Aluminum Trim Cleaning

[tkitt]

Aluminum Trim Cleaning My '89 300 SE aluminum around the windshield, rear window & side windows has a dull/"frosty" look to it. I have tried aluminum cleaner with basically zero improvement. Does anyone know if it would be recommended to use an extremely fine sandpaper lightly across the surface to bring back the shine? Thanks

[dolebludger]

I think any kind of sandpaper would be the very last thing I'd try. The first thing I'd like to know here before giving any opinions is whether this aluminum trim is coated with some sort of clear coat. Much like residential brass door knobs are usually covered with laquer. If so, the tarnish is under the clearcoat, and the clearcoat must be removed before any polishing will be effective. Assuming that we have non-clearcoated aluminum (or have removed the clearcoat, I would first try different types of metal polishes. One of the best places to shop for these is (believe it or not) a gun store! Should that fail, I would then try "0000" steel wool (the finest level of steel wool). Then, I'd follow that with the selected metal polish to enhance shine. My experience with even the finest grade of sandpaper on aluminum has been that it leaves a "brushed aluminum" finish, which is OK only if that is what you want.

Hope this helps,
Richard

[Allen]

Try "Flitz" metal polish. I have used it on all kinds of metal, but primarily depend on it to keep britework shiny on the boat. I then follow with marine wax. If this stuff works in salt water environment, it'll work anywhere.

[dolebludger]

I'll second that! Flitz is the best I've tried. If it won't solve the problem, you probably have some sort of coating over the aluminum, and the tarnish is beneath the coating --- which must be first removed chemically.

Thanks,
Richard

[Gold420]

flitz will work fine as well as any other auminum polish get your dremel and buff buff buff!

[Gmazzini]

Use a dremmel. I had to do that on my 420sel and it worked. Requires lots of time. Good luck.

[Martinez]

I use "Quator" pronounced "Water" metal polish and have had great success.

[Mercedes380]

Hi All,

I too used a dremmel with a buffing wheel (1 inch). Chrome polish and it looks good!

[Richard Jordan]

Use a combination of an aluminum polish and 0000 steel wool. I did this to the trim on my SL and the clouding disappeared and the aluminum looked like chrome when finished. It didn't take long. After you do a wool/polish combo, folllow it with just the polish. I would tape any painted surfaces so that you don't scratch the paint.

[GrayStar]

I found a product that works great on my 1983 with dull trim. It's called TRIM SHINE, by Stoner of Quarryville, Pa. 17566. You can also reach them at www.trimshine.com . It comes in a spray can (12oz.). I spray a little on a clean white cloth and with my index finger, apply it to the trim. It will last about two weeks and can be reapplied without build up. If your're looking for it, look for a black can with yellow lettering and a yellow top.

Good luck.