Hard water and aluminum

[Just a new name]

Hey gang. I am having a hard time with hard water stains on aluminum wheels. I have been using Mother’s Aluminum Polish and for the most part it has been working good for the most part. I am struggling with some spots though. Does anyone know a good product for removing the spots?

[MColley]

There are a couple of things I use to bring old alloys back. I start with an SOS pad.....Yes it works and quite well the problem being is that they tend to scuff the surface. I then use a Mothers polishing ball (The small one works the best) On a high speed drill and use a product called Wicked Metal Polish. With a little bit of sweat and time I have turned old long ignored wheels to almost brand new condition.

[txgp17]

I use Mother's on my Alcoa aluminum wheels too. It's awesome.

You could try a more abrasive pad to buff with, say maybe a 3M scotchbrite pad. I've considered trying 0000 steel wool, but haven't tried it yet.

Maybe when the steel sheep are ready to be sheared, I'll get me some.

[MG3610]

Hey gang. I am having a hard time with hard water stains on aluminum wheels. I have been using Mother’s Aluminum Polish and for the most part it has been working good for the most part. I am struggling with some spots though. Does anyone know a good product for removing the spots?

A can of red spray paint shoul work

Have you tried the mothers "powerball" drill attachment yet?

[Fire304]

You could try a more abrasive pad to buff with, say maybe a 3M scotchbrite pad. I've considered trying 0000 steel wool, but haven't tried it yet.

DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL...

Unless you plan on doing a whole crap load of polishing afterwards there is a risk that some steel will be left embedded in/on the aluminum and it will cause more staining down the road. If you are looking for abrasives select something that uses aluminum oxide as its agent, that way you don't end up with a dissimilar metals problem. Scotch-Brit pads use Al Oxide.

If the staining is light/shallow those mother's polishing balls are great. If its deep staining plan on spending hours working from medium to fine grit wet sanding then finish with polish.

If you do get it shined up again you may want to consider clear coating to avoid staining in the future.

[Just a new name]

Thanks guys. I have been using a Mothers Ball. (small) It works very well. There are still a few stubborn stains that I am trying to get out. Curse this hard water.

[Dashman]

Capt Lou doesnt have a foam for that?

[Just a new name]

A little known fact about capt lou: He no longer wears a blue shirt. He has moved on to the dark side. The dreaded "white" shirt.