Anyone polish a gold tub?

[y2kgtp]

Just curious....I figure it might be different for a shelfer, or I might look into power coating or anodizing after I smooth it out. I have all the tools for polishing, so thought that would be my most economical option.

Here is a closeup of my old R1 I did for example:

[FasterLouder]

I've thought the same thing.
Anything alloy I get,I instantly think of how nice it'd polish up...
Give it a go-you've got nothing to lose! You can always re-anodize it.

[Chrominator]

I tried to polish up a beat up old Tub, It didn't come out as shinny as your R1, but I think it looks pretty cool.

You can check it out some more in my thread .

http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7400

[RedScampi]

I polished this one. I had quite a hard time getting the anodizing out of the corners and I will probably take another shot at it since I've learned some things since then. The big trouble with removing the anodizing is that the bare aluminum is quite soft and easily scratched. The best way to get a "chrome" look is to use a buffing wheel, which i didn't do on this one. To do a really nice job of it is quite labor intensive IMO. (The wheels are shop rollers - I'm going to get some new chrome ones soon)

[y2kgtp]

That looks really cool. Maybe do a full polish, then scuff it up a bit to get that satin look?

Easy Off oven cleaner takes anodizing right off most aluminum....I have used it on several projects, including my bike that
had an almost industrial finish it seemed to it. Just have to keep an eye on the stuff as it will eat threw alot of stuff....


here was the entire bike...just took 2-3 weekends...I did the edges of the rims too, just not in this photo:

[Roadrashracing]

I polished this one. I had quite a hard time getting the anodizing out of the corners and I will probably take another shot at it since I've learned some things since then. The big trouble with removing the anodizing is that the bare aluminum is quite soft and easily scratched. The best way to get a "chrome" look is to use a buffing wheel, which i didn't do on this one. To do a really nice job of it is quite labor intensive IMO. (The wheels are shop rollers - I'm going to get some new chrome ones soon)

I like how yours looks, I might have to try the wire wheel item and die the parts, how do you dye them?

How do you think a dull wire wheel look would look?

[RedScampi]

Don't use a wire wheel! It will put a lot of hard to remove scratches in the aluminum and make it bumpy. (Ask how I know) You can use fine grade sandpaper 400 progressing up to 12000 or so to wet sand, then use a purpose made white buffing wheel on a dremel or your grinder with polishing compound. Finally, use a good metal polish to bring out the luster. The dye is simple. Use Rit brand fabric dye or equivalent in simmering water then toss the parts in. Stir for a while until the parts are as dark as you want. Rinse in cold water and let dry on some paper towels. You might think twice about dying nice white parts since they are rare and expensive to replace. Use old beat up parts that have been cleaned really well.

[fastang]

I don't mean to steal this thread but my question is kinda along the same track. Is there anyway to rub out very small, light shelf scuffs? Its not scratches! I don't really know how to explain them. Its like smudges I guess. Its not a big deal but Im anal!!! I would like to try to polish them out but I'm afraid Ill ruin the anodizing. These blemishes are the only thing keeping it from being 100% mint!

[scr8p]

i wouldn't mess with trying to polish the anodizing. those things were far from perfect, whether they came with the kit, or in a package.

[y2kgtp]

i wouldn't mess with trying to polish the anodizing. those things were far from perfect, whether they came with the kit, or in a package.

I would be stripping the anodizing, and just doing a full polish from that stage.

[scr8p]

i wouldn't mess with trying to polish the anodizing. those things were far from perfect, whether they came with the kit, or in a package.

I would be stripping the anodizing, and just doing a full polish from that stage.

my comment was to fastang.

[y2kgtp]

i wouldn't mess with trying to polish the anodizing. those things were far from perfect, whether they came with the kit, or in a package.

I would be stripping the anodizing, and just doing a full polish from that stage.

my comment was to fastang.

Gotcha!

[Nemotron]

To remove the andoizing try owen cleaner..

[y2kgtp]

To remove the andoizing try owen cleaner..

Yeap...what I use for motorcycle parts....easy off oven cleaner..."fresh" lemon scent...

[a01butal]

Another member here aeiou built an awesome car and cut down the tub and polished it. This is one of the coolest builds I've seen here. Here's the link just page halfway down the page:
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5483&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15