Aluminum, like many other metals, can blacken when not in use. Small objects, such as pots and pans, must first be washed with soapy water and then polished with a specific product or cream of tartar based paste. If you have to treat a panel, make sure it is clean and dry before sanding it; afterwards, apply an abrasive compound and polish it with the orbital grinder.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Clean the Aluminum
Step 1. Wash the item with dish soap and water
Wet the metal and apply a small amount of detergent to the sponge or rag; then rub the surface to remove all traces of dirt, food and dust that has adhered to the aluminum.
Step 2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the indentations
If the item has engravings or other decorations, you can use a toothbrush or other similar tool to remove any residue from the concavities.
Step 3. Rinse thoroughly
Put the metal under running water to remove all traces of soap and dirt; you can also put it in a bucket full of clean water or, if the item is too big for the sink, you can spray it with the garden hose.
Method 2 of 4: Using Cream of Tartar
Step 1. Mix the cream of tartar with the water
This substance, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a by-product of wine production and has many domestic applications as a detergent; you have to mix it with water in equal parts to form a paste.
Step 2. Spread the paste on the metal
Rub it on the object using a clean cloth and making small circular motions.
If you are cleaning a pan or pot, simply boil the water by adding a tablespoon of cream of tartar; let it boil for 10 minutes and then discard the liquid. Wait for the pan to cool before rinsing it carefully
Step 3. Rinse the aluminum
After applying the cream of tartar, you need to rinse the surface well; remove all traces of compound by paying attention to engravings, handles, edges and other similar details.
Step 4. Dry the metal
To do this, use a soft, clean rag, such as a microfiber rag; make sure you have removed every drop, otherwise water stains may remain.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Commercial Product
Step 1. Apply an aluminum polishing paste
Use a soft rag to spread it evenly with small circular motions. Do not use it on pans, pots and other kitchen utensils, even if you intend to wash them later; commercial products should never be ingested.
Step 2. Remove the paste with a soft rag
After spreading it on the metal, remove the residues with a clean and soft cloth, paying particular attention to the handles, cracks and incisions to leave no trace.
Step 3. Polish the object
Once the paste has been eliminated, you have to polish the aluminum to bring it back to its original splendor; again, use a clean, soft fabric by rubbing the surface with small circular motions, as you did earlier.
Method 4 of 4: Polish a Metal Panel
Step 1. Make sure the panel is clean
Use soap and water to remove any kind of residue or dust from the surface; rinse it with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Step 2. Put on safety glasses and a mask
You should always protect your eyes and the rest of your face when using machinery; such preventive measures are also necessary to prevent dust and polishing paste residues from entering the nose, eyes and mouth.
Step 3. Sand the panel
To polish the components of the car, the boat or the aluminum panels to a mirror finish, you must first sand them; start with a medium grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits. Although it is possible to proceed by hand, an electric grinder makes the job a lot easier.
- If you need to polish metal quickly, use 400 grit sandpaper first and sand the object evenly; then switch to the 800-grit one and repeat the process.
- If, on the other hand, you want to do an accurate and precise job, start with 120 grit sandpaper and then move on to 240, 320, 400, up to 600.
Step 4. Apply the abrasive compound to the pad of the orbital grinder
Before polishing the metal you have to spread this product that protects it and makes it shiny; Read the instructions on the package to know what type of compound you need to use for your project.
Generally speaking, you should start with a hard pad and brown compound for the first polish, then move on to a soft pad and red compound for a smooth, mirror finish
Step 5. Use an orbital grinder for this job
Cotton pads are perfect for aluminum; move the instrument following small circular trajectories. Follow the instructions in the user manual and be careful when using machinery of this type.
Step 6. Scrub away any residue of compound
Take a clean, soft cloth to wipe off any traces from the metal until you get a mirror-like result.
Warnings
- Do not polish the inside walls of aluminum pans with commercial products as they are toxic and should never be ingested (even if you intend to wash the pans after polishing them).
- Do not polish the surface of the cookware that comes into contact with the flame or the electric burner.
