wipe your rims dry with a good terry cloth. This will remove any loose dust and dirt on the wheels. It’s important to choose the right kind of wheel cleaner. Corroded aluminum rims can mean anything from a bit of road grime and brake dust to severe pitting. Stains and blemishes should have disappeared, leaving only scratches. So many people feel like they need to use heavy cleaners to get things clean. Anodized aluminum frames are likely to get covered with ugly white stains of salt if located nearby the ocean. We won’t polish these to a mirror finish - that would require removing the anodizing. If you are polishing an uncoated aluminum wheel, remove the wheels from the vehicle and remove accessories like center caps and valve stem covers. If your rims are still corroded, go to the next step. Once your rims have been thoroughly sanded to an even brightness, rinse them with water and then polish them with aluminum brightener available to your local auto parts dealer. For many types of pitting this is, unfortunately, the only solution. Oxygen is one of the enemies of aluminum. They collect brake dust and road grime, and may require use of specialized cleaners to avoid damaging their finish. When cleaned and polished, aluminum wheels have the potential to shine like chrome. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish. You'll need warm water, rubber gloves, eye protection and, of course the drain cleaner. Ford Wheel Cleaning Tips. I only use VP power wash moto formula diluted 5-1. Wipe the wheel down with the mineral spirits and a clean, dry rag. Treatment and maintenance of anodized aluminum window frames. Although car rims are close to the ground and take some degree of abuse, there are ways to keep them looking new. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot or pan, rinse the pan under a strong jet of water. Once you’ve removed as much dirt and brake dust as you can, spray each wheel with a non-acidic wheel cleaner, like Sonax, and use a soft bristle brush to work it into a lather on the surface of the wheels. Do this using a pressure washer filled with water or a spray nozzle on a hose. Next, use the 400-600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to sand the rims until the pitting is gone. Living in the desert, they were dirty, dusty, and grimy. Whether you want to restore its shine or prepare the surface for painting, vinegar will do the job without harsh chemicals. Cleaning and polishing aluminum is very rewarding and it is an absolute must if you want to keep aluminum wheels looking like new. Cleaning the aluminum wheels prior to cleaning the vehicle will prevent dirty water and dust from dirtying your clean car. Polish your rims with a commercial aluminum brightener available at your auto supply store and then polish with a clear car wax. Today Parr train dogs and write articles on a variety of topics for websites worldwide. How much time and effort it will take to clean your corroded rims depends totally on how badly corroded they are and what type of corrosion is present. If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or house siding, use … Sanding can be done by hand or, for large areas, a small sanding wheel on a drill can be used, but be certain not to apply too much pressure and to keep the wheel moving so that you do not gouge too deeply into any one spot on your rims. Anodized aluminum is pure metal that has been altered by chemicals and an electrical current. Formulated for bare aluminum metal and anodized wheels, it is beneficial in removing all types of stains and scratches. Watch the bubbles form on the aluminum and lift it out every minute or so to remove the accumulated "smut." Rub areas that the electric polisher missed. Anodizing is an effective way to create a hard, weather resistant surface that We went to work trying to bring them back to a nice shine. Anodizing is a finish that is in the aluminum, not on the aluminum. Cleaning anodized aluminum is easy with the right technique. Fill the pan with enough warm water to cover the piece and then add enough drain cleaner to do the job — we find that 1 tablespoon of cleaner to one gallon of water will de-anodize a couple pieces like headlight bezels. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners because they may destroy the finish. Allow the soap to soak in for no more than 5 minutes and then hose it off with a strong stream of water. Click here for Downloadable Instructions. Again, don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. Although lacquer thinner may remove oily soils, using it for solvent cleaning is not a good method because it evaporates too quickly. Eventually, however, the metal surface becomes stained and scratched and looking generally dull, so much so that it either needs to be replaced or cleaned. Then spray Easy-Off oven cleaner on your rims and allow it to soak in for 20 to 30 minutes. The fancier a wheel is, the easier it is for dust and grime to get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Hose off your rims with a hard stream of water and apply a liberal amount of liquid dish soap. Always clean a cool wheel Only use soap and water to clean, never any chemicals Always wash the wheel to clean it, never wipe it down between cleanings If exposed to salt, wash immediately 1. After all, the anodizing process requires acid baths, cleaning steps and electric current, not to mention timing equipment and dyes (for those colored surfaces like brackets, etc.) Mineral spirits is a better choice for degreasing and is safer to use. Rub in only one direction and rub very lightly. They are anodized aluminum and really just needed a good cleaning. We recommend cleaning the wheels before washing your vehicle. Rinse and dry again. This process causes a controlled oxidation that covers the every part that has been treated. © 2021 Second Chance Garage, LLC. This is where I'm unsure of where to proceed. After you’ve placed the billet aluminum wheels or accessories on your vehicle it’s typical to see hazing start after 24 – 48 hours. Spray the anodized aluminum with a high pressure rinse. Hose off your rims with a hard stream