How to clean oxidised aluminium keeping a satin finish?

[Ralph45]

I've cleaned every chassis rail,prop shaft,underfloor panel going and now I'm turning my interest to refreshing the aluminium in the engine bay.

There are signs of light oxidising on the bulkhead and foot wells panels and I would like to get a more uniform look to it but keep it as near to a satin or grained finish I really don't want it shiny.

Any one have experience or ideas on how to achieve the look I'm after?

 

 

[ECR]

I'd try scotch brite pads, available in fine and ultra fine. Do a trial on an unseen panel first to see if it's the finish you want

[DaveMorris]

I used the same type of thing on my interior + then a light wipe with WD40. (I have also used the green pan cleaners . . . use them on some old metal first to "take the edge" off them and then wipe across the Alu surface in nice straight lines.

In the engine bay a more liberal dosing of WD40 could be made.

Dave

[Ralph45]

Thanks for the help ECR and DaveMorris.

DaveMorris what are green pan cleaners and where can I order the from?

[Billy.Whizz]

Try using grade 0000 wire wool it's very soft so it won't put any deep scratches on the surface. It's used in the furniture industry to apply a wax finish to wood which has to be even and uniform so should give a nice satin finish. Regards.Bill.

[ECR]

Search on eBay for scotch brite.....

[Guy Lowe]

I use Scotch Brite or simular dipped in Brasso, it can be a bit difficult to polish off so I spray with WD40 to ease it. Where it is stubborn I use grade 0000 wire wool dipped in Brasso. I have also used  T Cut original in place of Brasso.

Sainsbury's

[Ralph45]

Thanks one and all that's today's jobs sorted  

[DaveMorris]

Ralph, you obviously focus on the more important things in life - like the 7, rather than the more mundane things like shopping and doing the washing up :-)