Aluminum Wheel Question

[Lt1Corvette]

My firend has a 1976 Porsche 912e. We are looking to remove the oxidation from the wheels, however his dad does not like the high polished look, he wants a mat or satin finish. As stupid as this sounds does anyone know a good way to remove the oxidation without polishing and increasing luster? I feel truely brainless asking this.

[Mike Phillips]

You could try using some wet/dry sanding paper or perhaps some steel wool to scuff the finish, which would remove the oxidation without polishing to a luster. Problem with this is it will tend to leave a scratch pattern. If you can keep the scratch pattern all going in a controlled pattern then you would have a way repeat the process and maintain a uniform look.

Maybe you would use some Scotchbrite pads?

Perhaps contact a wheel polishing company and see what they say. If they have a method of polishing while leaving a matte finish, then look into having the wheels anodized to preserve the look.

Mike

[Desertdawg]

Your best bet for a satin finish is #0000 steel wool.
You should go by your local junk yard and borrow a rim to play with, Break out the sand paper( start with at least #400, then work up to no less then #1000), clean with some good soap, then attack it with the steel wool.

With a spare rim, you should be able to get the hang of what works best, try rubbing it in different directions, or try to get a perfect directional brushed look by going around the rim in even strokes.

You can always go back over a bad spot with the steel wool, it doesn't remove very much material at a time, so your almost never going to hurt the rim.

Then protect your finished product with some NXT All Metal Polysh. But don't rub it in like your trying to polish the rim, it will remove the steel wool (satin) marks. Just wipe a light layer on to coat them. then wipe off.