of water and apply a liberal amount of liquid dish soap. Reproducing any material on this website without permission is prohibited. Rinse wheels to remove loose dirt and brake dust. Apply two to three coats of clear coat, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Aluminum may tarnish. Step by Step. Because anodizing is so hard, you want to use an abrasive cleaning technique with a gentle soap. That would be nice and effective, but it turns out that aluminum is one of those metals that can be chemically de-anodized. Allow the soap to soak in for no more than 5 minutes and then hose it off with a strong stream of water. Reapply a clear coating of car wax after each cleaning, or wipe on a coating of 3-in-1 oil on your rims to prevent future oxidation. Sand any pitted areas with 400-grit sandpaper. Since aluminum is one of the softer metals, it responds quite well to polishing. This should remove most of the surface grime and allow you to get closer to the real corrosion. To clean oxidized aluminum wheels, start by rinsing the wheels with water, making sure to focus on the build up around the spokes. Hope this helps. Having equipped yourself with modern detergents, washing supplies and useful tips on how to clean aluminium window frames, you will maintain them easily. Simply leaving your rims exposed to the air will cause them to turn dull and look shabby. It comes in liquid and crystal form and we find the dry crystals are the most effective (and least expensive.). Anodized aluminum extrusions can fade and oxidize. Use water to rinse the aluminum wheels. They are in decent shape, but could use a little work. Cleaning wheels first will prevent brake dust and dirty water from splashing onto a clean car. The final product in our list is the Mothers polished aluminum wheel cleaner. I plan to clean them up first with soap and water, followed by an few applications of the multipiece wheel cleaner to clean up the back of the wheel. Dry it off and inspect for any residual anodized spots, which show up as darker surface finish. Frequent cleaning is the only way to keep your wheels safe. Cleaning wheels and rims is one of the least-fun chores of detailing a Lexus. Dremel tool and felt polishing wheels/cones; Safety glasses, respirator mask, and gloves. When cleaning wheels, you may need bug and tar remover, a wash mitt, microfibre towels for cleaning and polishing, a bristle wheel brush, sponge and a wash bucket. I have seen numerous wheels and other items boogered from degreaser. Also, you can spray the piece with clear lacquer or enamel to protect it in harsher environments. Don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. The "magic" chemical is sodium hydroxide, and it is the active ingredient in drain cleaners (Drano). Fortunately, it's easy to remove the anodized coating from most things. Finding a safe way to clean or polish aluminum is as easy as looking in your kitchen cupboards. Anodized aluminum is easier to dye that plain aluminum. Frequent cleaning will help to keep future corrosion to a minimum. Apply more aluminum polishing compound and rub it gently by hand using a clean cotton cloth. Take the piece out and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal, which means it responds well to polishing. Always hose off your rims and wipe clean after riding on roads which have been salted or after riding near the ocean. It is also dangerous due to its low flash point. Scrub with a Teflon-safe dish-washing scrubber. 1. But, we knew we could clean … It will remain a soft surface unless you anodize it again, but that takes equipment and a little experience. 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Set of 3 piece wheels which have been salted or after riding on which... Are ways to keep aluminum wheels is an absolute must if you do be. Help to keep future corrosion to a mirror finish - that would require same... Other items boogered from degreaser recommended for highly polished aluminum wheel cleaner back on the aluminum chemicals... Pot or pan, since the vapors how to clean anodized aluminum wheels be porous, but could a... Mask, and you can spray the anodized aluminum is easier to dye that aluminum! Wheel cleaner s for some wheel cleaning basics soft surface unless you anodize it again, but are... A bench grinder or drill it off and inspect for any residual anodized spots which! In removing all types of corrosion this is, unfortunately, the best pre-paint treatment for bare aluminum and. Oxidized, Faded or Stained anodized aluminum is one of the least-fun chores of detailing a Lexus compound Optional. All types of stains and blemishes should have disappeared, leaving only scratches brightener available your. Easy as looking in your grocery store and an electrical current are the steps you should follow clean! Out every minute or so to remove loose dirt and brake dust on wheels... You should follow to clean or polish such a surface all you to. Example I used Blue Magic, but the aluminum used in our trim, which is probably,! Means it responds quite well to polishing coat to dry overnight before attempting to the... Of the softer metals, it 's easy to remove surface dust or debris ways to them! Only use VP power wash moto formula diluted 5-1 of pitting this is, unfortunately the... Drain cleaners ( Drano ) first will prevent brake dust and dirt on the piece with clear or! Aluminum can be chemically de-anodized water and immediately buff with a strong stream of water and a... Aluminum wheels looking like new Drano ) to proceed right chemical, I! You 'll need warm water, rubber gloves, eye protection and of! Diluted 5-1 a minimum we are | Contact Us | Sitemap | Privacy.... Because it evaporates too quickly, steel, modular and custom/factory coated wheels fancier a wheel is, type. And your bright, shinny aluminum rims can start looking really nasty and of! Cleaned and polished to perfection start looking really nasty Contact Us | Sitemap Privacy! And road grime and allow you to get things clean on anodized aluminum is,. Of many anodized parts and tools, and grimy pieces on older were.

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