I am attempting to polish some tribal grills I got from GK.




I have tried for about 4 hours with no difference in finish. I am assuming I need to sand them first, but I'm not sure what grits and what steps to use. Can anyone offer some advice? Thanks in advance

I know this will work on billet aluminum, not so sure on stainless, but wort at least a try (like on the backside of one as a test...):

Using a lubricant of some sort, such as KY warming lotion, mild dish soap, etc, start with 1000-grit, then 1500-grit, and finish up with 2000-grit.

Once you have the surfaces absolutely as smooth as you can get them (run your fingers over them, if you can't feel ANY bumps or ridges), work in a polishing agent. For billet alum, I went to an auto parts store (AutoZone) and picked up Mother's Amazing Billet Aluminum Polish. I'm pretty sure they will offer something to polish up stainless with as well.

For a mre detailed explanation, check out my Untitled Project worklog (still a work in progress, BTW), HERE, starting from post #10 in the thread

Good luck, and post up some success pictures

Thanks for the help bro. I will definately try that.

This is the stuff I am using so hopefully it will give a similar look. I will try that out when I get ready to wet sand some panels, so I will let you know.

Thats SS man,... that going to be 3 times harder to polish then aluminum especially with all that design work. It should of came polished. You need a buffer to seriouslly rub a shine to it. But you have to be careful that it doesnt catch the buffer. The buffer will rip it out of your hands and bend it to S@#$. If you do it,... do not put your fingers through the design work. You could be seriously injured.

A safer alternative for small / irregularparts is to use a dremal type tool or powerdrill with small polishing wheel or felt bob.

you'll need to use 2 or 3 steps of polishing compound for a mirror finish.

Buffing wheels/felt bobs
Browse the MSC Big Book

Polishing compound's
Browse the MSC Big Book


these links should get you some info

I use the clover brand with felt bobs on small punch and die faces,they tend not to snag on sharp edges like the wheels would.

Quote: Originally Posted by RBIEZE A safer alternative for small / irregularparts is to use a dremal type tool or powerdrill with small polishing wheel or felt bob. you'll need to use 2 or 3 steps of polishing compound for a mirror finish. Buffing wheels/felt bobs Browse the MSC Big Book Polishing compound's Browse the MSC Big Book these links should get you some info I use the clover brand with felt bobs on small punch and die faces,they tend not to snag on sharp edges like the wheels would.

Yeah but those little felt wheels leave a lot of buffing marks. maybe a larger quick polish over once done with the little wheels.

I tried to do some wet sanding last night and it was extremely difficult because of the design.

I sanded with 600 800 and 1000 and it feels smooth to the touch, but you can still see the lines in it. I had to sand by hand because it tore the paper immediately when using a sanding block.

About the wheels I tried to begin with before sanding using the standard dremel ones, and you are right it did catch a little, but I am steady enough to do it.

I think I need to start over in the grits again until I get the lines out, then use the polishing wheels to get the shine. Thanks for the help guys and I will post back some results.