Many people who own aluminium products and who use them on a daily basis or have them in full view in their businesses like to have their metal polished to a mirror finish. There is nothing quite like being able to see your face in the frosty surface of an aluminium milkshake can while it's being made. But, if you're not careful, there are some issues that can arise during polishing.
There seems to be a common misconception that polishing and buffing is the exact same thing. This is, however, not true at all and both these cleaning methods for aluminium are used for very different reasons. Polishing actually involves removing a layer of the metal that has been tarnished or corroded, whilst buffing is for improving the shine. When it comes to aluminium, you should take the time to decide whether a simple buffing will be sufficient or whether a full blown polishing will need to take place.
A lot of people also do not seem to realise that aluminium dust can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets. Whenever you are polishing aluminium items, it is imperative that you wear the proper safety gear, including goggles or glasses and a dust mask, to ensure that the dust is kept away from your face.
There is also a sort of misconception surrounding the frequency with which aluminium should be polished and buffed. For protection against tarnish and oxidisation, the polishing of aluminium should be performed around once a month. Buffing, on the other hand, can be performed whenever you feel that your aluminium items have become dull or lost their lustre.
Use an aluminium oxide sandpaper to polish aluminium. Begin with the coarsest variety, then move onto a medium grade and finally a fine one. The coarsest sandpaper will quickly remove any chunks of dirt and other debris, allowing you to get closer and closer to the aluminium beneath. Remember that any imperfections you notice during polishing will be more visible once you are finished, so you will need to work on these blemishes until they are gone. To check for imperfections, hold the aluminium item up under sunlight and inspect the surface thoroughly.
Fortunately, polishing aluminium is not a hard task (provided your item actually does require polishing and not a simple buffing), but it is important to wear the correct safety gear and check your work as you go. By following the above tips, you can help to ensure a smooth and even aluminium surface that looks as good as new.
There seems to be a common misconception that polishing and buffing is the exact same thing. This is, however, not true at all and both these cleaning methods for aluminium are used for very different reasons. Polishing actually involves removing a layer of the metal that has been tarnished or corroded, whilst buffing is for improving the shine. When it comes to aluminium, you should take the time to decide whether a simple buffing will be sufficient or whether a full blown polishing will need to take place.
A lot of people also do not seem to realise that aluminium dust can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets. Whenever you are polishing aluminium items, it is imperative that you wear the proper safety gear, including goggles or glasses and a dust mask, to ensure that the dust is kept away from your face.
There is also a sort of misconception surrounding the frequency with which aluminium should be polished and buffed. For protection against tarnish and oxidisation, the polishing of aluminium should be performed around once a month. Buffing, on the other hand, can be performed whenever you feel that your aluminium items have become dull or lost their lustre.
Use an aluminium oxide sandpaper to polish aluminium. Begin with the coarsest variety, then move onto a medium grade and finally a fine one. The coarsest sandpaper will quickly remove any chunks of dirt and other debris, allowing you to get closer and closer to the aluminium beneath. Remember that any imperfections you notice during polishing will be more visible once you are finished, so you will need to work on these blemishes until they are gone. To check for imperfections, hold the aluminium item up under sunlight and inspect the surface thoroughly.
Fortunately, polishing aluminium is not a hard task (provided your item actually does require polishing and not a simple buffing), but it is important to wear the correct safety gear and check your work as you go. By following the above tips, you can help to ensure a smooth and even aluminium surface that looks as good as new.
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