Polishing clear anodized aluminum grille without stripping

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I picked up a 72 grille and it's super. Not a flaw less one hairline scratch very much on the surface. You can't feel it. As luck has it the scratch is in good spot. You'd have to be looking for it or a half-pint.

But I'd like to polish it out if possible. Has anyone had success polishing any level of scratches without harming the existing surface? I've read many times that NOPE, you have to remove all the anodize and start over.

I described the scar to Eastwood for "Autosol Anodized Aluminum Polish."
They said "That product would certainly remove the scratch out of the grille on your vehicle."................................The description and label seem to be a contradiction "Anodized Aluminum polish" & "For un-coated aluminum surfaces". I'll probably buy a tube and test on the spare.

Here's another product I'm inquiring on. It's for oxidation anyway, on what he describes as very hard anodize. I don't see that tool on the grille though. the scratch is not on a flat surface. But a Dremel may work. https://mercedessource.com/tech-help...um-window-trim

[demian5]

You will need to sand the clear off and polish it.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by demian5

You will need to sand the clear off and polish it.

I reject that answer

[demian5]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I reject that answer

You cant clean the garage standing outside, with the door closed...

[Already Gone]

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[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by demian5

You cant clean the garage standing outside, with the door closed...

Can too.

When people say strip & polished, the polish is a cleaner an moderate protector right? Seems you'd want to seal it somehow.

I heard back from the Mercedes folks "I am not sure if our trim polish would work on this trim we have never tried it on a Chevy trim you could send some pictures and we could try and determine if it is the same as the Mercedes"

[demian5]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Can too.

When people say strip & polished, the polish is a cleaner an moderate protector right? Seems you'd want to seal it somehow.

No, it is a clear spray coating.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Not a one an acceptable answer.

Chrome is definitely bright. Powder coat is probably nice, I'd like to see that.

[jocko]

I've only seen a few pc'ed, and have yet to see one that rivals an anodized finish, let alone chrome. I'd leave it alone unless you're in the final 8 for the Riddler, THEN maybe...

[Grumpy old man]

Chrome on the left aluminum on the right

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Chrome on the left aluminum on the right

Until now I figured the bezels were chrome to begin with. Never put much thought into it. Sick and tired of learning new stuff man...........Just kidding.

Originally Posted by jocko

I've only seen a few pc'ed, and have yet to see one that rivals an anodized finish, let alone chrome. I'd leave it alone unless you're in the final 8 for the Riddler, THEN maybe...

That's the ticket for this grille, though I may play with that spot. I can't complain, it will look sharp as is.

Originally Posted by beautimus

try polishing compound on another similar part. then if it works try it on the good one. also you might try a good paste wax. My understanding (someone will correct me if i am wrong) is that anodizing is like clear coat that is electroplated on instead of sprayed on. if that is true, you should be able to fix it like scratches in paint. But if it were bubbling or flaking off, or cracked like on a part that were being repaired then i would say that is another matter entirely.
just suggestions, but that is what i would try first if it belonged to me. please tell us how it turns out and what you end up doing. and remember we love pics.
best of luck to you sir. Tony

Thank you. Woodstock, how cool is that?.................................I tried 3M chrome and metal polish that does amazing things with chrome. Tried a quality light abrasive paint polish. Tried some store bought more abrasive paint scratch remover. Tried some quality paint cutter...........The surface just laughed.

If you watch the Mercedes guy, he's tried near everything and ended up bottling his own. I did not use a power tool or anything that resembles an abrasive pad.......No way, not yet anyway.

My spare still has a nice hard finish. Plenty of scratches to choose from too, so I'll likely make a go of that using at least the first product in the OP, Autosol Anodized Aluminum Polish. If any scratch can come out it's this one, but at this point I'm real skeptical about Eastwood's response that it works. The finish is very hard, it's nothing like paint or clear coat.

[Grumpy old man]

You could try this

https://sciencing.com/repair-anodize...s-7899695.html ,


Or just hand it to the chrome shop ?

[Grumpy old man]

I thought all this was supposed to be fun ?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

You could try this

https://sciencing.com/repair-anodize...s-7899695.html ,


Or just hand it to the chrome shop ?

Interesting.

Chrome shop does chrome, so nah.

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I thought all this was supposed to be fun ?

Sometimes it's just not that fun. Keeps the brain going at least.

[beautimus]

try polishing compound on another similar part. then if it works try it on the good one. also you might try a good paste wax. My understanding (someone will correct me if i am wrong) is that anodizing is like clear coat that is electroplated on instead of sprayed on. if that is true, you should be able to fix it like scratches in paint. But if it were bubbling or flaking off, or cracked like on a part that were being repaired then i would say that is another matter entirely.
just suggestions, but that is what i would try first if it belonged to me. please tell us how it turns out and what you end up doing. and remember we love pics.
best of luck to you sir. Tony

[StingRay]

Anodizing is very very hard and incredibly thin. If you make it shine and remove the scratches you will have removed it all and polished the aluminum.

[rockyrivermark]

Small foam brush

[Hoodogie]

Question I'm putting the truck back together and bought a new outer grill and head light rings can I just brush on the protectaclear from Everbrite to keep it shinny or to I have to do some special prep to the metal and how long will it last is this going to have to be recoated periodically like wax. thanks

[rockyrivermark]

No. It should be chromed or anodized already.
No need to put anything on it.

[Hoodogie]

eventually its going to fade like the old ones right? do I just need to keep it waxed up which I never did with the old one. I went on their web site and not sure if its worth buying their coating to put on new stuff that doesn't need restoration and if it is any better than a good coat of wax.